November is Native American Heritage Month. It is a fitting month. November is a month of Thanksgiving, of gratitude for the blessings the land has bestowed upon us, gratitude for our family and friends. But here’s the thing. Our indigenous ancestors have never needed a month of reminders to be thankful. Their lives were, and still are, rooted in praise and thanksgiving for life. They are living examples of gratitude. Practicing presence and a deep love of the earth, Native Americans are active stewards in its care.

The landscape in Eastern Virginia where we lead our bike excursions echoes with the presence of our native forebears, and there are a multitude of ways in which we can honor them. Being curious is step one. Specifically taking the time to learn about our Virginia Indian Tribes, cherishing their legacy and embracing who they are today.

Archaeologists at Werowocomoco • Image courtesy College of William and Mary

Three things you can do:

1. Take just 7 minutes to watch this National Park Service video about the 21st Century discovery of Werowocomoco, Powhatan’s Place of Power. Along the banks of the York River, this is where John Smith would encounter Powhatan and Pocahontas in December 1607. And while a pretty famous association, archaeology tells us it was an important place for Virginia Native Americans for thousands of years. Not yet open to the public, Werowocomoco is notably the first archeological effort to work with the sustained counsel and participation of Virginia Indians.

2. Attend one or all the screenings of Native American films at Pocahontas Reframed. In its 5th year the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival seeks to “Reframe Native American Life and Experience through Film” and will be held this year at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Friday, November 19 - Sunday, November 21. View the impressive line-up of films here and purchase tickets now.

3. Ride the Virginia Capital Trail or take a walk along a James River trail with an intention to recognize and appreciate the people who were here before us, building a riverside world with reverence and gratitude.

During our Signature Rides at Upper Shirley Vineyards we introduce you to Tsenacomoco (the land), Yeokanta (the river), and the story of Werowocomoco. We ride though lands inhabited for thousands of years. Riverside lands taken from the very people who depended upon the river as life force. We hope to honor our indigenous ancestors by savoring the day with moments of stillness, quiet reflection, and deep breaths, and by opening a Pocahontas-sized curiosity for connecting with nature and each other in our hearts. Be Curious & Reflect. . .

BASKET & BIKE tour departing Upper Shirley Vineyards

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