Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

Overview: HR 5327, the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act, was introduced in the House on September 11, 2025.

Purpose and Intent: The primary purpose of this legislation is to grant federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, a Native American tribe that has been seeking this status for decades. Federal recognition would provide the Nottoway Tribe with access to various federal programs, services, and benefits, as well as formal acknowledgment of their sovereign status and historical significance.

Key Provisions:
- Formally recognizes the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia as a federally recognized Native American tribe
- Establishes the Nottoway Indian Reservation as the tribe's designated land base
- Grants the Nottoway Tribe the same rights and privileges as other federally recognized tribes, including the ability to self-govern and access federal funding for social, economic, and cultural programs
- Requires the Department of the Interior to work with the Nottoway Tribe to develop a plan for the tribe's integration into federal programs and services

Affected Parties and Impacts: The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act would directly benefit the Nottoway Tribe and its members by granting them access to critical federal resources and formally acknowledging their status as a sovereign Native American nation. It would also impact the federal government, which would be responsible for upholding its trust and treaty obligations to the tribe.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been introduced in the House and is currently awaiting committee assignment and further legislative action.