We all know about the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentations that date back to the 1940s, where the president pardons a turkey each year around Thanksgiving. However, not many people know about this over 300-year old tradition in which the Mattaponi and the Pamunkey Indian tribes present a tribute of game to the Virginia governor at the governor’s mansion. 

This tradition started during colonial times following the Anglo-Indian war, when the Necotowance tribe’s king signed a peace treaty stating that Virginia’s governor would receive twenty beaver tails annually at the “leaving of the geese” as a representative of the king. This treaty was a way for the natives to recognize that they were in English territory, and this tribute was a way for them to pay for their protection.

This tradition has evolved into a wholesome ceremony where members of local native american tribes offer a tribute of game at the governor’s mansion. In the past years, the tribute has typically become a deer. This tradition is widely unknown among the public and flies under the radar. Even though it has been going on for 300-plus years. This tradition has become a stepping stone in resolving the lasting conflict between the native americans and colonists. 

Last year, governor Glenn Youngkin accepted a deer as tribute for the 364th annual tribute. The Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James described how this event brings everyone together, allowing them to accomplish more and better serve the community. Youngkin describes this event as a recognition of the past, present, and future as well as an understanding that Virginia was here long before the commonwealth arrived.