The Robert Davidson Center, 113 Tee Pee Ln., Ridgeville, is being rebuild, using federal, state and local funds. The building will be used as the headquarters for the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of S.C., replacing the current headquarters at 1125 Ridge Rd.
The new building will be used for tribal governing and expansion of cultural and educational programming.
Robert Davidson was the first chief of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe in 1972, when the tribe became a governing body recognized by the state. He was instrumental in having Native American children integrated into the local school systems.
The funding for the new building was coordinated with former Chief Andy Spell, who worked with the Dorchester County Council which donated $150,000 toward the project. Additional funds are being sought through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another $18,000 was contributed by Rehoboth Farms LLC.
Permits for demolition of the old building were obtained May 5, and the structure has now been demolished, said councilmember Brian Colemen. After numerous delays, work is continuing on the reconstruction with completion expected by the end of the year. “God’s delays are not denials,” said Chief John G. Creel.
The council discussed the new building in its June 2 meeting. Other discussion included the Tribal Council’s continuing work on the petition for Federal Tribal Recognition and the postponement of the annual pow-wow until October 9-10 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
The next Tribal Council meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled July 7 at 6 p.m. at 1125 Ridge Rd., Ridgeville.
