WACCAMAW INDIAN PEOPLE
We are the first tribe in the State of South Carolina to obtain official recognition from the South Carolina Office of Vital Statistics. Additionally, the Waccamaw gained approval from the Governor’s Minority Affairs Ad Hoc Committee on Indian Recognition as an Indian Tribe as defined in the State of South Carolina.
At the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs meeting on February 17, 2005, the Waccamaw Indian People made history by becoming the first of two state recognized tribes in the history of the state of South Carolina. Today there are eight state – recognized tribes in South Carolina.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 PAUWAU
We're all a little anxious to resume traditions, and this is a tradition dating back almost 30 years.
Currently, we are planning to hold our annual pauwau on Saturday and Sunday, 11/2-3/2024. We have until 8/31/2024 to cancel if COVID numbers spike again and will keep everyone updated.
We believe that masking and social distancing are important and want to prevent the spread of the virus. We ask that everyone do their own part in making this pauwau as safe as possible. We look forward to seeing everyone again!
Walk easy
PAUWAU PREP
We are always looking for volunteers, especially during setup. Pauwau setup day is 10/30/2024 this year. The Pauwau is 11/2-3/2024. If you’re interested, let us know what area you'd like to work in and availability. If you would like to head an area, there will be a work day so that you know what the committee expects. That date will be announced as we get closer to the Pauwau. Contact Michelle at [email protected] for more information.
SCHOOL DAY
Our School Days event is currently being planned for this year at the tribal grounds, 591 Bluewater Rd, Aynor, SC. We will keep everyone updated if we need to cancel by 8/31/2024.
For more information on how to register for this event, please contact Susan Hayes-Hatcher at [email protected].
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Our open meetings are held the first Friday of every month, with limited exceptions: in January and December, it is the second Friday & in November, there is no meeting. These meetings are open to the public and begin at 7pm. We hold them in-person as well as via Zoom. If you would like a link to the open meetings, email Michelle at [email protected]
Our Pauwau Committee meetings are held monthly January-October on the second Thursday of each month at the tribal office and via Zoom at 6:30pm. These meetings are open to the public.
TRIBAL GROUNDS
On May 7, 2004, The Waccamaw Indian People acquired 20 acres of land in the Dog Bluff community near Aynor, SC. Because Dog Bluff is the ancestral homeland of the tribe, we are overjoyed to reclaim a piece of our ancestral grounds. This milestone was reached thanks to the generosity of Shaun and Shirley Perkins.
Due to all the rain we had this year and not really recovering from the rain from last year, Mayor Keb Johnson of Aynor graciously offered the use of the Aynor Town Park for our school days and Pauwau this year (2015). Thursday, Friday and Saturday we had wonderful weather, up in the 80’s. Although it was cold and rainy on Sunday, folks braved the weather and came on out. We did have a covered dance arena with the hay bales under it and some bleachers for the public to have other seating.
We are still working on improving our grounds, ie bringing in more dirt to build up the property, building a restroom with showers and putting a new roof on our tribe office.
If you would like to help in this endeavor, please send a note to [email protected] and I will contact you.
Watch us as we continue to grow!
