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Kerry W. Canaday

Date published: 10/14/2006

I don't understand why white people in the commonwealth are so afraid of the native people obtaining federal recognition ["Talking tribes," Oct. 10]. This state has done everything within its power to kill off its native population, yet we survive.

I am so tired of hearing that all we want is a casino and the "evils" that are associated with it. How two-faced the forked-tongued white man is!

We have legal gambling in this state, with the state-owned lottery and horse racing. No tribe has plans for a casino. What we want is the legal recognition that we have been denied and the respect associated with being recognized.

My tribe--the Chickahominy (I am an enrolled member)--had a reservation, but that, too, was taken from us in the 1700s.

We are the Palestinians of Virginia, a people in their homeland without legal recognition.

Respect, not casinos, is what is owed to the Virginia Indians. Help us obtain what has been legally denied us.

Don't be afraid of what you know nothing about. Listen to us. We do not want casinos.

Prince George

Date published: 10/14/2006