Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe — Local services in Whitakers

The Haliwa-Saponi reside primarily in Halifax, Warren and adjoining Counties in North Carolina. The majority of the 3800 enrolled members live in a community known as “The Meadows”. This tribal community was established in the mid 1700's. The Haliwa-Saponi trace their ancestry to the Saponi and Nansemond Indians. Bands and families of other allied tribes merged with the Saponi and Nansemond during the Colonial period. The Haliwa-Saponi tribe spent the late 1800's fighting for separate schools. In 1882 Bethlehem School was established. The school was state supported and 98% Indian. However, in 1957 the tribe was successful in obtaining its own school. The Haliwa Indian School was established and the first year had enrollment of more than 200. This school, established exclusively for the Haliwa-Saponi Indians, was the only non-reservation, tribally supported Indian School in North Carolina. In 1959 it became part of the Warren County Board of Education and in 1969 was closed to desegregation. The Haliwa-Saponi have always been conscious of retaining their Indian culture. The tribe's annual Powwow has been rated one of the largest in the state. It is the biggest single homecoming event for the tribe, but it is even more important as a political and social event. Tribal members are brought into contact with leaders of other tribes. Over the years members of tribes throughout the United States and Canada have participated in the Haliwa-Saponi Powwow. The Tribe was recognized by the State of NC in 1965. The Tribe is governed by the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal Council. Since 1979, the tribe has sought federal recognition through the federal...

All my visits have been pretty positive and I enjoy talking and meeting with people. The tribe sponsors a powwow every year on the 3rd weekend of April on tribal grounds. Their tribal offices are a great beginning place if you want to talk to someone to learn more about the People and surrounding area. The Tribe has its own daycare, government offices, and school, including preschool. There are plenty of churches for worship. There is also a lot of talent among a lot of the members, and education has been at the forefront to create more leaders for the future. You can't find better arts and craftsmen/women among the members. Looking for something unique? Just call to...

I am Haliwa-Saponi and proud to be. Everyone should experience a POW-WOW with us. You will come back. Third weekend in April. See y'all at the...