Native American Studies Center Hosts Press Conference, Panel Discussion on Columbus

Discussing the growing controversy over Columbus Day celebrations and Columbus statues, USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center will host a virtual press conference and panel discussion on Zoom from noon-1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12.

Photo: Dr. Brooke Bauer, USC Lancaster’s Co-Director of Native American Studies, will join a panel of scholars and South Carolina Native leaders on Monday, Oct. 12 at noon to discuss the growing controversy over Columbus Day celebrations and statues.  Held on Monday, Oct. 12 from noon-1:30 p.m., pre- registration is required by contacting USCL’s Native American Studies Center at [email protected].  Photo courtesy of Mandy Catoe. 

The panel will be moderated by USC Lancaster Anthropology Instructor Christopher Judge, who will introduce the panel and make introductory remarks.  Statements will first be given by Chief Michelle Mitchum of the Pine Hill Indian Community Development Initiative, followed by Chief Harold Hatcher of the Waccamaw Indian People, USCL Instructor of African American Studies and History Adam Biggs, and USC Lancaster Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of Native American Studies Dr. Brooke Bauer, a citizen of Catawba Nation.  Bauer will summarize the discussion before a Q&A session is opened up to Zoom participants.

“The closer one looks at Columbus, it becomes clearer that the Columbus controversy is multifaceted,” said Judge.  “The facets include erroneous depiction of continental discovery, the false and enduring historical narrative institutionalized and taught to American youth, and the misappropriation of Native American culture in the name of America, Columbus, and sports teams. South Carolina’s Native American leaders have been urging USCL’s Native American Studies faculty since 2006, ‘tell our true story,’ and this panel will help tell that story.”

Pre-registration for this Zoom event is required.  Registrants will receive the Meeting ID and Passcode 24 hours before the event.  To register, send an email to [email protected].

For more information, contact Native American Studies Center Archaeologist Christopher Judge at [email protected].