The South Carolina Supreme Court is holding oral arguments on Tuesday in the Catawba Nation's school fees case.

A lower court judge ruled that the tribe owes the Rock Hill public school district $1 million for educating Catawba children. The fees are allegedly owed under a special act of Congress in 1993 that settled the tribe's land claim.

The tribe says the fee amount was improperly calculated. The tribe says it should be charged only for tribal members who live on the reservation, not for all Native students.

The tribe also wants credit for property taxes paid by tribal members and the tribe.

Get the Story:
Court to hear school fee suit (The Rock Hill Herald 3/5)

Settlement Act Court Decision:
Catawba Nation v. South Carolina (December 13, 2005)

Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act:
Public Law No: 103-116

Relevant Links:
Catawba Cultural Preservation Project - http://www.ccppcrafts.com

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