Columbia Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Columbia, S.C. — This November, the stunning state of South Carolina is rolling out the red carpet to honor its Native American Heritage Month. Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed this special month to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Native Americans in the Palmetto State. Joshua Shumak from the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs (CMA) emphasized just how vital this observance is. “It’s just a time of recognizing them, putting awareness to them, because it’s such a small population in one of the fastest-growing states. That is great to see that the governor coming to address this and commune with the Native tribes,” he noted.
The Significance of Native American Heritage Month
This month isn’t just a calendar mark; it’s a time to shine a spotlight on the unique cultures, traditions, and histories that are woven into the fabric of South Carolina. Shumak pointed out, “We have people in communities in the state that have existed before the United States was even founded. We have communities that were contacted by the British government and had treaties with them. We have some of these cultural practices and traditions that span thousands of years being practiced right in your backyard with people that are your neighbors.”
With a mosaic of cultures, South Carolina is home to 10 recognized tribes, four state-recognized groups, and one special interest organization. According to CMA, around 11,000 individuals in the state identify as Native American. This is a population that is both rich in history and vibrant in today’s society.
Voices from the Community
Chief Eric Pratt of the Santee Indian Organization spoke about the need for more recognition. “We are still here, and we want to let people know that we’re still here, and we’re really not going anywhere,” he shared. His call to action is clear: “We just want a lot more people to just see us for who we are.”
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing. Chief Pratt highlighted significant challenges that the community faces, particularly concerning land access. “Native Americans don’t have the land for being able to grow their own crops. These big developments step in and build houses everywhere and take up a lot of the farmland throughout the state,” he lamented. The struggle for land continues to be a pressing issue, and with rapid development, the fight for agricultural space becomes ever crucial.
Contributions and Strengths
But it’s not all about challenges. The contributions of Native Americans to South Carolina are worth celebrating. The CMA proudly points out that Native Americans serve in the military in higher numbers compared to other demographics. “We have veterans from Native tribes, and the native tribes contribute to the army in far larger numbers in comparison to any other population group,” Shumak stated.
Beyond military service, Native Americans are also players in local economies. “They hire in our community. They are business leaders, they are nonprofit leaders, and they also want to contribute to a more equitable and better society for South Carolina,” Shumak added, emphasizing the positive impact Native Americans have in various spheres.
A Special Day to Honor Heritage
Circle November 29th on your calendar, as it has been marked as South Carolina’s Native American Heritage Day. This is a perfect opportunity for everyone to come together, learn about the local tribes, and appreciate the rich heritage that our Native American friends bring to the state.
As we celebrate this month, let’s dive deeper into the histories, struggles, and triumphs of Native Americans in South Carolina. It’s a time not just for recognition but for education and unity.
