The 2026 Richmond IPD celebration will offer information and insight into the history and culture of Virginia’s recognized Indian Tribes, with special attention to the Nansemond Indian Nation. An extensive picture and information display will be set up in Powhatan Hill Park presenting the history and culture of Virginia’s Indian tribes. Attendees can also browse the offerings of Virginia Indian arts and crafts vendors and enjoy Fry Bread, Strawberry Tea and other treats for purchase. Attendees may bring their own food and beverage refreshments – no alcohol allowed. The overall event runs from 1:00 to 6:00pm with the following schedule of activities:
1:00 to 2:00pm > Interfaith Gathering Celebrating Virginia’s Indian Tribes and Peace • Facilitated by the Richmond interfaith community
1:00 to 3:30pm > Virginia Indian Information tables and presentations • The Powhatan Hill Community Center will host representatives of Virginia Indian non-profit organizations and tribal programs offering information and providing presentations about their efforts
2:00 to 3:30pm > Powhatan Shinny League – Explanation / Demonstration / Exhibition • Shinny is a Native American sport – a precursor to field hockey and lacrosse – played long ago by tribes across the country. The Powhatan Shinny League (PSL) is leading Shinny’s resurgence in Virginia and will explain and demonstrate how Shinny is played, and then offer an exhibition with some event attendees invited to participate.
3:45 to 6:00pm > Virginia Tribal Celebration • Headlining the day’s activities will be the Virginia Tribal Celebration, a cultural experience similar to a Virginia Indian Pow-Wow. Kicking off at 4pm under the direction of Coordinator Connor Tupponce (Upper Mattaponi Tribe) the baseball infield at Powhatan Hill will be transformed into a dancing circle (actually a dancing diamond), offering all the elements of a Pow-Wow with a Master of Ceremonies, a Drum, Select Virginia Tribal Dancers and a Virginia Indian Honor Guard.
