Catawba Cultural Center
“Tanake” means welcome in the language of the Catawba Indians. You’re invited to share the Native American way firsthand with Ye Iswa… “The People of the River.” The Catawba Indian Nation, the only federally-recognized Native American tribe in South Carolina, first settled this land along the Catawba River at the North/South Carolina Border, prior to the influx of English and Scotch-Irish settlers.
Today, the Catawba Cultural Preservation Project on the Catawba Indian Reservation strives to preserve, protect, promote, and maintain the rich cultural heritage of the Catawba Indian Nation. Housed in the old Reservation Schoolhouse, the Cultural Center includes a crafts store featuring distinctive Catawba pottery, jewelry, Native American books, literature, and crafts. Changing exhibits are presented for viewing, and they give you a glimpse into the Catawba past.
The Center produces tours with a variety of programs that may include Catawba history and storytelling sessions, language presentations, pottery demonstrations, drumming and dancing performances, and educational, hands-on archaeology programs. Special arrangements can also be made for a traditional Catawba Indian meal. These are available by appointment. An annual festival, Yap Ye Iswa (Day of the Catawba) is held each November.
Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Catawba Cultural Center's Location
Need Directions? Just enter a starting address below.
