They had just traveled 3,500 miles from England, but the Virginia Indians had bright eyes and big smiles as they arrived in Richmond.

The historic cultural exchange boosted the profile of the Indians as the state prepares for next year’s 400th anniversary of the Jamestown landing, tribal leaders said.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Keith Smith, a member of the Nansemond and Tsalagi tribes. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

The group of more than 50 Indians spent the week in England where they visited Pocahontas’ grave, took part in cultural performances and discussions, and met leaders of Parliament.

They returned to a hotel near Richmond International Airport last night by bus after flying into Washington Dulles International.

If they were worn out from the eight-hour flight, they didn’t show it.

Dean Branham, a drummer from the Monacan tribe, came bounding out of the bus, grinning and showing off his T-shirt with a large British flag and the slogan, “England recognized us; now it’s your turn.”

A number of other travelers sported the shirt, underscoring a theme of the trip for many of the Indians.

Branham and several others said they hoped this trip would encourage lawmakers to vote in favor of federal recognition of the state’s Indian tribes, which could give them access to federal funds and other benefits.

They praised the welcoming attitude the British exhibited toward the Indians and said they hoped the hospitality would set an example for American politicians.

“You can’t put it into words the kindness and respect those people showed us,” said Kenneth Adams, chief of the Upper Mattaponi tribe. “If this doesn’t provide an impetus to get this recognition as soon as possible, our congressmen have a lot to learn.”

Kenneth Branham, chief of the Monacan tribe, said he hoped this trip would lead to others in the future. He also echoed the call for recognition.

Others treated the trip and reception as a victory for raising the profile of the Indians’ cause.

“For the first time, the state of Virginia sees Indians with a little bit of political clout. Just a little bit,” said George Whitewolf of the Monacan and Sioux tribes.

Shaun Bishop is a staff writer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Contact him at or (804) 649-6578.