Mattaponi

The Mattaponi are one of the eleven state-recognized Native American tribes in Virginia. They are descendants of one of the six paramount chiefdoms within the Powhatan Confederacy, who inhabited the Tidewater region of Virginia at the time of English colonization. The Mattaponi maintain a reservation on the Mattaponi River in King William County, Virginia, which was established by treaties in the 17th century.

The name "Mattaponi" derives from a place name meaning "at the crossing place." Historically, the Mattaponi, along with other Powhatan tribes, were agriculturalists, hunters, and fishermen. They played a significant role in the early history of Virginia, interacting with the English colonists at Jamestown. Relations with the colonists were often strained, marked by periods of conflict and cooperation.

The Mattaponi Tribe continues to preserve its cultural heritage through traditional ceremonies, crafts, and storytelling. The tribe operates a museum on the reservation, showcasing its history and culture. They also participate in various intertribal events and collaborate with other Native American groups on issues related to sovereignty and cultural preservation. They maintain a formal government, with an elected Chief and tribal council. The annual tribute payment to the Governor of Virginia, mandated by a 1677 treaty, continues to this day and consists of game, typically deer or turkey. This symbolic act serves as a reminder of the tribe's historical relationship with the Commonwealth.