House to vote on recognition for Virginia Indians

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A kernel of corn can be steeped in meaning.

Distributed by Virginia Indians to members of Congress this week, the dried kernels are a reminder of an old debt the nation owes its natives. Indian-supplied corn kept the first colonists alive.

Corn also symbolizes a nod. Some tribal matters are still decided using a kernel for “yes” and a dried pea for “no.”

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/house-vote-recognition-virginia-indians-wednesday