GATESVILLE – The long road leads home.

After a 200-plus-year absence, land along the banks of Bennetts Creek near here has been reclaimed by descendants of the once powerful Chowanoke Indian Tribe.

Tribal members and guests gathered under sunny skies on Oct. 18 for a ceremony in the middle of a current-day 144 acre section of land that was once part of the historic Chowanoke Indian Reservation in Gates County.

According to Chowanoke descendant Duvonya Chavis, the tribe once held 12 square miles of reservation land in Gates County over 200 years ago. However, due to skirmishes, that amount of land was eventually cut in half and was later reduced to 40 or 50 acres that was lost through mishap.

“This is the first time in over 200 years that we, the Chowanoke people, have collectively set foot on the soil that our ancestors lived on, worshiped on, and gave so much for,” Chavis said. “Before there was a United States of America, our ancestors were here. Before there was a Jamestown, our people were here… here on the grounds that you are standing on today.

“As I look around at all of you today, I am filled with pride,” Chavis added. “The path and journey of our people has come together full circle. We are back where we once were as a tribe, and where we belong. We have survived against all odds and remained together despite the adversities and hardships that we have faced as a people.”

The reclaimed land is upstream off the Chowan River, less than 10 miles from the site of the original Chowanoke capital in Hertford County. According to present-day Chowanoke Tribe members, the newly acquired land will be used to showcase how Native Americans lived more than three centuries ago.

At the Oct. 18 ceremony there was the mentioned of the “dreams and plans” for the land.

Although unable to attend the ceremony due to exigent circumstances in Washington, DC, Chowanoke descendant Douglas Patterson sent a letter read by Chavis that outlined the development of the site.

“With so much history right here on this land, there is a lot of historical recapitulation that we intend to do,” Patterson wrote. “Our vision is to establish a living village that will serve as an educational and cultural reminder of the Chowanoke people who once lived here. Those who visit this land will experience how the Chowanoke Indians lived during the 1700’s and will see various modes of craft making and Native American artwork.”

The plans, according to Patterson, also include a nature trail that will preserve and demonstrate the undisturbed ecological systems in its natural environment and will serve to educate visitors on the indigenous plant and animal life on this land.

“In addition, we plan to grow produce and have a farm here,” Patterson added in his letter. “We also plan to have campsites along Bennetts Creek where we can canoe from time to time. The final thing I wish to share is that our vision includes developing a cultural center where the Chowanoke can gather for cultural events on the land that was once designated for us and was once part of our territory even prior to colonial encroachment.”

Chavis observed that the Chowanoke Reservation itself represents many historical and significant firsts for the state of North Carolina….the very first reservation and, within a couple of miles, the first Indian school. She added that the Chowanoke are one of only two tribes in North Carolina that currently have possession of a tract of their original reservation lands, the other being the Cherokee.

“We have remained a community… a tribe,” she stated. “Our roots run deep on these lands and we have never truly left it.

“Even after that last piece of communal property was lost, our ancestors never forgot about Indian Town, and we never forgot. Even though many of our families went across the Chowan River in search of work and opportunity, it was always destined for us to eventually return here to commemorate our reservation, as we have done so today. This dedication today represents a new day for our tribe and brings with it new hopes for our children and their children,” Chavis closed.

The dedication ceremony also included remarks from Arnold Richardson of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, Chief Walt Brown of the Nottoway Tribe, Chief Marilyn Morrison of the Roanoke-Hatteras Tribe, and Chief Thomas Lewis of the Chowanoke Indian Nation.

Henry Jordan, Chairman of the Gates County Board of Commissioners, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally reclaim the land.

Other speakers included Reginald Speight, representing U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield; Hertford County Commissioner and NC House of Representatives (District 5) candidate Howard Hunter III; District 3 NC Senator-elect Erica Smith-Ingram; and Native American Historian Forest Hazel.

Dr. Aaron Winston, a Chowanoke descendant, performed two traditional Native American songs, while Tony Smith played the “Flute Song.” The opening and closing song was performed by Turtle Clan.

Among those attending were direct Chowanoke descendants representing the Robbins, Hiter/Hoyter, Bennett, Greene, Butler, Bass, and Beasely families.

The Chowanoke Indians historically occupied a vast territory from Black Creek in Virginia to as far south as Edenton, NC.

Ralph Lane, an expeditionist in the 1580’s, noted 19 villages that were occupied by the Chowanoke. The capital village was located north of the Wiccacon River near present day Harrellsville. Lane described it as being a mile long and having a population of about 2,100 people. Archaeological studies performed in the 1980’s confirmed Lane’s writings and discovered this capital to be a chiefdom village which had existed continuously for 800 years.