The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs and the Native American Communities in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties are in the process of gathering data, opinions and ideas from members of the State’s Native American communities. On July 26, the SC Commission for Minority Affairs and the Trident Region Native American Communities will conduct a Needs Assessment Survey from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Ridge Baptist Church in Summerville, S.C.  

All individuals of Native American descent living in the Trident Region are invited to attend and express their opinions. The event is being hosted by the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians and the Edisto Tribe.

After the surveys are completed and returned, the SC Commission for Minority Affairs will compile the data and present the information to the native community for further comment by Oct. 9 and results will be reviewed by the Native American Advisory Committee at a meeting tentatively scheduled for Oct. 28. This meeting is open to the public and all are invited to attend.

Assistance will be provided during the survey. Individual comments will be kept confidential. Only staff of SC Commission for Minority Affairs will review individual responses and prepare a summary document. If you are unable to attend on this date, contact Marcy L. Hayden at (803) 333-9621 ext. 23, with the SC Commission for Minority Affairs or you may contact one of the following Native American entities:

Santee Indian Organization

(803) 496-7169