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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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We connect people, place, and policy – ensuring that every voice across South Carolina helps shape the state's path toward equity and opportunity.
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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.

Related Resources

Title Category Section
South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA) State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina Junior Chamber of Commerce-Jaycees State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina Legislature Online State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina Office of the Governor State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina State Government State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina State Library – School Rooms State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina Suicide and Crisis Hotlines State and Local Native American Affairs
South Carolina Department of Commerce State and Local Native American Affairs
State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Grants Native American Affairs
Sustainable Employment and Economic Development Strategies (SEEDS) Grants Native American Affairs
Title VII Formula Program for Indian Children Grants Native American Affairs
Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership Community Engagement Native American Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture National and Federal Native American Affairs
U.S. Representatives Internet Library National and Federal Native American Affairs
U.S. Senate National and Federal Native American Affairs
U.S. Small Business Administration National and Federal Native American Affairs
University of South Carolina-Lancaster Campus Native American Studies Department State and Local Native American Affairs
Veteran Affairs National and Federal Native American Affairs
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Section 166 Indian and Native American Programs Grants Native American Affairs