In the last months of 2022 the Wassamasaw Tribe began its pursuit of Federal recognition. On 7/28/2023 Nancy Mace’s office submitted a bill to extend Federal Recognition to the Wassamasaw Tribe,

"Federal recognition stands as a cornerstone of our tribe's journey, honoring our sovereignty and cultural essence. It empowers us with self-governance, allowing us to shape our future while safeguarding our ancestral lands and sacred traditions. With recognition comes access to vital resources, vitalizing our communities with healthcare, education, and economic prospects. Preserving our cultural heritage is paramount, and recognition affirms our contributions to the nation's history, nurturing our traditions for generations to come. Collaboration becomes a driving force, uniting native communities and amplifying our collective voice. This recognition ignites economic development, fostering opportunities for growth, prosperity, and shared progress within our territories and beyond. Educational horizons broaden, strengthening cultural education and knowledge sharing. Federal recognition is more than an acknowledgment; it is a catalyst for change, healing historical wounds, and building bridges towards a brighter, self-determined future for our people."

- Chief Lisa Collins

Currently the Wassamasaw Tribe has the support of the Mayors of Goose Creek, Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Moncks Corner, and the Town of Edisto Beach.

The Wassamasaw Tribe currently has the support of representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs, as well as Governor McMaster

The Wassamasaw Tribe currently has the support of Berkeley and Dorchester Counties for our Federal Recognition

The Wassamasaw Tribe is grateful to have the support of South Carolina historical and educational institutions like the USC Native American Studies Center and the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center.

News Coverage of our Federal Bill

https://www.live5news.com/2023/08/11/we-are-still-here-berkeley-co-wassamasaw-tribe-asks-federal-recognition/

https://www.berkeleyobserver.com/2023/08/03/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-bill-to-federally-recognize-wassamasaw-tribe/

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/wassamasaw-indians-seek-federal-recognition-and-the-benefits-that-bestows/article_2b6d6a98-41ce-11ee-9b9d-dfeb2c0fc273.html