Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017
This bill extends federal recognition to the following Indian tribes of Virginia and establishes their relationship with the federal government:
- the Chickahominy Tribe;
- the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division;
- the Upper Mattaponi Tribe;
- the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.;
- the Monacan Indian Nation; and
- the Nansemond Indian Tribe.
The tribes and their members are made eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. The bill establishes the service area of each tribe and requirements for each tribe regarding its membership roll and governance.
Upon the request of a tribe, the Department of the Interior must take specified lands into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The tribes may not conduct gaming activities.
Eminent domain may not be used to acquire lands for tribes recognized under this bill.