Catawba Today
The Catawba Indian Nation has fought hard for federal recognition, and it was a long journey to receive this recognition on November 20, 1993. Here is their present day story:
There are 566 federally recognized tribes in the United States, and the Catawba Indian Nation is the only one in the state of South Carolina. During the Franklin Roosevelt administration the federal government tried to improve conditions for all tribes across the United States. Under the Indian Reorganization Act, the tribe created a constitution in 1944 to help them govern themselves. Government policy toward tribes changed in the 1950’s and many tribes were asked to terminate their federal status. In 1959 the Catawba tribe was terminated in the eyes of the federal government. (Catawba Indian Nation)
In 1973, the Catawbas filed their petition with Congress to regain federal recognition. They also updated and adopted their constitution in 1975. The Catawbas had a strong argument in this fight. The Treaty at Nations Ford with South Carolina was illegal because it was not ratified by the federal government. The federal government should have protected the rights of the tribe. It took 20 years, but on November 20, 1993, the land claim settlement with the state of South Carolina and the federal government finally came to an end. The Catawbas agreed to give up claims on land taken from them by the state of South Carolina. In return, the Catawba Indian Nation received federal recognition and $50 million for economic development, education, social services, and land purchases. There are currently 2800 enrolled members of the Nation. (Catawba Indian Nation)
There are 566 federally recognized tribes in the United States, and the Catawba Indian Nation is the only one in the state of South Carolina. During the Franklin Roosevelt administration the federal government tried to improve conditions for all tribes across the United States. Under the Indian Reorganization Act, the tribe created a constitution in 1944 to help them govern themselves. Government policy toward tribes changed in the 1950’s and many tribes were asked to terminate their federal status. In 1959 the Catawba tribe was terminated in the eyes of the federal government. (Catawba Indian Nation)
In 1973, the Catawbas filed their petition with Congress to regain federal recognition. They also updated and adopted their constitution in 1975. The Catawbas had a strong argument in this fight. The Treaty at Nations Ford with South Carolina was illegal because it was not ratified by the federal government. The federal government should have protected the rights of the tribe. It took 20 years, but on November 20, 1993, the land claim settlement with the state of South Carolina and the federal government finally came to an end. The Catawbas agreed to give up claims on land taken from them by the state of South Carolina. In return, the Catawba Indian Nation received federal recognition and $50 million for economic development, education, social services, and land purchases. There are currently 2800 enrolled members of the Nation. (Catawba Indian Nation)
The Reservation
The Catawba Indian Nation operated under the existence of many operations that exist on the reservation. They have departments such as accounting, economic development, real estate, social services, and transportation that keep the reservation going. The community is thriving even though it still faces battles against political and economic systems that oppress the population. (Catawba Indian Nation)
Where Are They Located?
The Catawba Indian Reservation is located in Rock Hill, SC and offers many opportunities to educate people about their culture and history. The Catawba Cultural Center is located on the reservation and is there to preserve, protect, promote and maintain the rich cultural heritage of the Catawba Indian Nation. The have archives, archeology, native crafts, and cultural education that is available for visitors. There are also many walking trails located on the reservation for visitor use. (Catawba Indian Nation)
Catawba's In The News
The Catawba Indian Nation plays an active role in the economy of South Carolina. Read the following article to learn about one way they are involved with the South Carolina community. (Worthington, 2014)
Click here to access the article in the Charlotte Observer.
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Click here to access the article in the Charlotte Observer.
After you are done reading, respond to the following question.