This film project has been funded by a grant from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's Commonwealth History Fund Grant, presented by Dominion Energy. 

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Reclaiming Identity, directed by Documentary Filmmaker Martin Montgomery (martinmontgomery.com), is a powerful short documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the lived experiences and historical truths of Virginia’s Native communities, marking the centennial of the 1924 Racial Integrity Act and the Indian Citizenship Act. Through the voices of Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe of Virginia and Dr. Ashley Atkins Spivey, Historical and Economic Anthropologist and citizen of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia, this 5-minute film introduces the deep emotional and generational impact of these laws—highlighting the erasure, resistance, and resilience that have shaped Native identity over the past century. 

 

This trailer is more than a brief look into history—it is a compelling prologue to a much larger, in-depth exploration. The short film sets the tone for a forthcoming 45-minute extended documentary that dives deeper into the stories of those directly affected, unearthing how these acts continue to influence community, family, and cultural preservation today. This 45-minute extended documentary is scheduled to premiere at the 2025 annual VTEC Conference on October 2-3. 

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We hope viewers will leave with a deeper appreciation for the strength of Virginia’s Native peoples—and a greater anticipation for the full-length piece to come.

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Film Participants: 

• Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe of Virginia

• Dr. Ashley Atkins Spivey, Citizen of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia 

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Executive Directors:

• Miss Raven P. Adams, Citizen of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe of Virginia

• Mr. Kerry W. Canaday, Citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe of Virginia