Ancestral land returned to Nansemond Indian Nation

For the first time in centuries, the Nansemond Indian Nation owns a portion of the land where its ancestors once thrived. After decades of work to achieve federal recognition in 2018, and more than 350 years of efforts to reacquire access to ancestral territory, the Nansemond Indian Nation recently celebrated the historic achievement.

“We are filled with joy to have the Cross Swamp property returned to our people. This land was inhabited by our ancestors long before the arrival of English settlers, and now we will again own and manage it as a cultural and natural resource,” said Nansemond Tribal Chief Keith Anderson.

The accredited Ducks Unlimited acquired Cross Swamp — more than 500 acres in Suffolk, Virginia — from private landowners and returned it to the tribe. Tribal ownership means that the property’s wetlands and habitat will be conserved, and the tribe will gain access to federal stewardship programs and funds. The tribe also plans to build an education center and develop programs to educate tribal youth about their historic connections to the land.

“Cross Swamp consists of forested wetlands that provide critical habitat for a wide variety of birds, wildlife and plants,” said Emily Purcell, Ducks Unlimited’s director of conservation programs. “By protecting this historic landscape, the project ensures future generations of the Nansemond Indian Nation have the opportunity to reconnect with the land and enjoy this iconic area in the Atlantic Flyway.”