Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MURFREESBORO – They migrated from the Ohio River Valley prior to their first interaction with European settlers in what is present-day Emporia, VA.

They joined with the Tuscarora and Nottoway tribes to occupy lands of northeastern North Carolina and southside Virginia. Some eventually traveled north to New York with the Tuscarora while others sought refuge in local/regional swamps.

And even though they were forced to abandon their reservation near present-day Parker’s Ferry, the Meherrin Tribe remained resilient.

On Saturday (Oct. 5), above the roar of traffic that rumbled past on NC 11, these proud Native Americans gathered on their current tribal grounds, joined by special guests to unveil a State Historical Marker that tells their centuries-old story.

“This marker is not a memorial sign. It’s an indicator to remind everyone that the Meherrin people are still here. We are contributing and we are thriving,” said Meherrin Chief Jonathan Caudill at the outset of the ceremony.

Meherrin member Joseph Hall gave the Thanksgiving Address.

“Today we gather and see that the cycles of life continue,” Hall shared. “We have been given the duty to live in balance and in harmony with each other and all living things. So now we bring our minds together as one. We give greetings and thanks to each other as people. We are thankful to our mother, the Earth, for she gives us all we need for life.”

Meherrin Councilman Patrick Suarez led a foursome of drummers in performing two Native American songs.

Meherrin Councilwoman Margo Howard introduced several special guests attending the ceremony: Murfreesboro Mayor Hal Thomas, Ahoskie Town Councilman Charles Reynolds, State House Representative Bill Ward, Ahoskie Police Chief Michele Garrett, Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes, Kimberly Mack, representing 1^st District U.S. Congressman Don Davis, Zianne Richardson – Miss Indian North Carolina, and Quinn Godwin, Associate Director of the American Indian Heritage Commission.

“For a long time, our indigenous people, Native Americans, have not been recognized for all their attributes to our state and nation,” said Rep. Ward. “When the European settlers came, you were deprived of some of your heritage, but being the strong people you are, you moved forward to share our culture while continuing to honor your culture. You have aided our nation in war and in peace. Thank you for allowing me to come today and honor you.”

“For all these years that I’ve rode up and down this road, I knew this area was the Meherrin tribal grounds, but there was no official sign to say that specifically,” noted Mayor Thomas. “To get an official State Historical Marker erected on these grounds means a lot.”

“History cannot be erased. We must always remind ourselves of our history so we won’t make the same mistakes again,” stated Sheriff Hayes. “You are a great people. Congratulations on your new marker and always remember that you have a partner and a friend in the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.”

“It’s a great day; I’m so happy for ya’ll for this historical marker,” Chief Garrett said.

“This marker means a lot to this community and those passing by as they are able to learn more about the rich history and culture that lies within the grounds of the Meherrin,” Mack remarked.

“What I’m seeing here today is the future of this tribe,” said Reynolds. “You never ever gave up. God bless you all.”

“It overjoys me to be here to celebrate this very special occasion,” said Richardson, a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. “This marker represents where we come from, where we are today, and where we want to go as Indian people. Congratulations on all your accomplishments thus far.”

“I’m glad to be here to witness the beauty of your spot,” said Godwin. “We want give each of our tribes their own marker and today we unveil one for the Meherrins. You guys wrote the message on this marker. Thank you for helping us tell your story.”

Godwin added there is an interactive online site that allows anyone to virtually visit the markers and learn more about each tribe across the state. Another effort is underway to record the oral histories of each tribe that will be linked to state and federal Native American archives.

Meherrin member Donald Newsome made remarks about the new Tribal Center, which is nearing the end of its construction.

“This is progress,” Newsome noted, adding that the Meherrin Tribe utilized federal and state funds to build the center.

The young people of the tribe, speaking in their native dialogue, entertained the audience by performing the Meherrin Canoe Song.

Hannah Jeffries, a seventh generation member of the Meherrins, gave a history of the tribe.

“We are small, but mighty, having roughly 1,000 enrolled members, most of which live in the homelands, but you will find Meherrins nationwide,” Jeffries shared.

She added that the Meherrins, part of the Southern Iroquois Confederacy, were among the tribes to sign the Treaty of Middle Plantation with the Royal Crown colony of Virginia in 1677. Later, the Meherrins helped runaway African slaves navigate through the Great Dismal Swamp.

As time passed and the tribal members settled in Hertford County, they established Pleasant Plains Baptist Church and their own school.

In 1975, under the leadership of now late Chief Wayne Brown, a re-organizational effort was launched. Brown’s efforts paid off and in 1986 the Meherrin Indian Tribe gained State recognition.

“The Meherrins have several new projects underway,” noted Jeffries. “We have a language revitalization program teaching our members the language that had tried to be stripped away from us in the past, and we are finishing the building of a new tribal office. We are expanding our tribal garden to promote food sovereignty and soon will start on a food pantry making food more accessible. There are many more projects underway that will improve our capacity and increase our visibility.

“To be Meherrin is to be of one mind, continuously working towards the prosperity, visibility, and sovereignty of the Meherrin People. We are the one and only Meherrin,” she added.

Chief Caudill closed out the ceremony by saying, “Thank you all for coming out for this momentous occasion. This is our mark on history. The Meherrin people are still here and thriving. We will continue to develop this land.”

Meherrin members then gathered by the marker, some laying tobacco at its base to signify a tribal tradition of giving thanks and sending up prayers for a loved one not present.