To Brad, the eel pot functions as a symbol of Patawomeck Indians’ persistence in their environment. “It is something that brought us through hard times,” he said. “It is also something we were able to carry from our ancestors right on up until today. Not only has the eel pot provided food, but it maintains our culture. It sustains us in a spiritual sense. We resisted colonialism with it.” Watch the full episode from Virginia Folklife on VPM History YouTube channel. #myvpm #folklife #virginiafolklife #nativeamericanheritage month #eel #virginia