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Indigenous Democratic Traditions: Before America’s 250th & Beyond

Indigenous Democratic Traditions: Before America’s 250th & Beyond

Wayne Adkins, Kitcki A. Carroll, Dr. Lori V. Quigley

Dr. Denise Lowe Walters, Three Sisters in Virginia, 2025. Courtesy of the Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, UVA’s Indigenous Political & Social Thought Committee invites reflection not only on the founding of the republic and the Constitution, but also on the Indigenous systems of governance that predated and influenced the United States’ democracy. The Founding Fathers recognized these systems, which impacted the nascent country’s institutions and were recognized in its new symbols.

Today, 574 federally recognized Native nations operate sovereign governments across the United States, managing internal affairs and engaging with local, state, federal, and international jurisdictions. These systems have evolved over centuries, rooted in traditions that long predate European arrival and continue to adapt to contemporary challenges and opportunities.

Native scholars, knowledge holders, students, and community members convene for this daylong symposium to explore the foundations and futures of tribal governance. This educational and promotional initiative seeks to broaden the conversations surrounding the U.S. Semiquincentennial to include Indigenous political thought and sovereignty, enriching our collective understanding of civic discourse and democratic practice. 

SCHEDULE

UVA’s Contemplative Commons (Studio 1B), 403 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA

1:30–2:30 PM 
Attendees are invited to meet symposium presenters at a reception in UVA's Contemplative Commons.

2:30–4:30 PM 
Speakers Wayne Adkins, Kitcki Carroll, and Lori Quigley discuss the foundations and futures of tribal governance.

Learn more about a traditional Indigenous art workshop earlier the same day.

This event is free, but attendees must register to reserve a seat. “Indigenous Democratic Traditions: Before America’s 250th & Beyond” is presented by UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy’s John L. Nau III History and Principles of Democracy Lab and is co-sponsored by VA250, UVA250, the Page Barbour Fund, UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center, andVirginia Humanities. 

**The Indigenous Political & Social Thought Committee has secured free parking for attendees in the Emmet/Ivy garage (123 Emmet Street North). Please note that the UVA Central Grounds parking garage is fully booked on March 27 for another UVA event.

Speakers

Wayne Adkins' headshot

Wayne Adkins

Enrolled Citizen, Chickahominy Indian Tribe

Wayne Adkins is an enrolled citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe and has been a member of the Chickahominy Tribal Council since 1996. A graduate of Charles City County High School, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1976.  

Adkins served as a member of The Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life (VITAL), the organization that was instrumental in gaining federal government recognition of six Virginia Tribes through Congressional legislation in 2018. In addition to serving as First Assistant Chief, he is the Finance Officer for the Chickahominy Indian Tribe.

Kitcki Carroll's headshot

Kitcki A. Carroll

Enrolled Citizen, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

Kitcki A. Carroll is an enrolled citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and a descendant of Cheyenne Peace Chief, Chief Black Kettle. Since 2010, he has proudly served as the executive director for United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) and the USET Sovereignty Protection Fund (USET SPF), a nonprofit and inter-tribal organization representing 33 federally recognized Tribal Nations from the Northeastern Woodlands, down the Atlantic coast to the Everglades, and across the Gulf of Turtle Island. Established in 1969, USET and USET SPF collectively advocate on behalf of its Tribal Nations at the regional and national level. In his capacity as executive director, Carroll works to protect and promote the sovereignty rights of USET/USET SPF members. He is a strong advocate for all Native people and actively works to ensure that the United States recognizes, honors, and fulfills its sacred trust and treaty responsibilities and obligations to Indian Country.  

Lori Quigley's headshot

Dr. Lori V. Quigley

Enrolled Member, Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan

Professor and Department Chair, Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program, Niagara University

Dr. Lori V. Quigley is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Wolf clan. She has enjoyed a career in education, attaining the rank of tenured full professor and holding positions as an academic dean, provost, and president. Currently, she serves as professor and department chair for the leadership and policy doctoral program at Niagara University and is an educational consultant and adviser to many school districts and colleges/universities, providing guidance on topics ranging from curriculum development to social justice. She earned her BA in journalism and mass communication from St. Bonaventure University and an MA in public communication and PhD in language, learning, and literacy from Fordham University. Committed to giving back to the community, Quigley received a U.S. presidential appointment to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, and she completed a two-term gubernatorial appointment on the New York State Minority Health Council and three years as chairwoman of the board for the Seneca Gaming Corporation. Currently, she is the ombudsperson for the National Indian Education Association and a member of the WNY Alzheimer’s Association board of directors and the Trailblazing Women of WNY.