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Our Role

The South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement is the State of South Carolina's official point of contact for Native American Indian Affairs.

The Commission carries out its duties under Chapter 31, Title 1 of the SC Code of Laws of 1976, Section 1-31-40(A)(6)(10) and Chapter 139, Article 1 of the Code of Regulations which include but are not limited to the following:

  • state recognition of Native American entities.

Native American Legislation

We serve as the Indian Affairs Commission for the State as listed with the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Governor's Interstate Indian Council, and various states' Indian Affairs Commissions.

The Institute assists in the preparation of plans for the alleviation of such needs by presenting information to policymakers and appropriate officials of local, state, and federal governments. All legislation concerning the Native American Indian population of South Carolina is reviewed through the Institute.

  • 2017-2018 Bill 3177: Native American Indian Groups
  • SC State Recognition Legislation
  • Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990
  • SC Native American Indian Marriage Law
  • SC Wild Turkey Feathers in Native American Indian Arts Law
  • 2011 House and Senate Concurrent Resolution: Support of the Return of Native American Indian Remains to Descendants

Advisory Committee

Per South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 139, Article 2, Section 139-202, the Advisory Committee's role is to A. Advise the Commission regarding socio-economic issues. B. Identify the needs and concerns of the various communities and bring such needs and concerns to the attention of the Commission. Make recommendations to the Commission to address the needs and concerns of various communities.

  • Beaver Creek Indians
  • Catawba Indian Nation
  • Chaloklowa Chickasaw Indian People
  • Eastern Cherokee
  • Edisto Natchez Kusso Tribe of South Carolina
  • Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of SC
  • Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina
  • Natchez Tribe of South Carolina
  • Native American Studies Program
  • Office of the State Archaeologist
  • Office of the Governor
  • Pee Dee Indian Nation of Upper South Carolina
  • Pee Dee Indian Tribe
  • Pee Dee Indian Tribe of Beaver Creek
  • Piedmont American Indian Association (PAIA)
  • Santee Indian Organization
  • South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology
  • Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians
  • University of South Carolina-Lancaster Native American Studies Center
  • The Waccamaw Indian People and the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians

Learn about Native American Culture

Celebrate and learn about Native American heritage from the Native American Studies Center at USC Lancaster.

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For partnership inquiries, collaboration proposals, or to request a community engagement event in your area, please contact a member of our team.

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