Survey seeks American Indians
State effort aims to recognize struggles, address needs of this population in S.C.
If you go
American Indians living in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties are invited to participate in an event Saturday
designed to help the state learn more about the community and what it needs.
The event will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ridge Baptist Church, 2168 Ridge Church Road, Summerville. The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians and the Edisto Tribe are hosting.
Attendees will fill out a survey. The commission and its Native American Advisory Committee will review the surveys, compile data and target future efforts. For information, call Marcy L. Hayden at 803-333-9621 ext. 23.
July 26
COLUMBIA — American Indians in the Charleston area are asked to come forward in what is believed to be the first effort of its kind in South Carolina history.
The state Commission for Minority Affairs is looking to survey the needs of the native community in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties Saturday in Summerville.
"For so long we've had to be hidden and hide ourselves as another population," said Marcy Hayden, program coordinator for the commission's Native American Affairs. "Now, it's time for us to say, 'We're here.' "
More than 27,000 American Indians are estimated to live in South Carolina, but just how low that number is isn't known, Hayden said. Learning how many people of native heritage live in South Carolina is part of the data the commission is trying to collect.
Hayden said that many American Indians denied their heritage or were lumped into other ethnicities, depending on their skin tone prior to the Civil Rights era. Even now, though, she said, some in the older generations still don't want to acknowledge their heritage.
"That's a big hurdle for our community to get over," Hayden said.
Lisa Leach, tribal administrator for the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians who helped organize the event, said she believes the surveys can serve as a springboard for the community by highlighting societal struggles and preservation issues.
"If the survey is a success and the state starts to address the needs, you're gong to get citizens who are educated, who are giving back to the community and giving back to the state," Leach said. "Any time you improve the environment of the Native American community, you're going to improve the status of the state as well."
The survey asks information about family, employment, transportation and concerns. Assistance in filling out the questionnaire will be available. Individual comments will be kept confidential, with only the staff at the commission having access to it. The event, which will feature cultural songs and refreshments, will also give the community a chance to socialize.
The Minority Affairs Commission will compile the data for review by the Native American Advisory Committee during its October meeting. A second day for collecting surveys in the Charleston area is scheduled for Aug. 9, although the event details have not been released.
Surveys were conducted earlier this month with the Catawba Indian tribe at the York County reservation and the plan is to collect information statewide.
Ultimately, the information will be used to develop a strategic plan for the state's American Indians. It will also help in drawing resources such as grants to the area and could serve to inspire legislation and services, Hayden and Leach said.
Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
What is the definition of a SC Native American? I mean - is it anyone who says they are or believes they are? Is there any genealogical proof needed?
July 22, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dixiegrl98 (anonymous) says...
This doesn't sound like a bad idea,IF they organize it right.My husbands great grandmother was cherokee,wonder if he would qualify?....real good question cid95.
July 22, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Cid you have to legally have a percentage of indian blood in your lineage. I don't know what the exact % is but it's minimal like 1/8th. I think I qualify, I'm trying to do the math right now.
Dixie your husband will defintely qualify. Based on his gm being Cherokee that makes him 1/4 indian.
Really my family looked into it but I don't remember the qualifications but hopefully someone more versed on the subject will post us all an answer.
July 22, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
My husband is a member of a tribe his grandfather was the chief of the same tribe till he died. My Late husband was only 1/4 Native American. My husband is from Va. where the tribe is. So I guess he doesn't qualify here. Oh well that's the breaks LOL.
July 22, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
If anyone should receive any kind of benefits it should be the NATIVE AMERICAN. After all this was their land wasn't it? Or were they shipped here to by unknown forces
July 22, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
STREETLAW (anonymous) says...
Come on James Island Indians. Get together and put a casino and thoroughbred race track in the town of James Island somewhere off Grimbal road and see how many Charleston blue bloods come through the gates.
Let's make James Island the Atlantic City of the South.
July 22, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
"For so long we've had to be hidden and hide ourselves as another population,"
What?
For those of you who are or have a relative with indian blood, have you been discriminated against? I doubt it. My husband is 1/4 Cherokee and I can say that most people look at it as a positive thing.
This hand out is an insult to Indians. What happeend to pride?
July 22, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ln1959 (anonymous) says...
