Lamar Nelson: “A History of Our Native People”
Join us for our upcoming monthly meeting, where Tribal Chief Lamar Nelson will share the rich history of Native American people in our region, from the Paleo period to the present. In his engaging talk, Chief Nelson will explore the lives of South Carolina’s Native communities, discussing everything from their clothing, diet, and homes to the medicines and tools they relied on. This is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and traditions of our Native peoples, past and present.
BIO:
Lamar Nelson serves as the dedicated Tribal Chief of the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois, and United Tribes of South Carolina. With an impressive background as an archaeologist and community leader, Chief Nelson was honored as South Carolina’s Archaeologist of the Year in 2012. He combines his extensive archaeological expertise with his roles on the Chiefs Board for the Commission of Minority Affairs and the Native American Studies Center at USC Lancaster, where he actively contributes to cultural preservation and educational initiatives.
With over three decades of experience, Chief Nelson has led major archaeological projects across South Carolina, including the Prehistoric Fisher Site and Walnut Grove, and the recovery of the Walker’s Grist Mill grinding stone. His dedication to public history shines through his outreach efforts, having taught Native American History and Archaeology to school children for over 20 years. In 1998, he founded the Foothills Archaeological Chapter to further promote archaeological awareness.
A respected speaker, Chief Nelson has presented at USC Spartanburg, Clemson University, and Greenville Tech and is a frequent contributor to Native American and archaeological conferences. His publications include a historical book on a local textile mill family and several children’s books focused on Cherokee language and culture. Through his work, Chief Nelson remains a steadfast advocate for the preservation and appreciation of Native American heritage.
For information on how to attend this meeting, please visit the Meeting Event Page.
