In case you're wondering about why it's called the
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act . . .
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 79
Offered January 18, 2000
On the death of Thomasina Elizabeth Jordan.
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Patrons-- Davis, Albo, Baskerville, Bolvin, Grayson, Katzen, McQuigg,
Moran and Morgan
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WHEREAS, Thomasina Elizabeth Jordan (Red Hawk Woman), an internationally
recognized American Indian activist, died after a long battle with cancer on
May 23, 1999; and
WHEREAS, raised by her maternal grandparents in Mashpee, Massachusetts,
Thomasina Jordan attended preparatory school at Mount St. Joseph's Academy in
Newton, Massachusetts, and received Bachelor and Master degrees in Fine Arts at
Bishop Lee College in Boston; and
WHEREAS, Thomasina Jordan studied at Harvard University, received an
educational doctorate from Catholic University of America, and attended the
American Academy of Fine Arts in New York City; and
WHEREAS, after meeting her husband, Wendell, Thomasina Jordan moved to
Alexandria, Virginia, where she was a long-time member of the Alexandria
Republican City Committee and the first American Indian to serve in the
Electoral College in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Thomasina Jordan was appointed Chairperson of the Virginia Council on
Indians by Governor George Allen, and was reappointed by Governor James
Gilmore, III; and
WHEREAS, giving generously of her time and efforts, Thomasina Jordan was
founder of the American Indian Cultural Exchange, served on the Board of
Directors of Save the Children and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, was
past president of Chapter I of the Capital Speakers Club, and was a recipient
of the Medal of Honor of the National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution; and
WHEREAS, Thomasina Jordan was instrumental throughout the years in bringing
Indian issues to the forefront in the General Assembly, including legislation
to correct birth certificates to identify Native Americans as such, allow
animal parts and feathers to be used in religious regalia, and memorialize the
United States Congress to grant historic federal recognition to Virginia’s
state-recognized tribes; and
WHEREAS, Thomasina Elizabeth Jordan (Red Hawk Woman) leaves a lasting legacy of
dedicated and effective service to the Indian communities and nations as well
to the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General
Assembly note with great sadness the passing of a distinguished Virginia lady,
Thomasina Elizabeth Jordan; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of
this resolution for presentation to the family of Thomasina Elizabeth Jordan
and to the Virginia Council on Indians as an expression of the great respect in
which her memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.
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