The Commonwealth History Fund – Virginia Museum of History & Culture

The Commonwealth History Fund – Virginia Museum of History & Culture is sponsored by Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Supports history education and preservation projects, including museum exhibitions and research, with special consideration for projects related to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Commonwealth History Fund (CHF) Grant | VTEC CULTURE KEEPERS: voices of the land and Reclaiming Identity are part of an ongoing documentary initiative created to honor the history, resilience, and lived experiences of Virginia Indian communities.

Through personal narratives, cultural teachings, and reflections on the past and present, these films explore identity, tradition, and the ways Native citizens protect and carry forward the stories of their ancestors. Together, these works uplift community voices and shed light on the powerful journey of reclaiming culture, strengthening visibility, and preserving Indigenous knowledge for future generations.

CULTURE KEEPERS: voices of the land Trailer now available — full film coming soon CULTURE KEEPERS expands the story introduced in Reclaiming Identity by diving deeper into the resilience, traditions, and generational wisdom of Virginia’s tribal communities. This 45-minute documentary highlights family histories, cultural preservation, and the role of faith, land, and storytelling in community identity.

Audiences will hear firsthand accounts from citizens across multiple tribes as they share the meaning of belonging, the responsibility of carrying tradition, and the ongoing efforts to protect and revitalize their culture. Originally released as the first installment of this project, Reclaiming Identity explores how Virginia Indian communities have navigated generations of erasure, misclassification, and resilience.

Through personal stories and historical context, the film reveals the impact of legislation like the Racial Integrity Act and highlights the determination of Native families to reclaim and affirm their identity. This foundational piece laid the groundwork for the expanded storytelling found in CULTURE KEEPERS, offering an intimate look into community strength and the ongoing journey of visibility and recognition.

A Continuing Journey of Storytelling These films represent only the beginning of a larger effort to preserve, uplift, and share the lived histories of Virginia Indian communities. Through collaboration, trust, and community guidance, this project continues to grow; carrying forward stories that honor the past while inspiring future generations.

This film project was graciously sponsored by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's Commonwealth History Fund, provided by Dominion Energy. Directed by: Martin Montgomery , martinmontgomery. com Mrs. Raven P.

Adams , Citizen of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe Mr. Kerry W. Canaday , Citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe If your organization, school, or community group is interested in hosting a screening of CULTURE KEEPERS: voices of the land or inviting our team for a presentation or Q&A session, we welcome your inquiry. Please contact Executive Producer, Raven Adams, at Raven.

Adams@vtecinc. org to begin scheduling.