Indigenous Nottoway Language Collaboration

Tribal Council Chair Denise Walters and Language Committee Chair Ben Walters joined Professor Mark Sicoli in presenting the collaborative work between the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and the University of Virginia on the Nottoway language. The presentation provided an overview of Nottoway history, the development and historical context of the language, its relationships with other Iroquoian languages, research methodologies, and applications within the tribal community.

Following the event, all three attended the Native American Student Graduation Program. During the ceremony, Ben Walters was surprised with an honor blanket in recognition of his service as Powwow Chair and Native American Student Union President during his time at UVA, as well as for his continued dedication and service to the Nottoway Tribe.