Catawba Indian Nation in Rock Hill feels coronavirus impacts
Coronavirus has led to canceled events at the Catawba Indian Nation near Rock Hill, said Elizabeth Harris, tribal administrator.
Harris said much of the tribe’s staff is working remotely, with the exception of essential employees.
Harris said no tribe members have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Essential areas include public works, roads and accounting, according to a post on the Nation’s Facebook page.
“The Catawba Nation has been working hard to maintain operations during this difficult time,” Harris said in an e-mail to The Herald. “Of course we have felt the impact like everyone else.”
The cultural center and gift shop are closed, along with recreation areas on the reservation.
All Catawba events and meetings are canceled at least through the end of the month, Harris said.
Child care programs are closed through April 30.
Meals for children are available from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. weekdays at the Catawba Indian Reservation Longhouse. The Rock Hill school district is providing meals for children at multiple community sites.
Members of the tribe continue helping families and senior citizens with meals and other assistance, Harris said. For more information, call 803-328-2208 for seniors or 803-415-4252 for family assistance.
The Catawba Nation is the only federally-recognized tribe in South Carolina. The Catawba Indian Nation’s reservation and tribal headquarters sits on about 700 acres just east of Rock Hill.
Harris said coronavirus has not had any major impacts on the Nation’s planned casino in Kings Mountain, N.C. Tribal leaders announced last month that a federal decision has paved the way for a casino in Cleveland County.
Tribe officials have not announced when construction would start on the casino.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 2:49 PM.
