Chaloklowa Chickasaw
The Chaloklowa Chickasaw Indian People are state-recognized group in South Carolina that claim descent from Chickasaws, an indigenous people of the Southeastern Woodlands who formerly inhabited parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The group claims descent from 50 Chickasaws who moved to South Carolina at the state's request in the 18th century. "Chaloklowa" means "turkey" in the Chickasaw language. South Carolina recognizes tribes, groups, and special interest organizations. "Groups" are defined by South Carolina law as meaning "a number of individuals assembled together, which have different characteristics, interests and behaviors that do not denote a separate  ethnic and cultural heritage today, as they once did. This group is composed of both Native American Indians and other ethnic races. They are not all related to one another by blood. A tribal council and governmental authority unique to Native American Indians govern them." The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs lists the Chaloklowa Chickasaw Indian People as one of its "State Recognized Groups and Special Interest Organizations" not as a state-recognized tribe. The Chaloklowa Chickasaws are located in Hemingway, South Carolina, and are led by Vernon Tanner and Joe Tanner. They are a nonprofit educational organization. They  organized as a 501(c)(3) public charity in 2002. In 2003, the Chaloklowas petitioned the US Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs to try to receive federal recognition as an Indian tribe. Vernon Tanner, also known as "Mingo Big Bear Claw", has given presentations to South Carolina school children.