2009 Schwartz Prize Winner: Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
Virginia Indian Heritage Program
The Virginia Indian Heritage Program is helping redress centuries of historical omission, exclusion and misrepresentation. At the intersection of past and present, it creates opportunities for Virginians of all ages, as well as visitors to the state, to learn about the history and cultures of Virginia Indian people and communities. It is based on a collaborative partnership—the first of its kind—between the VFH and the eight indigenous tribes recognized by the Commonwealth, and its priorities are determined in consultation with tribal leaders. It is the only program working statewide to research and communicate the story of Virginia Indians throughout history and today.
The Program interprets Virginia Indian history and cultures in ways that are accurate, culturally sensitive and broadly accessible. Its benefits touch every citizen of Virginia, especially teachers, students and the tribes themselves. This multifaceted program is transforming the way Virginians and visitors think about American Indians and their involvement in our shared history. The program includes:
Publications on Virginia Indian history and culture for general audiences, including The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail guidebook
Exhibits and interpretive public programs on Virginia Indian history and contemporary tribal communities
Participation in the recent comprehensive revision of Virginia Standards of Learning in Social Sciences for grades K-12 and implementation assistance
Summer Institutes, curriculum resources and other learning opportunities for public and private school teachers
Summits, conferences and other events in higher education, including the annual Virginia Indian Nations' Summit on Higher Education (VINSHE)
Grants to organizations—tribes, museums and other organizations—to enhance their interpretations of Virginia Indian history and cultures
Research leading to a permanent and continuously expanding digital archive of Virginia Indian history, accessible to students, teachers and the public
Collaborative partnerships with tribes, state agencies, universities, other nonprofit institutions, and private and civic organizations.
Learn more about the Virginia Indian Heritage Program.