New Tribal Chair Administered Oath of Office
The power of the Office of Tribal Chairperson shifted Monday, May 23, 2011, smoothly to the Vice Chair of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Honorable Sharon Hunt. Tribal Chairwoman Hunt succeeds former Chairman Purnell Swett, who resigned Monday, May 23 at noon due to health reasons.
Vice Chairwoman Hunt was administered the Oath of Office for the Tribal Chair shortly after noon at the Tribal Housing Complex in Pembroke, by Lumbee Supreme Court Chief Justice, the Honorable Gary Locklear. Following the Oath of Office, Tribal Chairwoman greeted those in attendance with the following message:
“My goal is to address the Administration and operational issues of the Tribe,” said Chairwoman Hunt, “and to facilitate a resolution without delay. I will make every effort to foster professionalism and unity for our tribal government.”
Chairwoman Hunt is also an elected member of the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and represents Tribal District 2, which consists of Back Swamp, Fairmont and Smyrna communities. She was elected Vice Chair of the Lumbee Tribe in January by the Tribal Council, and as such, holds dual responsibilities as allowed by the Lumbee Constitution.
“This day, while sad at the departure of Chairman Swett, is a good day also for the Lumbee people,” stated Tribal Speaker Steve Sampson. “It shows that our government is legitimate, and working; that power is passed by civil means and not by force.”
Chairwoman Hunt will remain the Tribal Chair for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina until an election can be arranged, held and certified by the Lumbee Elections Board. |
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