State recognition will improve the way of life for members of the Wassamasaw Tribe of South Carolina, a tribal official said.

Lisa Leach, the tribal administrator, said state recognition will allow tribal members to market and sell their goods as Indian made. She said the tribe will now be eligible to obtain federal funds to start education, housing and economic development programs.

The Wassamasaw Tribe was one of the first two tribes to be recognized by the state's Commission for Minority Affairs. The Pee Dee Nation was the other tribe.

Get the Story:
State recognition first step in bringing better services to local Native Americans, region's tribal leaders say (The Orangeburg Times and Democrat 5/10)

Relevant Links:
South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs - http://www.state.sc.us/cma

Related Stories:
Two South Carolina tribes win state recognition (02/18)
Editorial: Nothing to fear with state recognition (12/01)
Preliminary recognition for South Carolina tribes (11/30)
State recognition expected for South Carolina tribes (11/29)