Ground Breaking Ceremony for Tribal District 6, 7, and 8 Boys & Girls Club
(April 2011) The New Construction Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted a ground breaking and blessing ceremony for Tribal Districts 6, 7 and 8 Boys & Girls Club and Community Center on Friday, April 29th at 12:30p.m. behind the Tribal Housing Complex in Pembroke.
Reverend Doug Locklear began the ceremony by burning sage to traditionally bless the grounds and those involved with the project. The blessing was followed with a prayer and an honor song from the Lumbee Tribal Host Drum, Southern Sun.
“We are here today to give special blessings on the planning and building of this facility,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “the tribal councilors have worked hard to support this effort and we are glad to have all of you here for this great celebration.”
Afterward, Councilors James Deese from Tribal District 6, Larry Chavis from Tribal District 6, Robert Chavis from Tribal District 7, and Terry Campbell from Tribal District 7 gave their remarks of gratitude and excitement toward the future of the new facility. Also in attendance was Councilor Larry Campbell who represents Tribal District 6.
Native American Design Services drafted the blueprints for the building while ARW General Contractors, Inc will be responsible for constructing the 19,700 sq. ft facility.
According to New Construction Manager Leon Revels, the facility will be built to meet The American Red Cross Association’s standard for a disaster relief shelter. “There will be about 300 children occupying this building on a daily basis; we are very excited to be able to provide a safe place for them to go.” The exterior of the building will be a combination of masonry and metal. Anderson Engineering of Lumberton will be overseeing and implementing the infrastructure.
Following the ceremony, a special presentation was made by First Bank representatives. A check was presented in the amount of $14,840 through The Lumbee Tribal Infinity Card Program. The partnership between the Tribe and First Bank began in 2006 and has brought in a year-to-date total of $52,500 which the tribe has received on behalf of the Tribal Youth Services Department.
“We have a lot of needs throughout our Boys and Girls Club where federal monies are not readily available and this money will have a tremendous impact in fulfilling those needs,” stated Tribal Chairman Swett as he accepted the 2011 check.
After the presentation, the Tribal Chairman, Tribal Administrator, members of the Tribal Council, architects, contractors, elders and youth broke ground to symbolize the beginning of the building process. Funding for the building is being provided by the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) as well as the Economic Recovery Act.
|
|
