Indigenous Voices of the River

As we begin Native American Heritage Month, hear from Indigenous leaders, educators, artists, and culture bearers who are helping preserve traditions, protect natural resources, and educate future generations about the importance of caring for our shared watershed.

This special event honors the Indigenous peoples whose deep relationship with these lands and waters has shaped the Elizabeth River watershed for hundreds of years and continues today through leadership, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

Featured presenters include:

• Chief Keith Anderson is the executive leader of the sovereign Nansemond Indian Nation, whose service area comprises Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Isle of Wight County. Chief Anderson has been instrumental in setting conservation as a key priority for the nation, including the restoration of the 71-acres of ancestral homeland along the Nansemond River, Mattanock Town.

• Assistant Chief Nikki Bass is a Nansemond Indian scientist focused on cultural revitalization through environmental stewardship. She weaves traditional and modern indigenous perspectives into interdisciplinary projects that immerse communities in living tribal landscapes and waterways. Over the past decade, she has dedicated her efforts to the Great Dismal Swamp and the Nansemond River as sites of historical and cultural significance to the Nansemond people.

• Desmond “A’siiMost Moskwaa” Ellsworth (he/him) is a Nansemond artist based in Tsenacommacah (Virginia). He is the son of Bobbie and Catherine Ellsworth. His love for creating Native art began early, sparked by discovering pottery shards and arrowheads near the old reservation once shared by his ancestral communities, the Nansemond and Nottoway.

• Nathan Elliott is a resident of the Elizabeth River watershed and fifth-generation Nansemond-Nottoway wood-turner and flute player. Elliott's work has been featured at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is on permanent display at the Elizabeth River Project's Ryan Resilience Lab.

Through conversation, education, and cultural expression, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and contemporary efforts taking place throughout the watershed. Participants will also learn meaningful ways to support Indigenous-led initiatives and become partners in protecting the ecological and cultural heritage of our region.

Arrive early for an optional tour of the Ryan Resilience Lab at 5:00pm.

All are welcome – Donations appreciated, though not required, to support a healthy Elizabeth River and our commitment to providing equitable access to our river programming