Now that the holidays have passed, it's time to refocus my energy on my research, the 17th Century Powhatan Indians of Virginia and their fringe tribes in Maryland. Practically all indigenous research that has been on the original inhabitants of the Mid-Atlantic Coast has been on thePowhatan Indians living in

Senior Turtle Clan Mother placing Turtle necklace around Georgia's neck after Chief blessed her

and around Jamestown, but little is known about the Tribes that were under Chief Powhatan'sdomainon the Eastern Shores of Virginia and Maryland. Why, you ask have I chosen the unknown tribes living in the poorest county of Maryland? Well, I'm from the Lower Shore of Maryland as were my ancestors (the Annemessex and Manokin River Tribes) for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years prior to Colonialization.

Personally, having been born in the south when racial discrimination was rampant, I have always found other ethnicities and aboriginal people intriguing.  I suppose that's why I pursued a masters degree in cross-cultural studies with an emphasis in indigenous knowledge and enjoy living in Alaska so much.  Southeast Alaska's Native history is still fresh and the SE Alaska Native Educators Association and Sealaska Heritage Foundation continue to educate folks about the Tlingit, Tsimshian, Haida and other periferal tribal entities who have resided in this land for thousands of years.  I am eagerly looking forward to the biennial “Gathering of Many Nations” this year during Celebration 2008 here in Juneau and hope you are too.

Perhaps we could share the storeis of our ancestors when you visit....   

Accohannock Tribal Elders with Georgia

Accohannock Pow Wow dancer