The tribute of venison waits outside in the rainRichmond, Virginia -- November 22, 2006
This morning, in driving rain, the Virginia Indians of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes paid their annual tribute to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The annual tribute, a ceremony that dates back to a treaty signed in 1646, was held partly indoors due to the rain and a cold wind that beat upon the capital city.
A mad dash for the door!
Inside, Governor Tim Kaine and the assembled Indian Chiefs greeted the visitors and dignitaries. Several members of the General Assembly were present. Don McEachin was there, but was called away before the beginning of the actual ceremony.
At the opening of the ceremony, Kaine did some speechifying and called for the recognition of Virginia's Indian tribes by the federal government. Virginia is celebrating its four hundredth anniversary, said Kaine, and the celebration won't be complete if Virginia's Indians don't receive the recognition they deserve.
Once the speeches were over, the Governor and First Lady of Virginia went outside to accept the annual tribute of deer. Unfortunately I continually found myself out of position today, so I never managed to get a good picture of the Governor. I need a faster camera!
A small sampling of umbrellas left outside by visitors this morning.
1 comment:
Um...what do they do with all the deer meat? Seems like an awful lot to put in the freezer.
Ugh. I have to say, that pic makes me wonder why I stopped vegetarianism.
Don't worry JC-we're still having meat tomorrow. ;)
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