How is the Catawba Indian nation organized?
The Catawba tribe has their own reservation, which belongs to them and is legally under their control. The Catawbas have their own government, laws, police, and other services, just like a small country. However, the US government still considers the Catawbas citizens and controls some of their decisions. In the past, the Catawba tribe was ruled by a chief from a leading clan. Today, the Catawbas are governed by a tribal council whose members are elected. What language do the Catawbas speak? The Catawba people speak English today. In the past, they spoke their native Catawba language. Unfortunately, no Catawba Indian people are fluent in this language anymore. However, some Catawbas are working to learn to speak their language again. If you’d like to know an easy Catawba word, hawoh (pronounced hah-woh) means ‘thank you.’ You can also read this picture glossary of Catawba Indian words. What was Catawba culture like in the past? What is it like now? Here is a link to the home page of th
