Delegate Peace Appointed to Serve on Advisory Board on Virginia Indian Issues

Mechanicsville, VA – On May 12, 2006, House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) appointed Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) to serve a two year term on the Virginia Council on Indians. Delegate Peace stated, “Our great Commonwealth has been deeply influenced by Virginia’s many Native American people. I am proud to serve on this Council which recognizes this inheritance. I will work hard to share our rich Native American culture with the people of Virginia and foster the respect we should have for this history.”

The Virginia Council on Indians is an advisory board to the Governor and the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Council's duties include studies and research regarding the Indian Tribes in the Commonwealth, and making recommendations to the Commonwealth on issues regarding Virginia Indians, including the guidelines for state tribal recognition. The Council is affiliated with the Secretary of Natural Resources and is currently composed of 18 members.

Of the eight state recognized tribes, four are located in the district represented by Delegate Peace. Peace’s appointment to the Council on Indians will allow him to be a voice for the members of the Indian Tribes of the 97th District. Peace will be participate in the development of recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly addressing Indian issues across the Commonwealth. Peace is honored to join with his fellow board members as they play a role in preserving the history and heritage of the Virginia Indian. The Council’s efforts will be many and include outreach and education efforts for the general public in coordination with the Jamestown 2007 commemoration.

Recently at the Virginia Indian Nations Pow-Wow, Delegate Peace welcomed everyone and thanked them for their interest in Indian culture. He asked the hundreds in attendance to “remember that while 2007 will be a wonderful celebration it reflects a very somber momemnt for the Virginia Indian.”

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates on January 24, 2006 in a Special Election in which Peace won 4 of 7 counties and 65% of the District’s precincts. As the representative for the 97th District, Delegate Peace serves parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County. Peace now sits on the prominent House Courts of Justice, Health Welfare and Institutions, and Science and Technology Committees.