2020 has been a tough year. On Monday, March 16, the Catawba Nation closed tribal offices due to COVID-19. This was the same day that South Carolina also closed local schools. Now, we are at the beginning of a new year, and our buildings are still closed. This is unprecedented in our lifetime.

Like most organizations, it took a couple weeks to recalibrate operations, but our leadership teams pulled together to make a plan. We felt strongly that we needed to continue to focus on our top priority which is moving the Catawba Nation forward and serving our citizens. Our services have not looked exactly the same as they did before COVID-19, but we have continued to offer the programs that further those goals.

During this time, the Executive Committee has continued to push forward on the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project, which will be a game-changer for the future of the Nation. Within our Governmental Operations, we have also continued to see growth. We have hired a Principal Financial Officer (PFO) to help guide our Administrative Services Division as the Nation continues to grow. This is a key hire for the Nation. We continue to have a governmental Economic Development Division, however many employees that were historically in that department have now transitioned to Catawba Corporations as they also grow. This is a very exciting step for the Nation, and it is great to see our business arm experiencing success.

We transitioned the Catawba Cultural Center and our childcare programs to be part of government operations in early 2020. We have received many new grants to enhance our services such as the Native Connections grant that will bring youth substance abuse prevention and mental health programs to the Nation. The Tribal Youth Program is a grant that will also support our Boys & Girls Club programs. Over the last two years, the number of federal grants and programs we are managing has doubled.

Through help from our Community Services division, we have also been able to use virtual formats to engage Catawba citizens throughout the United States in governmental meetings and discussions. This change also allows citizens to participate in Wellness and Cultural programs in a virtual way. This extends our NativeHealth program as well by having group and individual treatment sessions via TeleHealth systems.

The CARES Act has brought many opportunities for us to help our citizens during the pandemic. Our employees have pulled together to make these projects happen and many of the projects will bring lasting changes to our community.

Overall, we have been able to show our resiliency as a community by supporting and caring for each other. I add my personal thanks to our government staff for continuing to push the Catawba Nation forward and offer services to our citizens during the pandemic, especially our essential staff that have continued to work at the office putting themselves at greater risk. The staff at the Catawba Service Unit, especially Tonya Cornwell and Matt David, have been great partners to the tribe in responding to COVID-19 as well as caring for our citizens who have gotten sick. A huge thanks to them and their team as well. These are among so many reasons I am proud to be Catawba and serve our community.