Wassamasaw Annual Pow Wow

The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians will host their annual Pow Wow event on Saturday, October 21 at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner. The daylong event will include a tribal history exhibit on display; performances of dancing, singing, and drumming; and demonstrations of traditional crafts like pottery and beadwork, among other activities. SC Humanities supported this program with a Mini Grant.

The Wassamasaw Tribe is a Native American community, which is located near present-day Carnes Crossroads between the major towns of Summerville, Moncks Corner and Goose Creek. The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians are descendants from the original Etiwan, Edisto, Catawba, Cherokee, and other Settlement Indians, and the tribe is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Charleston, South Carolina. 

The Wassamasaw Pow Wow is a vibrant annual event showcasing the cultural heritage, music, dance, storytelling, and craftmanship of the Wassamasaw community. The exhibit Honoring our Heritage: The Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians created in partnership with the Berkeley County Museum will be on display all day. There will also be an exhibition of Marsh Tackey horses that discusses this unique breed and how it connects to tribal history. Demonstrations and dances take place thoughout the day. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $8 for tribal members. Children 5 and under and seniors over 65 are free. More information about the event can be found HERE.

The Pow Wow will take place at Old Santee Canal Park (900 Stoney Landing Road, Moncks Corner SC 29461) from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

More information about the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians is available on their website: https://www.wassamasawtribe.com/.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.