South Carolina tribes welcomed state recognition in 2004 but say they haven't seen too many benefits.

Through the Commission for Minority Affairs, the state has recognized five tribes, three groups and one special interest organization. The Catawba Nation is the only federally recognized tribe.

The state tribes hoped they would receive more funding and assistance with their new status. But they haven't been able to tap into federal or state grants.

�It took 20 years of fighting to get recognition. It might take another 20 years to get some of those things," Chief Buster Hatcher of the Waccamaw Tribe told The State newspaper.

Get the Story:
Tribes seek more than words (The State 11/1)
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Relevant Links:
South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs - http://www.state.sc.us/cma

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