The Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Waccamaw-Siouan people have lived near Lake Waccamaw since after they had conflict with the state of South Carolina in the 1700s (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). They are very connected to Lake Waccamaw, and believe that a falling meteor formed the creator that became the lake (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). They call themselves the “People of the Falling Star” after this legend (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). Their tribe was originally known as the Waccamusses, but this current tribe is different from the Waccamaw that are located in other southern states (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). There are currently approximately 2000 members living in and around the community (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). They have a large Powwow event every year, this year being their 44th (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014).

 

The community does provide some services to their members, including tribal housing a Drum Circle group for youth, and child care services (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). A Tribal Council and Chief also govern them. The chief position was, for many years, passed down, but in recent years has become an elected position (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). Their culture and crafts are a huge part of their identity.

 

Quilting is an extremely important practice for the Waccamaw-Siouan. In 1993 they were featured in a documentary on quilters that was funded by the NC Arts Council (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). They hold a festival and quilt show, the Annual American Quilt Show, every year since 1997 (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014). This is held during the NC Indian Unity Conference. One of the quilters, who has since passed away, was honored with a North Carolina Folk Heritage Award for her quilting (Waccamaw-Siouan, 2014).