Accohannock Indian Tribe

The Accohannock Indians are a tribal Nation from the early 1600’s. Once conflicts arose with the colonials moving into the territory, the Clan Mothers were concerned that we would lose our heritage and culture. Consequently, the Senior Mother called for a clan meeting and began to discuss and pray for peace and survival to keep our tribe together. They received a vision to marry our daughters with non-natives and although the blood line was thinned out; there would be a time we would be reborn and once again flourish. Because of the clan mothers we are still here. This was called hiding in plain sight.

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Our men hunted deer, turkey, and rabbit; they also fished. We wasted nothing. The women tended the garden. We planted what is know as the three sisters garden. Corn, beans and squash or pumpkin. We planted out corn first and once the stalks grew, we planted the beans right next to the corn so the vines would grow up the stalks. We then planted squash and pumpkin which would bush and spread and cut down on weeks. We all worked, when the work became too hard for the elder women, they would watch the children while the woman. The boys would learn from their fathers to hunt and fish and the girls would learn from the women how to garden, cook, sew, and grind corn for bread.

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After 300 years, our rebirth came with our first Chief, Rudy Hall was elected by the Clan Mothers. Upon his death the Clan Mothers elected Clarence Tyler as the new Paramount Chief. The Clan mothers elect and can remove a chief if necessary. The Chief, Senior Clan Mother and Pipe Carrier are the only life time positions.

We are a matriarchal society with the Administrative Council consisting of the Chief, Senior Clan Mother, Council Chair, Vice Chair, and our Pipe Carrier. In addition, we have a Secretary, Treasurer and 3 at large members., which are elected into office every , which are elected into office every 4 years. To be a Clan Mother you must be at least 35 years of age with children. Each family has a Clan Mother and belongs on the Clan Mother Council which is under the direction of the Senior Clan Mother.

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The Senior Clan Mother receives and reviews applications for membership, a Clan Mother Council is called to review the pros and cons and the Sr Clan Mother will either approve or deny the membership request, it is then brought before the admin council and members to be approved or denied. The Clan Mother has the right to veto the vote and have it brought to a second membership meeting for discussion and reasoning. The clan mother is overall responsible for the protection and well being of all tribal family members. Her decisions must be made on what is best for all the tribe and not just one of two.

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The Chief and Clan Mother work hand in hand along with the council chair on tribal business making recommendations and decisions to the Council and membership for further discussion in our monthly meetings. We go out and give talks to the schools, libraries, various societies, and others have asked for our assistance.