The Meherrin Indian Tribe has officially been placed on Active Status, a move by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that is part of the process to allow the tribe to gain federal recognition.

Meherrin Tribe Chief Wayne Brown encourages those with a Meherrin Indian Tribal Card issued by any Chief since 1975 to contact him immediately at 252-358-8041. Brown said he was currently in the process of developing a “base roll” – a list of names that will be submitted to the BIA. He added that that list must be completed no later than 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17.

Brown has until Jan. 26 to submit all the paperwork as required by the BIA.