S.C. recognizes Chickasaw tribe

Associated Press,

COLUMBIA -- After having its application for tribal state recognition rejected in February, the Chaloklowa Chickasaws have received state recognition as an American Indian group.

Chaloklowa Chickasaw group member Patsy Tanner said the group's application for state recognition as a tribe was rejected earlier this year because of a lack of genealogy records but she was pleased with Tuesday's action by the state Commission for Minority Affairs.

"(Recognition) isn't going to change my feelings as being a true Native American," she said. "The fact that we're recognized means we'll be able to focus on our Native American issues. Our group is mostly family. It's like a big family reunion."

Chaloklowa Chickasaw Vice Chief Joe Tanner said state recognition is about tribal identification. "It all gives us satisfaction of recognition -- of being who we are," he said. "It doesn't change anything else."

The commission classifies American Indian groups applying for state recognition into three levels: special interest organization, group or tribe. The requirements to gain state recognition as a tribe are much stiffer than those of a group or special interest organization.

"This is a giant step for the Native American communities on a state level," Patsy Tanner said.

There are 176 members of the Chaloklowa Chickasaw Indians of Florence, Marion and Williamsburg counties.

Joe Tanner said the group plans to reapply for tribal state recognition in September.

The Waccamaw Indian People and the Pee Dee Nation of Upper South Carolina were granted recognition as tribes by the commission in February.

The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina.