USC Lancaster Hosts Native American Studies Week

2012 Native American Studies Week Photos

The region we today know as South Carolina has a long and complex history of Native American and European/Euro-American relations. As one of the earliest points of contact between European explorers-DeSoto, Pardo, De Allyon, etc.-the state’s indigenous population was, consequentially, among the first to suffer the destructive effects of colonialism. For over four centuries, South Carolina’s Native groups have struggled to preserve their identity and maintain their traditions. Many were unsuccessful, but others have managed to hold on to their heritage and their traditions. Today, South Carolina is home to ten tribes or groups who have received (or are in the process of receiving) recognition from the state, and over a dozen other separate Native American communities. These communities host powwows and festivals, foster traditional arts and crafts, work to improve health care and education in their regions, and strive to preserve their unique cultural heritage.

Every April, USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Week events are free and open to the public. USCL’s Native American Studies Program is supported by grants from Duke Energy, the Humanities Council SC, and the Lancaster County Arts Council.

For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Criswell, Director of Native American Studies, at 803-313-7108 or by email at criswese@mailbox.sc.edu.