Matoaka Covenant Celebration

Join us on October 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chanco on the James for our Matoaka Covenant Celebration. Learn about the history and culture of Native peoples in Virginia as we recommit ourselves to building relationships with Indigenous people today. Learn how you can engage with the Matoaka Covenant, a written pledge that builds on the spiritual and intellectual foundation created by the Episcopal Church with the New Jamestown Covenant in 1997. With the Matoaka Covenant we pledge to work together for racial justice and equality, expand the dialogue between our peoples and traditions, and stand together to care for God’s creation.

Some of the day’s activities include:

• Chiefs and tribal representatives from Upper Mattaponi and Nottoway Indian Tribes will converse about their customs and cultures
• Native artisan demonstrations
• Native Gardening by Tom Powell
• What Is Indigenous Ministry and How Can We Do It Effectively? Presented by Rev. Jim Kee-Rees
• Inevitable Uprising 1622 presented by Mark Summers, Public Historian, Jamestown Archaeology Team
• Mattaponi Tribal Historian Samuel Custalow McGowan will display handmade replica artifacts with an emphasis on being stewards of creation
• Hands-on interpretive material about the Pre- and Post-Contact Virginia Indian Economy, hosted by the Hampton History Museum
• To Lead and Serve, exhibit about the Hampton Institute Indian school
• Art installation by renowned artist Chief Kevin Brown, former chief of the Pamunkey tribe
• Bishop Carol Gallagher, author of The Matoaka Covenant, will preach at our worship service

The day’s events are free and open to all. Please register by October 26 if you plan to attend the free luncheon offered at Chanco. Snacks and concessions will be available for a fee for those who choose not to register for the luncheon. Those who would like accommodations at Chanco for this weekend should contact Marjorie Gay at 888-724-2626.

Download the event flyer