Singer Wayne Newton, a member of the Patawomeck tribe of Virginia, testifies during a House of Delegates committee meeting at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010. Chief Robert Green looks on. Associated Press photo by Steve Helber
Wayne Newton Asks for Indian Tribal Recognition
February 3, 2010
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton is asking Virginia legislators to grant state recognition to his Indian tribe.
The Virginia-born entertainer appealed Tuesday to the House Rules Committee to officially recognize the Patawomeck (pah-tah-WOH-mic), or Potomac, tribe, of which he is a member. Committee members voted unanimously in favor of the recognition, which has been given to eight Virginia tribes.
The recognition allows the group to be known as a tribe but does not grant sovereignty.
Newton and Patawomeck Chief Robert Green said it would validate their identity and help them protect sacred burial grounds.
Outside the meeting, women lined up to get autographs and kisses from Newton, who began performing as a child in Virginia before becoming a fixture in Las Vegas.
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