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Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the federally recognized Catawba Indian Nation. Learn about their reservation, government structure, strategic vision, tribal programs, services, and educational initiatives. Witness the vibrant community through virtual tours and engaging activities.
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The Catawba Indian Nation Today Learn more at www.catawbaindian.net
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
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 2,900 tribal members nationwide. The majority still live in York County.
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
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
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
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
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
Tribal Programs and Services Overview • Housing • Senior Program • Health Clinic • Social Services • Domestic Violence • Environmental Protection • Public Works • Emergency Management • Roads • Transit • Real Estate • Economic Development • Small Business Development
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 • Job Training & Development: provides GED and job training services Head Start facility Pottery class at Camp Kic-A-Wah
Longhouse The Longhouse is the administrative building for government operations. It houses many tribal departments.
Senior Center • Provides weekday congregate lunch, also delivers to homebound elders • Other services include nutrition screening, education, and nutrition assessment and counseling • A wide variety of activities promote physical well-being, learning experiences, and individual creativity
ISWA Head Start • Provides comprehensive early childhood services for 3 and 4-year-olds • 4 classrooms with an average of 20 children per class • Preschool education follows the Creative Curriculum • Children are provided with medical and dental examinations and nutritious meals
Cultural Center • Provides an overview of the rich culture and history of the Tribe • Coordinates annual powwow and craft shows • Provides after-school care and operates a summer camp • Operates a craft store featuring many of our native artisans
Health Clinic • Includes a Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Nutritional Department • Partners with other ancillary support entities • Focuses on health promotion and disease prevention through education and treatment using holistic, culturally sensitive, patient-centered delivery
ISWA Development Housing Office • Rental housing in both Green Earth and on the Old Reservation • Homeownership program for land on the Old Reservation • Provides short term subsidies to prevent foreclosure for families that hold mortgages
Housing Units • 124 single and multi-family rental units in the Green Earth Community • 45 rental units in Yesebehena Village
Little People Academy • Currently serving 9 infants and 22 toddlers. • 5 full- time staff, 1 part time and 2 fill-in assistants. All receive 15 training hours per year. • Licensed and ABC level B enhanced child care center with level B+ performance.