New Connections

There are eight state-recognized tribes in North Carolina, including the Waccamaw Siouan – made up of around 1,600 members. The Waccamaw Siouan, or “People of the Fallen Star,” have lived on the lands between the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Cape Fear Rivers for thousands of years. Despite their longstanding presence and stewardship of this land, the Waccamaw Siouan have at times been isolated by the surrounding community, often unacknowledged on their own ancestral land, which can make visiting spaces like national parks a painful experience. The opportunity to return to this land in a symbolic homecoming, while learning and celebrating their history and simultaneously healing from past trauma, was the focus of Ashley Lomboy when she started the Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio. The grassroots organization now provides STEM education programs to tribal youth who have encountered these moments of exclusion and lack of recognition. And these programs are critical in connecting Waccamaw Siouan youth to their culture, language, and practices.

One of the organization’s programs, funded in part by a Junior Ranger Angler grant, invited local tribal youth to learn about their history through fishing among family and community. Last year, the program has engaged 350 young adults, more than half of whom had never visited the park site before.

More Than Fishing

Activities kicked off with a Community Yacunne Camp (Yacunne being the Siouan word for fish), hosted over two weekends in April 2023. During this event, participants from nine tribes across the Carolinas learned traditional spear fishing techniques along with modern fishing skills. These skills are invaluable as they can be applied in daily life for a source of sustenance, exercise, or enjoyment. Through the support of the Junior Ranger Angler grant, the camp was able to provide all the gear needed, removing a barrier that might have previously prevented youth from participating in this activity.

In addition to the Community Yacunne Camp, The Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio hosted over 230 tribal youth and their families at Lake Waccamaw State Park for their 3rd Annual Waccamaw Siouan STEM Day. Activities for the day included clamming, canoe making, and rowing on the lake. Participants also learned the history and ecosystem of the lake, as well as the importance of being good stewards of the land where they live and visit.

The STEM Studio was a chance for youth to reclaim their education alongside peers of a shared identity, an opportunity that was not easily available to previous generations. Additionally, careers in the outdoors were introduced to young participants, who may have not been exposed to this type of work before. This program was not just beneficial for younger participants, some older participants traveled from miles away to join in on the fun. During the event, park service staff engaged in conversations about how tribal communities are being represented in the park, and how they can continue future engagements.

The Yucanne Camp and STEM Day were important opportunities for Waccamaw Siouan youth and elders to feel welcome and comfortable on their ancestral land. A homecoming back to a land they once were excluded from. Programs such as this are integral to ensuring national parks are spaces everyone feels welcome.

Generous funding from Outdoor Exploration supporting partners Winnebago and Winnebago Industries Foundation supported the Junior Ranger Angler program.