RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Tribal citizens of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes joined Governor Glenn Youngkin at his mansion on Wednesday for the 347th annual Tax Tribute Ceremony. During the ceremony on Nov. 26, both tribes presented a deer to the Commonwealth. The Tax Tribute Ceremony signifies the unity of the Commonwealth and the respective tribes noted in the 1677 Treaty of Middle Plantation. The peace agreement details the acceptance of the British government by the tribes with offerings of beaver skins instead of paying taxes. In exchange, British officials granted the tribes access to rights such as civil courts, land and protection. These tribes have lived in the region for over 10,000 years, long before early settlers arrived. “The relationship between the Commonwealth and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes has been kept alive and well for over three centuries, forged on the basic principles of unity, peace and respect," Youngkin said. “It is also a relationship that serves as an emblem of what the very Spirit of Virginia stands for, and that is togetherness. Today’s ceremony celebrates and honors this sacred bond.”