G. Anne Richardson

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G. Anne Richardson (born 1956) is a Rappahannock woman who became the first female Chief of a Virginia tribe since the 1700s. She grew up in Indian Neck, Virginia, the daughter of Chief Captain Nelson. She served as Assistant Chief to her father from 1980 to 1998. In 1989 she helped form the United Indians of Virginia, an alliance of Virginia tribes. In 1991 she became the executive director of Mattaponi-Pamunkey-Monacan, Inc., which provides training and jobs for Virginia Indians.

In 1998 she was elected Chief of the Rappahannock Tribe, becoming a fourth-generation chief. Under her leadership, the tribe bought 119.5 acres to create a land trust, a retreat center, and housing. They also built and sold their first model home in 2001. The tribe has pursued cultural, educational, social, and economic projects to strengthen the community. In 2005 she was ordained by Pastor Sally Beckman and became chair of the Native American Employment and Training Council. In 2006 she attended Jamestown ceremonies for the upcoming 2007 anniversary celebrations. Also in 2006 she started Restoring Nations International, a ministry to promote healing and reconciliation among Native and other indigenous nations worldwide. Richardson was named one of Virginia’s Women in History in 2006.