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Last Modified: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. COLUMBIA -- Gov. Mark Sanford has ceremoniously signed two bills sought by American Indians, calling the legislation a celebration of the original Americans.

Mary Ann Chastain/AP Order a Reprint South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, center, signs the American Indians bills which allow the chiefs and spiritual leaders to sign marriage documents after performing a traditional Native American wedding and remove restriction on the type of feathers that can be used in traditional clothing and crafts today in Columbia. Looking on are chiefs and representatives of the Native American Indian tribes in South Carolina.

About 50 American Indians from several tribes, many in traditional dress, joined Sanford at a ceremony today to highlight two bills he signed in June.

One allows American Indian chiefs and spiritual leaders to perform marriage ceremonies and sign marriage documents. The other removes restrictions on the type of feathers that can be used in traditional clothing and crafts.

Pete Parr, with the Pee Dee Indian Tribe, said the bills recognize South Carolina tribes and their culture, and preserve American Indian heritage.

A bill to prevent American Indian groups from calling themselves tribes without state recognition died in the General Assembly, but the State Office of Minority Affairs expects approval next session.

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