People of the Falling Star: Experience the Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow

Long before Columbus County had towns, highways, or county lines, American Indian people lived across this part of southeastern North Carolina. The story of the Waccamaw Siouan people reaches back centuries.

Today, the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe remains deeply rooted in the story of Columbus County, with tribal communities near Lake Waccamaw, the Green Swamp and Bolton. Known as the People of the Falling Star, the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe carry forward a culture shaped by family, community, tradition and a deep connection to this land.

October allows residents and visitors a special opportunity to experience the culture firsthand at the Annual Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow in the Buckhead community.

Come ready to listen, learn, and experience a culture that has been part of Columbus County for generations.

A History Rooted Here

The history of the Waccamaw Siouan people reaches back long before the creation of Columbus County itself. Historical records document the Waccamaw Siouan people in the Carolinas centuries ago, and following conflicts in the early 1700s, Waccamaw Siouan communities became established around the Green Swamp and Lake Waccamaw.

The Tribe received official recognition from the State of North Carolina in 1971.

Today, more than 2,000 tribal citizens make up a living community centered primarily in Columbus and Bladen counties, including the Buckhead and St. James communities of Columbus County.

The history of the tribe isn't confined to books or museum exhibits. It can be found in families, stories, traditions, crafts, and community, and every fall, many of those traditions come together at the Pow Wow.

When the Drum Begins

There are some experiences that are difficult to describe until you've been there.

The sound of the drum. The movement and color of dancers as they enter the arena. The details of regalia. The gathering of families. The smell of traditional foods. The voices, music, and traditions being passed from one generation to another.

The 54th Annual Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow, scheduled for October 16–17, 2026, brings two days of cultural celebration to the Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Grounds in Buckhead, near Bolton.

Visitors can experience American Indian dancing and drumming, traditional foods, arts and crafts, demonstrations, traders and opportunities to learn more about Waccamaw Siouan history and culture. The weekend also includes Grand Entries, a parade and a special ceremony honoring veterans.

More Than Something to See

Perhaps the most important reason to attend isn't to see the dancing or hear the drums. It's the opportunity to learn.

A Pow Wow brings together generations. Children learn alongside parents and grandparents. Skills and traditions are shared. Stories continue to be told. Their culture isn't simply remembered; it is practiced and passed forward.

Visitors are welcomed into that experience as guests. Watch the dancers and notice that different styles carry different movements and traditions. Listen to the drum rather than treating it as background music. Browse the work of American Indian artists and craftspeople. Try traditional foods. Ask respectful questions when the opportunity is offered and listen. You don't have to understand everything you see to appreciate the opportunity to experience it.

A Different Side of Columbus County

When we talk about what makes Columbus County special, we often highlight Lake Waccamaw, the Lumber River, our small towns, local food, and the natural beauty across our 954 square miles. But a place is also shaped by its people.

The story of Columbus County cannot be told without the Waccamaw Siouan people. Their history, culture, and traditions are woven into the history, and the Pow Wow gives visitors an opportunity to learn more directly from the community carrying those traditions forward.

Come With Curiosity

If you've never attended the Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow, this may be the year to do so. Bring your family. Bring your children. Come for the Grand Entry. Listen to the drums. Watch the dancing. Try something you've never eaten. Learn a little history. Spend time with people whose connection to this part of North Carolina reaches back generations.

Most of all, come with curiosity and respect. You may arrive expecting to attend an event, and you may leave understanding Columbus County a little differently.

The 54th Annual Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow will be held October 16–17, 2026, at the Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Grounds near Bolton, North Carolina. For more information and the current schedule, please call the Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Center at 910-655-8778.

There is always more to discover across 954 Square Miles of Amazing.