1. The Catawba Indian Nation Today
Learn more at

2. The Catawba Indian Nation
The Catawba Indian Nation became a Federally recognized Indian Tribe in 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 2,900 tribal members nationwide. The majority still live in York County.

4. 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

5. Old Reservation: 700 acres
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

6. Vicinity Map

7. 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

8. Tribe’s Strategic Vision
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

9. Planning for the Future
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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Virtual Tour of the Catawba Nation

13. Longhouse
The Longhouse is the administrative building for government operations. It houses many tribal departments.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Green Earth Community

18. 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

19. 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

20. Housing Units
124 single and multi-family rental units in the Green Earth Community
45 rental units in Yesebehena Village

21. 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.

22. Thank you!