The Hidden History of the Kikotan Nation You Were Never Taught"
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez D.Ac, L.Ac
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Long before Walter Plecker and the racial reclassification laws of the 20th century, the erasure of the Kikotan as an Indigenous people of Virginia had already begun. This story does not start in courtrooms or on government forms. It begins much earlier, in the turbulent days of early Colonial Virginia during the 1600s—a time when survival, power, and land ownership determined the fate of entire nations.
The Kikotan, a Native people who lived in what is now the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, were among the first to make contact with English settlers. In fact, when the English arrived in 1607 to establish Jamestown, they found the Kikotan already living in well-structured communities near the mouth of the James River. These people, skilled in agriculture, fishing, and diplomacy, had their own societal structures, language, and spiritual beliefs rooted in the land they had inhabited for generations.
But the colonial drive for expansion did not see the Kikotan as neighbors—it saw them as obstacles.
A Declaration of Erasure
In 1610, just three years after the English arrival, Thomas Gates, then the acting governor of Colonial Virginia, made a chilling and direct declaration: "To eliminate the Kikotan, so they no longer are remembered." His words, recorded in early colonial documents, were not just a threat—they were a plan.
And the plan was set into motion with swift and violent action. English settlers attacked and drove out the Kikotan people from their ancestral lands. The town of Kikotan was overtaken, renamed Elizabeth City, and eventually became part of what is now Hampton, Virginia. The name "Kikotan" was erased from maps and replaced with titles that reflected colonial pride and royal loyalty. This erasure was not accidental—it was intentional, calculated, and carried out with the authority of the colonial government.
Assimilation: A Survival Strategy
Despite the brutality they faced, the Kikotan people did not vanish. Many fled to join nearby tribes or confederacies, such as the Powhatan or Nansemond. Others made the difficult decision to stay—adopting aspects of colonial life and religion, marrying into other communities, and slowly blending into what was seen as the "acceptable" colonial society.
This path of assimilation became a survival strategy.
To remain meant adapting to a system that was actively working to erase their identity. Over generations, this led to a transformation—not a disappearance, but a masking of identity.
Names were changed, languages were lost, and traditions became whispers in the home rather than public celebrations.
The Cycle of Forgetting
By the time the 20th century arrived, many descendants of the Kikotan were unaware of their Indigenous heritage. Racial classifications imposed by figures like Walter Plecker, who led Virginia’s Bureau of Vital Statistics, forced individuals to register as either “White” or “Colored.”
Plecker was a staunch eugenicist who believed that no "pure" Native Americans remained in Virginia. His actions led to the destruction of records, the misclassification of thousands, and further disconnection between Indigenous people and their tribal roots.
This systemic reclassification compounded the centuries-old project of erasure. Families who had held on to stories of their ancestry were now facing legal and social pressure to deny them.
And as time passed, the Kikotan identity was buried deeper beneath the layers of American identity, racial segregation, and forgotten history.
But not all was lost.
The Power of Memory and Reclamation
Among the Kikotan descendants, there were those who never forgot—or who remembered enough to begin asking questions. Oral histories passed down from grandparents, fragments of traditions, old family names, and ancestral knowledge whispered through generations began to resurface.
These threads, though fragile, became the foundation for a renewed understanding of identity. In recent years, descendants have started tracing genealogies, researching archival documents, and reconnecting with others who carry the same legacy.
This grassroots movement is not simply about reclaiming a name—it’s about restoring the history, honor, and humanity of a people who were never truly gone.
The resurgence of interest in Kikotan history is part of a broader effort across the United States, where Indigenous communities are working to revive and protect their cultures in the face of centuries of suppression. From tribal recognition campaigns to cultural revitalization projects, Indigenous peoples are reclaiming their narratives, and the Kikotan are no exception.
Why the Story Matters Today
Understanding the story of the Kikotan is more than an academic exercise—it's a reckoning with our collective past. It challenges the myth that some Indigenous peoples "disappeared" or became extinct. In truth, many were erased only from records, not from existence. They lived on through their descendants, their spirit embedded in the land, and in the memory of those who refused to forget.
When we recover and share these stories, we honor the resilience of those who came before us. We recognize the pain caused by forced assimilation, legal erasure, and cultural genocide. And we contribute to the ongoing healing and restoration of Indigenous identity.
Continuing the Journey
If you are a descendant of the Kikotan or suspect that you might be, your journey does not end with a single document or DNA test. It continues with questions, conversations, and connections. It continues with learning the history, embracing the traditions, and honoring the ancestors who held on despite immense pressure to let go.
Each new generation has the power to choose—to walk away from the past or to walk back toward it with open eyes and a willing heart. The Kikotan may have been forced into silence, but their story is not over. It is still being written—by you, by us, and by all who dare to remember.
Are you a descendant of the Kikotan or researching Indigenous ancestry in Virginia?
Join our community of researchers, descendants, and culture keepers dedicated to honoring the legacy of the Kikotan Nation. Visit Tann Family History to access resources, share your story, and be part of the restoration of a nearly forgotten people.
About the Author:
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez is a seasoned genealogist with over 40 years of experience in uncovering and preserving ancestral histories. As the author of several acclaimed family history books, Dr. Rodriguez has dedicated her life to documenting forgotten lineages and honoring the voices of the past. Her meticulous research and deep respect for heritage have helped countless individuals reconnect with their roots.
Her work was nationally recognized when she was featured on the television program “Who Do You Think You Are,” where she shared her expertise in tracing complex family lines. Dr. Rodriguez continues to guide others in their genealogical journeys, offering mentorship, resources, and support to those seeking to reclaim their heritage—especially among Indigenous and underrepresented communities.
Comments