Chief Stephen R. Adkins, BGAV's current president, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Commonwealth Humanities Award by Virginia Humanities.

Adkins received the award for Individual Excellence in recognition of his decades of work on behalf of the Chickahominy Tribe and Virginia’s other Indigenous communities, including efforts to preserve their history and culture, advocate for tribal interests, and ensure Native American voices are represented in the broader story of Virginia and the nation.

Adkins has served as chief of the Chickahominy Tribe since 2001. During his tenure, he was a prominent advocate in the decades-long effort to secure federal recognition for Virginia’s Indian tribes. In 2018, the Chickahominy and five other Virginia tribes received federal recognition, establishing formal government-to-government relationships with the United States.

As president of BGAV, Adkins brings a lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community to his leadership among Virginia Baptists. He is a member of Samaria Baptist Church in Providence Forge.

The Commonwealth Humanities Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose contributions to the humanities have made a significant impact on Virginia’s cultural landscape. Adkins and the other 2026 recipients will be honored Oct. 15 at the Dominion Energy Theater in Richmond, prior to the 2026 Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities.