The Catawba Indian Nation

1. The Catawba Indian Nation Learn more at www.catawbaindian.net

2. The Catawba Indian Nation became a Federally recognized Indian Tribe in 1993. The Catawba Nation is the only Federally recognized tribe in SC. • Federally recognized means that Tribes are “distinct political entities with inherent sovereignty recognized by the U.S. Constitution, Congress, and the courts.” (Source: Eric Lemont, author of American Indian Constitutional Reform) The Catawba Indian Nation

3. The Catawba Indian Nation • The tribe’s reservation is in eastern York County and situated along the Catawba River where our ancestors were living when the Europeans first arrived. • Known as the "people of the river," there are about 3,000 tribal members nationwide. The majority still live in York County.

4. Catawba Culture • Preserving the rich culture of the tribe is very important. • The Catawba Cultural Preservation Project is integral in providing Catawba drumming, dancing, language, and art classes. • Catawba pottery is one of the tribe’s strongest links to the past and has been passed down for over 4,500 years • The Tribe celebrates its culture with the Community through pow-wows, festivals and and craft fairs.

5. VA Original Catawba territory spanned into Southern Virginia, through a large part of North Carolina, as well as the upper half of South Carolina. NC SC Source: Native Languages of the Americas

6. Lands Today • The tribe has approximately 1000 acres in trust with the United States government. And several non-trust properties. • These parcels contain housing parcels, rental units, and government buildings. Old Reservation: 700 acres Green Earth: 300 acres

7. 1993 Settlement Agreement • In the mid 1970’s the tribe began its journey for Federal re-recognition based on a failed 1840 treaty between the tribe and the state • The agreement involves 3 parties: Catawba, Federal Government, & South Carolina • The agreement restored the tribe’s Federal status as well as outlined the tribe’s rights

8. Understanding the School Tax Issue • A last minute addition to the settlement was the Nation paying for children on the reservation to go to school at an “out of county” rate • The Nation was told that Federal funds would be able to be accessed to pay these fees • After the settlement the school district discovered this was NOT true

9. Government Structure • The tribe has a constitution passed in 1975 and still governing the tribe today • The General Council consists of all voting age tribal members and is the ultimate governing body of the tribe • The 5 member Executive Committee is elected every 4 years to oversee day to day operations of the tribe • The tribe is currently undertaking a constitution reform project • There are many standing committees of the tribe such as the Election Committee, Planning Board, and more

10. The Catawba Indian Nation will be an economically thriving community whose Tribal members embrace their cultural heritage, enjoy strong self-esteem, lead successful lives and are fully prepared for a future of continuing opportunities and challenges. How are we accomplishing this? Tribe’s Strategic Vision

11. The tribe has a strategic plan that sets a long term vision for the tribe. We try to stay focused on these goals by: • Setting short term priorities to help make the vision a reality • Making more informed decisions • Focusing our energy on the most important tasks • Allowing for plans to be adaptable when circumstances change It is the process of planning that is the most important not the plan itself. Planning for the Future

12. Tribal Programs and Services Overview • Housing • Senior Program • Health Clinic • Social Services • Domestic Violence • Environmental Protection • Public Works • Emergency Management • Roads • Transit • Real Estate • Job Training* • Small Business Development*

13. Educational Programs • Little People Academy: provides daycare services • Head Start: provides early childhood services for 3 and 4-year-olds • Camp Kic-A-Wah: provides after-school and summer camp services • Catawba Teen Center: in partnership with Boys & Girls Club of York County for teens age 13-17 • College Scholarship Program: provides funding to degree seekers Head Start facility Pottery class at Camp Kic-A-Wah

14. Economic Development • Key issue for tribe so that we can be self sufficient • Key steps taken to establish a firm foundation for future economic growth • Economic Development Board of Directors with bylaws • Section 17 corporate entity with bylaws and interim Board • Involvement in local and regional economic development efforts • Taxation studies, corporate business/LLC code development, and more

15. Economic Development • Activities in development with outside partners • High-stakes bingo • Organic composting • Studio South • Tourism-based opportunities with CCPP • Campground • Canoe rental • Carolina Thread Trail

16. Other potential projects in development • Tourism • Agriculture • Energy • Retail • Health Care • Construction

17. Catawba Indian Bingo, LLC • Catawba reopened bingo in July 2014 • Monthly “Super Saturday” game • Provides out of town tourism to Rock Hill and York County • Approximately $600,000 paid to state in Bingo tax

18. Catawba Nation Composting, LLC • Proven partner, Agricycle, with history of working with other tribes on similar projects • Early development stages • Site location to be determined • Potential ground breaking date Spring 2016

19. Catawba/Studio South • Early stages of researching & due diligence • Beginning stages of organization & structuring • Pursuing 3P’s: private, public, partnership • MOU and non-disclosure agreements signed in Fall 2015

20. Catawba/Studio South • Project has potential to impact the following areas: • Tourism • Education • Job Market • Highlight Catawba culture • Proposal includes development of purpose-built sound stages, tour event center, office/retail space, and school space

21. Advantages to working with the Tribe • 8(a) designation for government contracts • HUB Zone • Foreign Trade Zone • New Market Tax Credits • Tribal Economic Development Bonds • Tribal BIA Loan Guarantee • Access to federal grant programs

22. Thank you! Are there any questions?