At the Upstate Chapter’s November meeting on November 19, 2024, Chief Lamar Nelson of the Eastern Cherokee Southern Iroquois United Tribes of South Carolina delivered an inspiring talk that left attendees with a deeper appreciation for South Carolina’s Native history and its enduring connections to the land. As a tribal leader and archaeologist, Chief Nelson wove together personal stories, cultural insights, and historical revelations into a compelling narrative.
Chief Nelson shared his journey growing up connected to the outdoors, learning about native plants and traditions from his grandmother, and unearthing arrowheads in his father’s garden. His passion for his heritage came alive as he described South Carolina’s first inhabitants, dating back 25,000 years, and the tools and ingenuity that allowed them to survive. With vivid detail, he recounted how these early peoples hunted mastodons and later developed farming, pottery, and permanent villages. Artifacts he brought—some over 12,000 years old—served as a powerful connection to this rich past.
He also spoke candidly about the challenges his tribe faces today, from the loss of ancestral lands to the erasure of Native cultures. His voice grew passionate as he described his dream of creating a Native American research museum and reclaiming land for cultural preservation, education, and planting native species like river cane. “My ancestors are buried under 150 feet of water at Lake Keowee,” he said, a poignant reminder of the displacement Native peoples have endured.
Chief Nelson left the audience inspired with his closing message of stewardship and hope: to honor history, preserve the environment, and advocate for the voices of South Carolina’s Native peoples. His words and artifacts brought history to life and served as a call to action for everyone in attendance.
