Richmond Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The 2025 Richmond IPD celebration will offer information and insight into the history and culture of Virginia’s Recognized Indian Tribes, with special attention to the Monacan Indian Nation. Attendees can browse the offerings of Virginia Indian arts and crafts vendors and enjoy Fry Bread, Strawberry Tea and other treats for purchase. The overall event runs from 1-7pm, starting with a Powhatan Shinny League (PSL) explanation / exhibition from 1:30-3:30pm. Shinny is a Native American sport – a precursor to field hockey and lacrosse – played long ago by tribes across the country. PSL is leading Shinny’s resurgence in Virginia and will demonstrate how Shinny is played, and then offer an exhibition with event attendees invited to participate. Headlining the day’s activities will be a cultural experience similar to a Virginia Indian Pow-Wow. Kicking off at 4pm under the direction of Tribal Celebration Coordinator Connor Tupponce (Upper Mattaponi Tribe) the baseball infield at Powhatan Hill will be transformed into a dancing circle (actually a dancing diamond), offering all the elements of a Pow-Wow with a Master of Ceremonies, a Drum, Select Virginia Tribal Dancers and a Virginia Indian Color Guard, with the following schedule:
3:45 to 4:00pm
• Gathering of Chiefs, Tribal Dancers and Special Guests / Opening welcome by the MC describing the nature of the event and appropriate protocols
4:00 to 4:30pm
• Grand entry of the Eagle Staff and flags (US and Tribal) to include Tribal Leadership, Elected Officials, Community Dignitaries, and Tribal Dancers
• Flag Song honoring the Eagle Staff and Flags
• Veterans Honoring Ceremony
• Invocation, Opening Remarks by Monacan Chief Diane Shields + other Chiefs in attendance; additional remarks from state/local dignitaries and supporting organizations
4:30 to 4:50pm
• Virginia Indian / Pow-Wow cultural education session – Tanya Stewart (Chickahominy Tribe)
4:50 to 6:00pm
• Dance performances: Exhibition dancing (showcasing each category), inter-tribal dancing (all tribal dancers), and social dancing (including all in attendance)
• Retiring of the Eagle Staff and Flags followed by closing remarks