Powhatan's People Past & Present

Samuel "Running Deer" Opechancanoe McGowan

Was raised on the Mattaponi Reservation in King William County, Virginia.  He grew up learning the customs, traditions and craft skills of the Powhatan Indians.  Sam began shadowing his elders at the age of four, learning to produce tools, hunt, fish, dance and the importance of these skills as they pertain to his ancestors and their significance to our lives today.  His grandfather, the late Chief Daniel Webster “Little Eagle” Custalow, gave him the mission to become a Tribal Historian at the age of five. 

Sam began traveling across the country over twenty-five years ago with his grandfather and his mother, Shirley “Little Dove” Custalow McGowan, presenting the history and material culture of his people using hands-on and interactive presentations.  As an adult he has continued to share the history of his people with the public as well as making connections and cultural exchanges with other scholars and native tribal members.

Sam is an accomplished artisan and a consultant for state and national museums including The National Museum of the American Indian.  He has presented lectures for the Virginia Association of Museums, The Virginia Council for the Social Studies and The National Council for the Social Studies.  Together Sam and his wife currently reside in Virginia where he passes his skills and depth of knowledge onto the next generation.

Educational Programs

Let us customize our program to suit your curriculum needs.

• Try on Powhatan clothing.
• Play Powhatan games.
• Learn to make the tools neccessary for Powhatan survival.

"Running Deer "with his mother, Shirley "Little Dove" Custalow McGowan and three of his children: Travis, Isabelle and Emma Rose at the 2007 Mattaponi Pow Wow

 "Running Deer" being interviewed in Dale City, Virginia when he served as Grand Marshall for their Fourth of July Parade in 2007.

Mattoponi Cheif Carl "Lone Eagle" Custalow presenting Governor  Tim Kaine and First Lady Anne Holton with a traditional bark berry basket made by Samuel "Running Deer" during the 2008 Tribal Tribute for the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian Reservations.