Stephen R. Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University about the journey of Virginia’s Native nations toward federal recognition and sovereignty.

The event, “On Native Ground: Virginia Native Nations, Sovereignty, and Persistence,” is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Room 303 of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. It is part of the VCU Provost Lecture Series and co-sponsored by the Humanities Research Center, VCU Libraries and the Office of the Provost. 

Adkins, a VCU alumnus with an undergraduate degree in business, will trace the history and political efforts that led to the 2018 federal recognition of six Virginia tribes, including the Chickahominy Nation. He will discuss how Virginia tribes have balanced federal recognition with cultural preservation, economic development and political sovereignty. 

The presentation will include a discussion with Assistant Chief Wayne Adkins and tribal councilman Troy Adkins, both members of the Chickahominy Tribe, and will be moderated by Jessica Stewart, a VCU alum and Chickahominy citizen. 

Cristina Stanciu, director of the Humanities Research Center, said the lecture marks the first time a chief of a federally recognized Virginia tribe has spoken at VCU. 

The event is free to the public. Attendees can register at humanitiescenter.vcu.edu.