Government

Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Federally Recognize Wassamasaw Tribe

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
CREDIT: Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Lowcountry mayors have expressed public support for a bill that would extend federal recognition to the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace officially introduced legislation, H.R.5083, to Congress on Friday.

“I eagerly await its consideration by relevant congressional committees,” Mace said.

The bill has the backing of Moncks Corner Mayor Michael Lockliear, Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib, Summerville Mayor Ricky Waring, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Edisto Beach Mayor Crawford Moore. Over the last several months, they’ve all written letters urging lawmakers to grant the tribe’s petition for federal status.

“I am especially encouraged to submit my letter of support due to the strong local connection
to the Moncks Corner area,” Lockliear wrote in February. “We ask that full consideration be given to the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians under all appropriate guidelines and regulations.”

Letters Supporting Wassamasaw Tribe’s Federal Recognition:

According to Wassamasaw Chief Lisa Collins, gaining federal status will make it easier for the tribe to shape its future and preserve its ancestral lands and sacred traditions.

“With recognition comes access to vital resources, vitalizing our communities with healthcare, education, and economic prospects,” she said. “Preserving our cultural heritage is paramount, and recognition affirms our contributions to the nation’s history, nurturing our traditions for generations to come.”

“Collaboration becomes a driving force, uniting native communities and amplifying our collective voice. This recognition ignites economic development, fostering opportunities for growth, prosperity, and shared progress within our territories and beyond,” she continued.” Educational horizons broaden, strengthening cultural education and knowledge sharing. Federal recognition is more than an acknowledgment; it is a catalyst for change, healing historical wounds, and building bridges towards a brighter, self-determined future for our people.”


The Wassamasaw Tribe is a Native American community, which is located near present-day Carnes Crossroads between the major towns of Summerville, Moncks Corner and Goose Creek. The tribe descends from the original Etiwan, Edisto, Catawba, Cherokee, and other settlement Indians.

“The Tribe has been recorded as living in South Carolina as early as 1562,” Mayor Habib wrote in his letter. “The Wassamasaw Tribe and people have a long-demonstrated history of community, authority and political influence.”

In 2005 the Wassamasaw Tribe gained recognition as an Indian Group and again in 2009 as a Native Tribe through the Commission for Minority Affairs as the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians.

The tribe currently consists of approximately 1,500 members within the extended community. Collins said the tribe continues to push for outreach and recognition on all levels to preserve its history and traditions of the community and provide economic enhancement for the people.

“Having a historical record of living in South Carolina since before European settlement, the Wassamasaw are one of the most respected Native American groups in our state. Moreover, since our agency’s inception in 1993, they have been an integral part of our Native American Affairs Advisory Board that advocates on behalf of Native American communities,” said Delores Dacosta, executive director for the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs.

“It is our sincere belief that gaining federal recognition will assist them in their continued efforts to protect and maintain their traditions and culture,” Dacosta continued.

H.R.5083 is still in the very early stages of the legislative process, so there’s no hard date as to when it could possibly be sent over to the House or Senate for consideration.

In Nov. 2021, Mace introduced a similar bill, H.R.5822, to extend federal recognition to the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of South Carolina. However, the proposed legislation never made it past the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

Joshua Shumak, a spokesperson for the tribe, told The Berkeley Observer that they have upcoming meetings with Sen. Graham’s office, Sen. Tim Scott’s office and Congressman Jim Clyburn’s office.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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