COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hundreds of Native Americans gathered on the State House grounds Wednesday to celebrate a historical moment. Ten leaders of Native American groups and tribes signed their names to the "Tribal Alliance of South Carolina Nations Treaty."

This ceremonial signing signaled the joining of Native American groups in South Carolina in the spirit of excelling. The alliance will be focused on cultural preservation, historical and physical conservation and economic development.

Also on hand to show his support at the ceremony was Gov. Henry McMaster. “The story of these tribes and these nations is the story of strength, resilience and courage. And a lot of other things as well,” said McMaster.

The participating groups in this new alliance are: The Catawba Nation, The Beaver Creek Indians, Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of South Carolina, The Pee Dee Indian Tribe of South Carolina, The Piedmont American Indian Association, Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina, The Santee Indian Organization, The Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians, The Waccamaw Indian People and the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians.

Following the document signing, a group of Native Americans performed a song with a drum.