Catawba Nation elects first women to council

Monday, July 30, 2007  

When the Catawba Nation of South Carolina went to the polls earlier this month, they made history in more ways than one.

Tribal voters elected Melissa Funderburk and Leigh Anne Bickett to the council. The pair are the first women to win an elected office and the first to serve on the council since 1973.

Catawba women have traditionally held leadership roles. But European settlers refused to negotiate with women, so men took more prominent positions, said Funderburk.

Other elected officials include chief Donald Rodgers, assistant chief Gene Blue, secretary/treasurer Jason Harris. Butch Sanders and John Williford were elected to the council.

Get the Story:
Women win two top spots (The Rock Hill Herald 7/28)

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

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