STEETLAW:
Why Grimball Rd. We have enough traffic on that road as it is. They are already going to build a resort at the Grimball Rd extension. ha ha ha
Anyway, there are so many people claiming to have Indian in them. Hell I have family members that claim one of our great great great grandmother was Cherokee. Thats some thing I can not prove, but my cousin has a picture of her.
July 22, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LH1230 (anonymous) says...
Jane, I totally agree with you. Until we start viewing ourselves as a united nation of Americans, this could go on forever.
And wpc3iop- I was going to say the same thing myself!:)
July 22, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
I would like to see the natives indigenous to this area take a stand for what's left of the environment, and the way of life that supported a balance with it. I would also like to see tribes, even the Irish travelers be represented by a more imaginative government interaction. I grew up a southern kid with church goin parents from 3rd generation irish and polish families, and think it would be a shame to see more and more of the cultures Europeans took for granted squashed by our development patterns (based on a fantasy of each of us having our own lil' villa in the country). This past century saw a terrible amount of change towards industrialization and super farms. We have only a little time to stop this mindless development, and the Travelers, and the Natives here have something to teach us. I think we should have better defined urban zones, thus allowing a true forest canopy and a true biome. Right now, we have maybe a small shadow of the natural green world that ya'll respected. Stand up and be proud, question our European programs.
July 22, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Ther's a tax increase proposal on another thread about cig's. The blacks get "grants", the poor get subsidized meals, housing, welfare, Now we need to hunt down Indians for potential grants. Weren't they hunted down once? Jane is on point; stop with all the fragmenting of America. Just think...why are all the people sent to diversity training white? Is O'Bama Afro-American or 1/2 white and 1/2 black? How about just plain Americans? Almost forgot Spainish-American programs.
July 22, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
"If the survey is a success and the state starts to address the needs, you're gong to get citizens who are educated, who are giving back to the community and giving back to the state," Leach said. "Any time you improve the environment of the Native American community, you're going to improve the status of the state as well."
Early, who do you think is paying Leach, paying for the survey and this commission? Read the article again. Anywhere you see the word "state" you may as well read "tax dollars".
July 22, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
I say let the natives have there land back. and shut up about taxes, we stole it, shame on us, so quit mencing the argument with taxes and "diversity is going away because I had to take a diversity training course (hmm, maybe we needed some mind expansion?)"
July 22, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
This is right up there with the AA comunity wanting reparations for slavery.
My ancestors did not steal land from Indians or own slaves. Some people think the "white" man owes them something. Do they not see that they are degrading themselves by thinking that way. A better attitude would be "I will succeed, despite...."
July 22, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
Jane, I agree with some things you say.
I did idealize the tribes. They were not perfect, no tribe ever is. But, let's talk history. Our European culture has
examples of cultures that were in balance with nature, but were cruel and heartless. And some that were just plain pleasant and well balanced.
Take Sparta for example, often referred to adoringly by western political types. It survived more than 400 years, but on the backs of a slave culture that was kept like cattle.
Now, take the Kogi, they have survived longer, and in balance with nature. http://www.labyrinthina.com/kogi.htm
There are some things that you or I could not stomach, if we lived like them. Fine, but let's recognize the cleverness of not needing cars to drive to work, find food, and worship.
I'm an architect in training, and have learned that our western mind set needs some serious balancing, not all our inventions were that clever, when you see the anxiety and sadness created by these.
July 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
I know, we can only move forward.
Let me tell you: there are so many things that we do now, that need to not be carried on any longer, or the energy spent/energy needed/energy attainable ratios are WAY off.
Property and land owning is a mental idea, that say, stewardship on one end of the spectrum, but the other end says "profit" and as you can tell, when speculation on a value price for land, or use of land is the prime driver, you get balloon effects, that push people to buy more and turn it over just to maintain their status, let alone profit.
July 22, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
I know one thing the Indians are pissed at: not doing a better job of controlling immigration!
July 22, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
For the sake of heritage and historical knowledge, doing surveys and studies with my tax dollars (yes Early, despite what you "envision" that's how this stuff really works) is acceptable to me on a reasonable basis. Just like with early settlements, antebellum, Civil War and other eras.
But that's it. Being Indian isn't a lottery and they don't deserve anything special. Should we give British-Americans back "their" land which we unfairly stole during the American Revolution? Many of them left back to Great Britain, to Canada, or to the Caribbean and would maybe like "their land" returned to them in some sort of genealogical lottery if they can prove their bloodline.
