The Mattaponi are now in a race to purchase 2050 acres of land known as the sandy point tract at an estimated cost of 3 million dollars. In doing so they will not only preserve there way of life but also the environment.
The Newport News Waterworks is seeking a permit for a 1500 acre reservoir, if successful the reservoir would flood 437 acres of wetlands, 21 miles of streams, and 875 acres of wildlife habitat.
According to the Mattaponi tribe much of this land is reserved for use by the tribe under the Treaty Between Virginia And The Indians, 1677. The tribe only wishes to preserve there way of life and the surrounding environment.
The tribe has posted an address on there website were we as Americans and concerned environmentalist can send a gift to help them in this endeavor. Please click on the message from Assistant Cheif Carl Lone Eagle Custalow link to read more and to help.
I would like to point out that I live only an hour and a half from the reservation and was un-aware of this situation until I visited a friend that lives a mile and a half from the tribe.
Information for this article was obtained from Mattaponi Indian Reservation website and washingtonpost.com articles posted on Mar 4, 2001.
If you would like to help please visit the tribes website, please remember that they have a limited time to acquire the funds and begin purchasing the land.
