Siiting Down With Cathryn Nelson

Join us for a meaningful conversation with **Catherine Nelson**—educator, mother, ministry leader, and advocate for Native American history, culture, and community outreach in South Carolina. Catherine shares her personal journey as a woman of Ojibwe/Chippewa and English-Celtic heritage, her years teaching in South Carolina, and the experiences that led her to support Native communities. After recognizing that Native American students were often misidentified or left out of official records, she became involved with the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe in the Cottageville and Ridgeville area and began a lifelong commitment to education, cultural understanding, and service. Through Keepers of the Word, a Native-to-Native outreach ministry, Catherine and others have worked to support Native elders, preserve cultural traditions, and share hope with families across South Carolina. This discussion also explores the complex history of Native Americans in South Carolina, including citizenship, voting access, education, religious freedom, early Spanish expeditions, treaty history, and the long-lasting effects of discrimination and exclusion. The conversation highlights the importance of listening to Native voices and recognizing the stories that are often missing from traditional history lessons. At the Museum of Church History, visitors can learn more about the 1721 treaty, Native American heritage in South Carolina, the developing 1721 village, and the many cultural demonstrations, artifacts, stories, and educational experiences that help history come alive. In this video: Meet Catherine Nelson and learn about her Native heritage The work of Keepers of the Word Supporting Native American elders through the Elder Basket Program Native American history, citizenship, voting, and education in South Carolina The impact of restrictions on Native cultural and religious expression Indigenous perspectives on early South Carolina history The 1721 treaty and the history of Native peoples in Lexington and Calhoun counties Faith, unity, respect, and serving every community with dignity As Catherine shares through the words of the song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” our faith should be seen in the way we honor, serve, and care for one another. Visit the Museum of Church History to explore the stories, cultures, and people who have helped shape South Carolina and the Christian story across generations. #NativeAmericanHistory #IndigenousHistory #SouthCarolinaHistory #ChurchHistory #KeepersOfTheWord #MuseumOfChurchHistory #ChristianUnity #NativeAmericanHeritage #FaithAndHistory #ElderBasketProgram