Nottoway Indian Tribe joins America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge
Published 5:50 pm Friday, October 25, 2024
The Tribal Council chair and vice chair paddle along in kayaks. (Photo submitted by the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia)
Nottoway citizens and guests accept the rig. (Photo submitted by the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia)
Nottoway citizens join Chief Lynette Allston for a post-paddle picnic. (Photo submitted by the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia)
Nottoway citizens paddle through the waterway. (Photo submitted by the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia)
Pictured are Toni Nolf, Beth Roach and Stephen Hardy. (Photo submitted by the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia)
Nottoway citizens paddle through the waterway. (Photo submitted by the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia)
The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, the only state-recognized tribe in the nation to receive an invitation, proudly joined the White House’s America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge.
A tribe news release noted that this program sets goals to protect, restore and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of the nation’s rivers and streams by 2030. The official announcement was made on June 27, marking a historic moment for the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and the commonwealth of Virginia.
Blackwater Outfitters/Nottoway River Guides, a small but beloved outfitter based in Courtland, announced its retirement in October. Its river services have provided educational tours for people of all ages and abilities for 14 years. A transitional agreement was celebrated at Cary’s Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 19, with a kayak outing for the tribe and the outfitter, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of the historic Clean Water Act.
Toni Nolf, owner of Blackwater Outfitters, shared, “We are all very excited that this is happening! I’m happy and relieved to have a group take over that cares as much about conservation, education and history as I do. That’s what it has always been about. I’m sure Barry would be proud of all of us.”
Since 2009, Nolf and her husband, the late Barry, have led kayak tours. In 2011, they opened their shop. Unfortunately, Barry fell ill in 2012. His family and friends rallied together to keep the business going in his memory.
Chief Lynette Allston, of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, says they are honored to be part of the challenge and look forward to carrying on the mission of protecting the waterways.
“The Nottoway River has always been central to our tribe’s identity,” Allston said. “And with this new venture, we are able to ensure that our traditions of stewardship and conservation continue. We are grateful to Toni and her crew for their years of dedication, and we look forward to building on their legacy to provide better education, exploration and connection to our natural environment.”
Beth Roach, of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, shared, “Receiving the keys to the rig is THRILLING! We say awę́nheʔ í:kę haʔ à:węʔ — water is alive. Along with our promise to protect our ancestral rivers, we commit to keeping the legacy of ‘Blackwater Barry and the River Lady’ alive and well. Nyà:wę!”
Tours will resume in 2025.
