January 28, 2006 – Three more American Indian groups have been
officially recognized as tribes in South Carolina.
The tribes are the Pee Dee Indian Tribe of South Carolina, the Beaver Creek
Indians and the Santee Indian Organization. Each received the recognition
Friday from the state Commission for Minority Affairs.
They join the Waccamaw Indian People and the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Upper
South Carolina, which were the first two tribes recognized in the state.
The Santee tribe has about 600 members and is based in Holly Hill. Chief
James Caulder says his Pee Dee Indian Tribe has about 2,000 members and is based
in Marlboro County.
Chief Louie Chavis says the Beaver Creek tribe has roots in Orangeburg County
and now has an office in Aiken County. The tribe has 950 members.