The leader of one of four newly state-recognized Native American tribes says the designation serves as a stepping stone toward increased economic development and revitalization of tribal heritage.

The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians was one of six entities that applied in the first round of recognition since the legislators approved the process in May 2004. South Carolina had not recognized any Native American tribes until this year.

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs approved the historically long-standing group and the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of South Carolina, Inc. as Native American tribal groups during a February meeting. The commission approved as Native American tribes the Waccamaw Indian People, many from Horry County community of Dimery, and the Pee Dee Tribe of Upper South Carolina, which is based in Dillon County community of Little Rock.

Neeses resident Lisa Leach, tribal administrator of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians, said recognition was long overdue.

"It's a good thing," said the 32-year-old, who moved to the Neeses area where her father, who is of Cherokee descent, and his family are from. "We felt it was a step in the right direction for the state to at least recognize that we are here, are contributing citizens of the state and that we deserve a voice.

"I think it should have been done years and years ago, but there also needs to be some more avenues for other groups who are truly native to be able to gain recognition in this state. There will be changes to handle some of the problems that cropped up when the first recognition passed."

State-recognized tribes will not receive any state funds, but they will be able to tap into state and federal programs and legally brand their artwork, pottery and other cultural items with their tribal name.

Leach said the significance of state recognition lies in being able to use those state and federal resources to build up tribal communities.

"We're not extinct," she said. "It was historically significant to us. We're of hope that this is just the first step in a long process of bringing programs and services to those communities that have been overlooked by the state for so long. It's not that the state didn't now we were here; it's that they chose not to deal with us."

While acquiring services to combat alcoholism, diabetes and other health matters is a major issue, Leach said education programs, housing and other economic development initiatives to promote tribal pride are also being sought.

"We're hoping to access grants and scholarships that would send our children to school," said Leach, who has a 10-year-old son. "I'm a representative for my people. The reason we're struggling and working is for our children. We want to be able to pass our culture and heritage to them and have them be proud of it."

She said support of tribal council, most of whom are elders, is critical in guiding the tribe in the right direction as it strives to reach higher goals.

"It's not like we're stopping with state recognition. We're revitalizing our heritage and teaching people things that should have been passed down that were not, as traditional beadwork. We've got a lot of firsts in our community," she said, including an elder who was the first Native American businessman to get a business license in the state.

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs reviews applications for three tiers of recognition: tribe, group or special interest organization. Applications are due by Sept. 1 and April 1 each year.

Chief Ricky Bruner of the Croatan Indian Tribe of Orangeburg said his tribe also applied for recognition as a tribal group earlier this year but missed the deadline by two hours.

He said the tribe will resubmit its application to the commission later this year. Orangeburg County Council passed a resolution during a March 21 meeting supporting the tribe and its application.

"We've been getting all the information compiled for about three years now. State recognition will open doors to resources and hopefully can be used for funding for scholarship programs, elderly care and medical needs," he said, noting the local recognition means more to him than anything else.

The tribe has also already applied for a federal strategic planning grant to be able to hire consultants for the continued development of its native village and cultural center.

The tribe is also pursuing federal support beyond funding. Tribal member April Fields is now working as an intern at the White House in Washington, where Bruner said she has a chance to lobby for increased attention to Native American social issues.

"The (village and cultural center) project will benefit the community and state as well as include education programs to teach to general population how crafts are made and a little about our history and existence," Bruner said.

Barbara MorningStar Paul, the commission's program coordinator for Native American Affairs, said she is pleased the state recognition process has given Native Americans the attention they deserve.

"It's a wonderful thing," she said. "For 500 years, these folks have not been allowed the dignity, respect and honor that they certainly deserve as the first people here, but this finally allows the state to look at them and say, 'We're recognizing your place in history in this state.'"

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