The right of conquest is an undeniable historical fact. Is anyone proposing solving the Israel - Palestine thing now by giving the area back to the conquered Phoenicians? Why not, it was theirs first. How about the poor Celts, conquered by the Normans in 1066?
History moves on, people need to also.
July 22, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ladyg (anonymous) says...
My maternal grandmother was full Cherokee and my maternal grandfather's last name was "Falls," so he most likely was of Indian heritage as well. I never knew either of them. My paternal grandmother was 1/2 Cherokee, and my paternal grandfather's family was from England. I was raised and live no differently than probably millions of other Americans who have Native American blood in their lineage. I believe all of us who legitimately can claim Native American heritage should stand up and be counted, not for the purpose of any benefit to us, but to display the strength, fortitude, and undying spirit of those who came before us, and to honor them by showing what successes we have become despite the injustice they suffered. I did not inherit the culture and traditions specifically, and no emphasis has ever been placed on my Indian heritage, but I know that part of what is good about me and who I am as a person, is directly tied to those "Native Americans" from whom I descend.
I feel the same way about my Confederate heritage, and my Christian heritage. Something many people don't understand as being a good thing. We are more than the sum of our parts, but the "parts" do work into the overall equation.
July 22, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
So Gadsden what you are saying here is, the "American Indians" were brought here not here by nature, I would say god But, I don't wan to offend non believers. Not being a smart a** I really would like to know your opinion
July 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
Ok. Thank you Jane. Either way, they were here first LOL
July 22, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Jane, that is what I learned also. And I do not know why we call them Native Americans when this land was not called America when they first inherited it. Can someone enlighten me?
July 22, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dixiegrl98 (anonymous) says...
The cherokee have managed to buy back and currently own most of their land,run a very succesful casino,and yes...use the phrase native american on everything from shop windows to their museum,so obviously they are comfortable using this phrase.one of my best friends for a while grew up there,she told me about how bad the reservation schools need help,how many people she knows who are diabetic,so if the state of south carolina wants to fund a few grants,why not?blacks and mexicans alike get grants from different organizations,among other things,why not native americans?Lord knows,they haven't complained about the past and I think that deserves a better future.
July 22, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rollo (anonymous) says...
Tribal membership is the factor.
My Mothers' and my Fathers' families walked away from their respective membership generations ago. Since then we have been Americans.
July 22, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
It is a shame how Jane seems very critical and not very proud of her cultural/racial heritage. She speaks only of the negative aspects of the various Indian cultures. However, there were many wondrous aspects of Indian culture and anyone who shares that lineage should be VERY proud of their association with any of the tribes.
I on the other hand display my pride in my ethnic/racial/cultural heritage. I've taught my own children the history of their ancestors (warts and all). We cook the food, listen and dance to the music and fly the flags of our racial/ethnic ancestry. Most of all I've taught them to respect those who do not share in our ancestry. They've also learned through the military service of both of their parents the importance and glory of their American citizenship and all that it entails.
ALL that we are have made us better Americans.
FYI - America is the ONLY nation on this planet that is not based on ethnicity or race. It is based on a set of ideals that have since become cultural in nature:
FREEDOM AND SELF-DETERMINATION.
So when people decry anyone showing pride in their heritage and claim the only pride we should have is in being Americans, they are being very short-sighted.
Now I don't advocate the use of the politically correct hyphenation such as African-American, Asian-American, etc. If you are a citizen you should refer to yourself simply as an American. However I don't have a problem with anyone celebrating their particular racial or ethnic heritage so long as it does not denigrate others or expect government preferential treatment via the passage of laws or extraordinary use of tax dollars.
Jane: government dollars have been used to research and celebrate Confederate history, White history, Black history and even the history of the state bird, the Carolina Wren (the South Carolina State Museum is a prime example of that).
IMHO using funds to conduct a survey is innocuous enough, especially if the information gathered is used primarily for information purposes such as determining demographics, etc.
July 23, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rollo (anonymous) says...
eyfigueroa;
..."determining demographics, etc."
To what end? Unless one is engaged in some criminal enterprise, the way they live is none of gov'ts' business. And even if that is the case, the criminals' lineage is entirely irrelevant.
So, to what use could those demographics be put? Another offer to grant one group some special favors or privilege?
