Form Letter to Support Powhatan's Birthplace

Dear [Senator/Delegate/Official Name]:

 

I am writing to urge you to support the protection and preservation of Powhatan's Birthplace at Tree Hill in Henrico County, one of the most important Indigenous cultural landscapes in Virginia. This site is widely recognized as the location of Powhatan Village, the birthplace of Wahunsenacawh (Chief Powhatan), whose leadership shaped the history of Tsenacommacah and the early history of Virginia. The site is not simply a historic location; it is a sacred Indigenous landscape that carries profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for Virginia Tribes and for all Virginians. For generations, Tribal Nations have maintained connections to this landscape because places such as Powhatan Village are inseparable from Indigenous identity, history, and sovereignty. 

 

Tree Hill is also part of a larger cultural and environmental landscape tied to the James River and its tributaries. Once a sacred cultural landscape is fragmented or developed, its historical integrity cannot be restored. Future generations deserve the opportunity to learn from and experience this place just as current Tribal citizens and community members do today.

 

Preserving Powhatan's Birthplace honors Virginia's Indigenous heritage, strengthens public understanding of our shared history, and demonstrates respect for the living Tribal Nations whose connections to this land continue to this day. I respectfully ask that you support all available measures to preserve Powhatan's Birthplace at Tree Hill, encourage meaningful consultation with Virginia Tribes, and oppose actions that would permanently damage or diminish this irreplaceable cultural landscape.

 

Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to preserving Virginia's history

and heritage.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Address]

[City, State ZIP]