Yesáh Community House
The Yesáh Community Complex will be a modern day long-house and will serve as a physical monument to the history and the continued presence of the Monacan people in Appalachian Virginia. The physical monument will come to life as the setting for our annual powwow—and other Monacan cultural events—where storytellers, dancers, drummers, and singers will be engaged to tell our stories.
The Monacan Indian Nation is among the newest federally recognized Tribes (2018), but among the first ever contacted by English settlers (1607). Our people faced the nearly insurmountable task of preserving our culture and identity against hostile, outside influences for over 400 years. Much was lost during that time, but much remains of our rich culture. For the Monacan people, this project will serve to elevate and preserve our oral histories—traditionally shared through storytelling, song, and dance to ensure that nothing more is lost for future Monacans.
Because of centuries of erasure, and dominant narratives written about us, not by us, there is little awareness of the existence of the Monacan people in Appalachia. For the broader community, this project will counter the narrative that Native peoples don’t exist in Appalachia and elevate the rich culture of the Monacan people.
This project will be carried out by the Monacan Cultural Foundation.
Project Collaborators
Edith Lou Branham Parrish
My name is Edith Branham Parrish, also known as Lou to my tribal family and others. I am the current Asst Chief of the Monacan Nation as well as the Museum Director for our cultural foundation. I was born, raised and currently reside in Amherst County. I am the eldest daughter of Ronnie and Eleanor Branham who are both Monacan. I have been an active and supportive member of our Nation since my father was Chief when state recognition was obtained in 1989.
I have previously served two terms on the tribal council and am now servicing my people as Asst Chief. I have attended and worked every powwow for the past 30 years. I have a 21 yr old son named Tristan who has been dancing for the past 12 years as a Men’s Traditional dancer, he drums and sings as well and continues to honor his family by remaining involved and volunteering wherever he is needed. I have as also been involved with tribal fundraisers, I serve on several tribal committees and have participated in every Monacan Homecoming for over 25 yrs.
One of my passions has always been to do all that I can to help serve our people. My goal is to try to help us overcome past adversities and to strive to become a better, stronger and healthier Nation. I want our youth to be educated, to strive for and accomplish greater things in their future and for our elders to live longer, to be here to offer their wisdom and share their stories, for them to see a future for our people that they have dreamed of for so long. I am very interested and enthusiastic in helping with healthcare needs, housing, education, job training opportunities and any other benefits that will benefit all members of our tribe. We are never too old to learn new things and open new doors of opportunities to strengthen our future.
We have been blessed by receiving Federal Recognition in 2018, but it doesn't just stop there. We as a Nation, are responsible for the future growth of ourselves as a people, as a family, and as individuals. We were blessed for so many years even when we were broke, and still managed to make a way when seemed to look like there was no way. We strived, succeeded and were happy. I am grateful for the Federal Status and the fact that it opens so many doors of opportunity and brings forth extra revenue, but I do not want to see GREED and the love of money to tear us apart. True happiness comes from within yourself and comes from the deeds you do for others.
My happiness comes from knowing my people elected me to serve in my current role and represent them by teaching about our history and who we are now as a Nation.
Chief Diane Shields
Diane Shields was elected Chief of the Monacan Indian Nation on June 17, 2023.
Linda Diane Johns Shields was born in Virginia to Louis D. Johns and Louise Cook Johns. At the age of five, her family relocated to Ohio. Her paternal heritage is rooted in the Monacan Tribe; her grandparents were Teddy Johns and Ethel Bell Branham. Chief Shields' great-grandparents were Johnny Branham and Ella Beverly on her grandmother's side, and Sidney Johns and Ella Terry on her grandfather's side.
Chief Shields's interest in genealogy sparked a journey of exploring her family's roots. Her father's Monacan ancestry brought her to Amherst, Virginia in 1992 to enjoy the Monacan powwow and obtain her tribal enrollment card. Overwhelmed by her connection to the Monacan people, Chief Shields and her husband decided to move to Amherst County in 1993. Since then, she has committed herself to serving her people and advocating for their rights and heritage.
Chief Shields' professional journey spans several roles and industries. She has served in office and records management positions at the Palm Bay Police Department, in Amherst County Schools, and at Central Virginia Community College.
On moving to Amherst County, Chief Shields soon began volunteering for Monacan committees. She served on the boards of Monacan Pamunkey Mattaponi Consortium (MPM) and the United Indians of Virginia. She contributed significantly to gathering historical research and genealogical evidence to document the Monacan Indian Community's continuity as part of an initiative to secure federal recognition. She was pivotal in creating the original tribal enrollment rolls and crafting the application for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to recognize the Monacan Indian Nation formally.
Beyond her research, Chief Shields was diligent in rectifying birth records and ensuring the community's taxes and land taxes were up to date. She held various leadership positions within the community, including Assistant Chief, Secretary, and Treasurer. She was on the Council when the Monacan Indian Nation achieved federal recognition and played a key role in establishing the first 638 contract with the BIA to build the nation's office.
After achieving federal recognition in 2018, Chief Shields assumed the role of director for the Monacan Nation Cultural Foundation, the Tribe’s nonprofit arm.
As Chief Shields continues to serve the Monacan Indian Nation, she aims to facilitate better communication and heal disputes within her community. She is keen on hearing innovative ideas to improve and enrich the Nation. Her vision encompasses open dialogues, the recognition of past achievements, and the commitment to work hard for a prosperous future. Chief Shields encourages regular face-to-face meetings to exchange knowledge and foster a sense of unity amongst her people.
Emma Waugh, MPH
Emma has been working as a grant writing and program evaluation consultant for the Monacan Indian Nation for the past year. She is a motivated and creative public health practitioner with over 8 years of experience working with diverse communities in the U.S. and abroad.
She is a non-Native ally and has experience working with Tribal clients on programs including youth suicide prevention, substance use, building public health data infrastructure, youth development and cultural preservation. Emma has a Master of Public Health from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.