NO!! I say it's time the gov't quit dividing us into groups and then pitting one group against another to compete for favors!!!
Now, you are smart enough to see the pattern here, your own post proves that, but what happens next? Someone in gov't says "Oh, look at all these Cherokee descendants, we need to do something for them!" Then another group pops up and complains,"Hey, you all never did that for us!", And pretty soon, gov't is spending taxpayers money on things for groups that those groups never cared enough about to try to raise the money so they could do that for themselves!
Then the gov't comes back to the taxpayer and says,"We, uh, we spent all your money trying to make all these groups happy, so now we have no money to pay the police force and pick up the trash, and fix the roads, so, you're going to have to give us more money."
You Know it's True!!!!!
July 23, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Laurel_LaFlamme (anonymous) says...
"Indians, Indians...come out, come out where ever you are! We want to study you." A little late seeing as the event to take surveys & collect information from the surviving Indians...is tomorrow! I only accidentally found it.
I'm certain that the Minority Commission wants to "help" these American Indians. Perhaps help them get set up and registered for contracting work and monies already earmarked for Minorities in SC. However, the PR campaign is not shining very well right now.
I have seen nothing online except this lone article. I have seen NO public service announcements, heard radio spots...nothing. How are all these people going to be reached?
I am not criticizing their efforts, it just goes to prove my point - when you really want to help someone YOU SCREAM IT FROM THE RAFTERS AND ROOFTOPS - get "grass roots" on it if you have to!
Lame attempts to announce "we're here to help you so come out and participate on short notice" is just not enough to be considered a real effort.
I hope the August 9th event is better publicized than this.
Also, I wonder why it is only 'now' that the push to find the last of our our SC Indian Heritage Peoples is in full effect? Talk about long overdue.
I agree with "Jane" to a great extent. It would be so great to see all Americans helping each other without constraint. When is that going to happen? Get real. Never. The masses don't like to share anything. But the "dream" is real.
In the meantime, remember that affirmative actions are only set in place where a huge disparity already exists. One can argue their opinion til the cows come home, but it's our Government that has set these plans into action. Why shouldn't Minorities take advantage of them?
It does not give anyone an "unfair" advantage. Helping others get a "leg up" only serves to strengthen our society and economy as a whole. It's good for the masses...but then again, the masses don't like to share...anything. And we're back to "that" again. It's a vicious cycle of rhetoric.
BTW - excellent comment thread.
July 25, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JLMorningMist (anonymous) says...
I had been told of this meeting by a friend and have spent this morning reading the comments on the article. I have spent years searching for the TRUTH of what happen to the Native People living on the land of what is now known as the Americans when the European people arrived. It was only in my first college history course that I first learned a few truths as my teacher did not teach from the book. Now I find it fitting that in a place as Charleston there is an effort being made to see how many Native People are in the area. Why Charleston - This is where some Native People, who were slaves, were shipped out to Barbados and other islands while the people of Africa were being brought in to replace them. Many Native people on the east coat of this country who did not die of disease or in battle, for them to live on the only land they knew, were captured and made slaves. Those who were made slaves knew the land and did not know how to plant rice so they were shipped away and the African people were shipped here.
Native people, who lived east of the Mississippi River were allowed to be killed on site if they practiced their beliefs or if men wore there hair long or if a man or woman wore their traditional clothing. This happened in the late 1800's to the early 1900's so they hid who they were and did not dare speak to their children of their heritage. This was not that long ago. In the 1950's through today those who practice their beliefs the Native way are treated by others in the community as outcasts. However now many don't care because their pride has grown. Who they are, their spirit, is strong and the path they are walking is the one that God the Creator intended.
As this pride is being felt for their heritage again there are those who want them to disapear into the mass of Americans who don't care to know about their history in this country. Or maybe they actually don't care about the TRUTHS of what happen in the last 500 years to bring us to where this country is today. And I am speaking of ALL TRUTHS. The history most know about this nation was written by white men, who we are told were Christians, and how they wanted their ancestors to remember them.
Celebrate today the fact that now the Native People can get together to celebrate their heritage with pride. If you feel it is wrong they will get some advantage from the the government don't worry. They will have to fight for anything they get. Those that know the truths of their ancestors know the fight.
I am of Native heritage.
Morning Mist
July 26, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.