Commending Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor: Cole, J.G.
Last action: 2026-04-24
Official status: Passed
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill does not specify any direct impact on people living in Stafford County.

Praise for Patawomeck Indian Tribe

This bill commends the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia for its historical significance and ongoing efforts.

What This Bill Does

Says that the House of Delegates wants to praise the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.
Reminds everyone about the important role the tribe played in early Virginia history.
Notes how descendants of the Patawomeck people maintained family, community, and cultural connections within the region for generations.
Tells people that the General Assembly recognized the tribe officially in 2010.
Commends the Patawomeck Indian Tribe to keep preserving its history and culture.

Who It Names or Affects

The Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia

Terms To Know

Commendation: An official statement that praises someone or something.
Genealogical research: Looking into family history and ancestry to find out about ancestors.

Limits and Unknowns

This bill does not give any money or special rights to the tribe.
The bill only praises the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, it doesn't change laws or rules.

Bill History

2026-04-24 House
Bill text as passed House (HR454ER)
2026-03-13 House
Engrossed by House
2026-03-13 House
Agreed to by House by voice vote
2026-03-12 House
Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26109766D

Official Summary Text

Commending Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Commending Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 13, 2026
WHEREAS, the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia is a Native American tribe historically located along the Potomac River in what is now Stafford County and played an important role in the early history of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Patawomeck people were among the Native communities encountered during the earliest period of English settlement in Virginia and occupied lands in the area known historically as Pasapatanzy and Indian Point; and
WHEREAS, despite the severe disruption and hardship experienced by the tribe during the colonial period, descendants of the Patawomeck people maintained family, community, and cultural connections within the region for generations; and
WHEREAS, extensive genealogical and historical research documented the continued presence of Patawomeck descendants in Stafford County and the surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 the General Assembly formally recognized the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia through House Joint Resolution 150, acknowledging the tribe's historic and continuing presence in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, today the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia works to preserve its cultural heritage, educate the public about the history of the tribe and the Native peoples of Virginia, and strengthen connections within the community; and
WHEREAS, the history and traditions of the Patawomeck people remain an important part of the cultural heritage of Stafford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia hereby be commended for preserving and promoting the history, culture, and traditions of the Patawomeck people; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the leadership of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the tribe's contributions to the history and cultural heritage of the Commonwealth.