Virginia Beach Honors Indigenous Tribes with New City Hall Plaque

The plaque is the result of a two-year project involving 11 different tribes.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Virginia Beach has unveiled a new land acknowledgment plaque at City Hall, honoring the indigenous tribes who first called the region home. The plaque was created with input from 11 different tribes, including the Nansemond Indian Nation, and will serve as a permanent reminder of the history and ongoing contributions of indigenous people in Virginia Beach.

Why it matters

The land acknowledgment plaque represents an important step by the city to formally recognize and honor the indigenous communities that have deep roots in the region. It signals a commitment to developing stronger relationships and fostering greater understanding between the city and its Native American residents.

The details

The land acknowledgment statement was created over a two-year period with the contribution of members from 11 different tribes, including the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe Indian Tribe, Cheroenhaka-Nottoway Indian Tribe, Chickahominy Indian Tribe, Lenape Indian Tribe, Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, Monacan Indian Nation, Nansemond Indian Nation, Nottoway Indian Tribe, Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Patawomeck Indian Tribe, and Rappahannock Indian Tribe. The Nansemond Indian Nation helped lead the effort, and their chief says the plaque represents a 'genuine commitment' to developing stronger communities across Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth.

  • The land acknowledgment plaque was unveiled at a special ceremony at Virginia Beach City Hall on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Keith F. Anderson

Chief of the Nansemond Indian Nation, which helped lead the effort to create the land acknowledgment plaque.

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What they’re saying

“This is not just a token gesture. There is a genuine commitment to developing communities across Virginia Beach and across the Commonwealth.”

— Keith F. Anderson, Chief, Nansemond Indian Nation

The takeaway

The new land acknowledgment plaque at Virginia Beach City Hall represents an important step forward in the city's efforts to recognize and honor the indigenous communities that have long called this region home. By formally acknowledging this history and committing to foster stronger relationships with Native American residents, Virginia Beach is setting an example for other communities to follow.