A new book by the Rev. Dr. John Glenn Creel aims to redefine the public conversation around racial identity and the experiences of Southeastern Native American tribes, particularly in South Carolina.
Titled “The Plight of Southeastern Native American Indian Tribes,” the book introduces and defines the term “systemic eracism,” which Creel describes as “any act or action that serves to minimize or eliminate an ethnic identity.” Drawing on historical documents and his own life experiences as a Native American, Creel presents eracism as a persistent barrier to tribal recognition and cultural preservation.
“Eracism is the common experience of Native Americans claiming their identity by checking the ‘other’ box on forms asking for race,” Creel said. “Then ‘other’ is ignored or left out of public records or historical references.”
The book includes examples such as census records where Native Americans were forced to identify as white or Black depending on skin tone.
“My father was not allowed to claim Native American as his race when he served in the military,” Creel said.
Creel’s work focuses on educational documentation of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of South Carolina (ENKTSC), as well as other state-recognized tribes. He plans to develop a curriculum for tribal history classes for both children and adults.
“Part of the eracism is the absence of Native American history in public school curriculum,” he said. “Some of our children have been told they are extinct.”
Creel serves on the Board of the Council of South Carolina Chiefs and is actively involved in tribal affairs across the state. On Feb. 5, eight of the nine state-recognized tribes signed a tribal alliance agreement with the federally recognized Catawba Nation. Creel also sits on the board of the South Carolina Indian Development Council, which provides scholarships to card-holding members of state tribes.
Locally, Creel serves on the board of the Dorchester Heritage Center, contributing to plans for a new museum along Highway 78 near Ridgeville. The center will feature exhibits about tribal history and an Edisto Natchez-Kusso Trail that invites the public to explore Native American history.
Creel has spent his life serving Native communities as a pastor, medical doctor, tribal chief, public school teacher and coach in the Colleton County School System. With the release of his book on July 22, he adds “author” to that list.
The book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple Pay. Copies are also available at the Colleton County Museum. All proceeds support educational efforts.