Catawba Indian Nation has a new chief

CATAWBA INDIAN RESERVATION, S.C. (AP) – The Catawba Indian Nation has elected Bill Harris as its new chief.

The Herald of Rock Hill reported Monday that Harris defeated Jason Harris, the tribe's former secretary and treasurer. Bill Harris will be sworn in Saturday for his four-year term.

More than 520 people voted in Saturday's election for the tribe's five-member executive committee.

The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, and has 2,600 members.

Chief Donald Rodgers decided last month not to seek a second term. Before him, Gilbert Blue served as chief for more than three decades.

Blue led the Catawbas during a protracted legal fight over 144,000 acres taken from the tribe in 1840. A 1993 settlement officially recognized the tribe and provided 640 acres and $50 million.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com