Virginia Tribes Honor 347-Year Treaty by Delivering Harvested Deer to Governor

While not quite a Thanksgiving ceremony, the upholding of the annual tradition of gifting the Governor of Virginia is something we all ought to be thankful for.

In a world where honor can be stripped away by a few key strokes on a keyboard, it can be refreshing to see that some things never change. Despite having been through the ups and downs of colonialization, a retreating King and the first and second World Wars, the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes continue to hold up their end of their bargain to this day.

As part of the great Powhatan Confederacy, the tribes made a number of deals with the then British Government to help avoid and end violent conflicts with colonialists. As part of a pair of treaties, the two tribes came to agree upon the offering of wild game to the governor each year and have done so for more than 100 governors since.

“The relationship between the Commonwealth and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes has been kept alive and well for over three centuries, forged on the basic principles of unity, peace and respect," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “It is also a relationship that serves as an emblem of what the very Spirit of Virginia stands for, and that is togetherness. Today’s ceremony celebrates and honors this sacred bond.” 

The annual ceremony that has now taken place for 347 years is showing no signs of slowing down. Each year more tribal members make the pilgrimage to the governor’s mansion in Richmond to present their offering, which this year, consisted of a 9-point and a 6-point buck.

“Today's ceremony holds immense significance as it reminds us of the tradition of honoring and upholding our treaty obligations, thereby strengthening the ties between these Tribal nations and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee. “We hold deep appreciation for our cherished relationships, long history, and look forward to an even brighter future together.”