Ericka Pursley, is a proud member of the Catawba Nation of SC. She currently works within the tribe’s Division of Health and Human Services. She serves as the department’s Behavioral Health Specialist. Ericka is an active member in several advocacy boards and coalitions including Addiction Professionals of South Carolina, York County Interagency Coalitions, and York County Mental Health Task Force. Ericka is the reigning 2025-26 Mrs. Catawba.

Her goal is to bring culturally based approaches to treatment and recovery services to all members of the Catawba Nation and Indigenous communities. During her time in this role, she has helped to implement a Drug Action Task Force, culturally based Intensive Outpatient Program and Community Reinforcement & Family Education Group.

Ericka is an advocate for MMIP and is part of a committee that through their advocacy and action has established the first 2 MMIP proclamations through the SC Senate in the state’s history.

In her free time Ericka drums with the Catawba women’s drum group, jingle dress dances and loves doing beadworks and participating in ceremony.