South Carolina’s Native American tribes will pool their resources and advocate as a group for protections under a treaty signed Wednesday, prompted by fears of erasure as the state’s population grows.

The alliance is aimed at leveraging the Catawba's resources to promote self-governance, land control, taxation and funding for S.C.'s state-recognized tribes.

Dozens of federally funded tribal programs are under review by the White House for possible cutting. Tribal leaders are urging members to stay calm and not spread misinformation.