Dr. William Moreau Goins

December 2, 1961 - November 11, 2017

Dr. William Moreau Goins, affectionately known as “Will,” departed this earthly life on Saturday, November 11, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in Washington, District of Columbia, on December 2, 1961, he was the youngest of three children born to Elsie Taylor Goins and the late William M. Goins, Jr. Dr. Goins grew up knowing of his Cherokee heritage on both his mother’s and father’ side of the family. His maternal grandparents were both natives of South Carolina and both of his paternal grandparents were natives of North Carolina. Like most Americans of the twenty-first century, he was truly an “All American,” with ancestors from other cultures. He embraced his Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage at a very young age and this heritage became a significant part of who he was. Will Moreau Goins was a historic preservationist, published author, communications professional and community leader. He also was a folklorist, cultural presenter, chanter-singer, dancer, artist, education, arts administrator and advocate for diversity and multiculturalism. Dr. Goins served as CEO for the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of South Carolina (State recognized), statewide tribal organization. All accolades aside, Will was a loving, attentive son, a concerned and devoted brother, a fun-loving and doting uncle and a consistently caring friend. He had an infectious laugh and an exhilarating spirit that could always visualize new possibilities. Dr. Goins began his education in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Gonzaga College High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology and Communications from George Washington University; Master of Arts Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Admiration and a Ph.D. Degree from Pennsylvania State University. For over 35 years, he worked extensively in all areas of communications, TV, Radio, Film and Journalism. For more than fifteen years, Dr. Goins was active in the Boy Scouts of America, obtaining his “Eagle Scout,” and three palms. He also received the Vigil Honor of the “Order of the Arrow” and the “Pro Deo et Patria” Award, the Lutheran Award for serving “God and Country.” Early in his career, Will worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. and later worked for the U. S Department of Health and Human Services, U. S. Indian Health Service in Louisiana and Mississippi. He worked for the University of Nebraska ETV. In 2000, Dr. Goins was appointed to the SC Ad Hoc American Indian Taskforce established by Governor Hodges. Dr. Goins helped to establish The South Carolina Governor’s Ad Hoc American Indian Task Force, which culminated in fostering policy changes and state legislation to deliver services to Native American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, as well as African American citizens in S.C. He initiated the South Carolina official observation of National Native American Indian Heritage Month, which was officially acknowledged as a statewide observance by 3 Governors. In 2013, Dr. Goins was instrumental in getting the South Carolina General Assembly to recognize November 18, as “Native American Awareness Day,” in South Carolina, which will be celebrated annually. Dr. Goins produced, directed and wrote on various projects including “Mending the Circle,” which included all the Native communities of South Carolina. His other films he produced and directed are “We are One Omaha” for Nebraska ETV; “Bring Our People Back to Health,” a three part series for Indian Health Service. He also had a featured role in “We Remember 400 Years” and “Coloring the Media.” Dr. Goins had and expansive professional career and his experiences included: guest curator for a year-long exhibit “Traditions, Change and Celebration: Contemporary Native Artists in the Southeast,” which featured more than 145 objects by 74 artists representing 28 different tribal affiliations, which appeared at McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. He assisted with the inaugural FolkFabulous Festival in 2013. He had continued to be a vital part of this festival up to 2017. Dr. Goins was the founder of the “Annual Southeastern Native American Indian Film and Video Festival,” which presents a series of films produced by, directed by, and starring Native American people for the last twenty years. He was passionate about his film festival which he believe would serve to educate the public and expose one to diversified cultural heritages. Dr. Goins served as educational consultant to numerous school districts across the country and in the state of South Carolina on improving the academic achievement of underrepresented populations in education and faculty curriculum development. He travelled the State speaking at numerous schools reaching students from K-12 to higher education. He designed and developed the Heathwood Hall Medicine Wheel Garden in 2010. Dr. Goins’ additional career highlights also include: Director of Education at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, Detroit, Michigan; member of the Advisory Committee for The Road Trip! Through South Carolina Civil Rights History; a resource for the Upcountry Historical Museum; member of the state recognized American Indian Chamber of Commerce of South Carolina (AICCSC); collaborating grants writer and historian for the Tuscarora Indian Nation Replica Village and Museum. Dr. Goins’ published works as an author include: “Medicine Man: A Holistic Approach to Community Activism and Health Education Curriculum Development and Administration”; “The South Carolina Indian Today: A Teacher’s Guide”; “Native American and Hispanic Women in South Carolina Focus Box”; “South Carolina Native American Cooking”; and “SC Native Pathways: A Visitor’s & Resource Guide to American Indian Heritage & Historic Sites in South Carolina.” Dr. Goins was also instrumental in editing: “Jazz Talk” and “The People Speak: A Collection of Writings by South Carolina Native Americans in Poetry, Prose, Essays & Interviews”. Will served on numerous boards including: South Carolina Traditional Arts Network; the Modjeska Monteith Simkins Center for Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights; South Carolina Department of Mental Health Cultural Competency Committee; Chairman of the Interfaith Partners of South Carolina (IPSC); and on the Speakers’ Bureau of the South Carolina Humanities Council. Dr. Goins was the recipient of numerous awards including: the “2008 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award” which recognized his lifetime achievement in traditional arts, an award created by the South Carolina General Assembly, the South Carolina Arts Commission and the University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum; SC “Master Artist” Awardee; and 2011 Scholarship Awardee National Native Arts and Culture’s Fund “Strengthening the Bones.” Dr. Will Moreau Goins lived life to the fullest. His love for theatre was abounding. He loved Broadway musical and travelled to New York as often as he could to catch a play. He was famous for standing in a line to get tickets to his favorite shows and getting autographs at the stage door. He was a strong supporter of the Columbia Arts Community with his roles win many plays and musicals at Workshop Theatre, Trustus Theater, Harbison Theatre and in most recent Town Theater. He enjoyed performing at each and every show and embraced each role. In addition to his maternal and paternal grandparents, he was preceded in death by his father. He leaves to cherish precious memories his devoted, loving and caring mother Elsie; his loving brother Wendell and devoted sister-in-law Mindy; and his sister Felicia; his four nieces: Amanda Catherine, Elizabeth Louise, Rebecca Renee, and Gwendolyn Patricia; four aunts: Joan Lee, Dorothy Taylor, Hiawatha Goins-Baron and Frances Goins; one uncle, John B. Taylor; and many loving cousins and other relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Will Moreau Goins Memorial Fund at Town Theater 1012 Sumter Street Columbia, SC 29201 or Saint Peter’s School, Children’s Arts and Music Program in Honor of Dr. Goins 1035 Hampton Street Columbia, SC 29201.