Ground breaking for Tribal District 9 community center

            On January 8, 2010 the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted a ground breaking and blessing ceremony for the Tribal District 9 Saddletree community center on Rennert Road at 11:30 a.m.
            “It’s great to be an Indian today folks, we kept pushing and with God’s blessing we are finally here,” stated Tribal Speaker and District 13 Representative Ricky Burnett.   “I’m so thankful we can come together for a common goal. I encourage you to always stand together and work together for the betterment of our people.”
            With gusting winds up to 21mph in 35 degree weather some 156 people trampled their way onto the plowed field to find a seat under a fully covered tent; dedicated to be in attendance for the event.  “Good morning and thank you for coming out in this hog killing weather,” stated Vice Chairman and District 12 Representative Furnie Lambert with humor as he began to introduce the special guests.
            After the blessing of the grounds, Southern Sun engaged in an honor song as part of the ceremonial procedures. New Construction Manager Leon Revels then gave a brief overview of the community center stating that it will be a metal building, approximately 5,000 square foot with a brick front containing an American Indian design within the brick. Michael Clark of Native American Design Services will be the architect over the project which will have a kitchen and contain a meeting room in the center. The community center will have various uses from community events and cultural enrichment programs to elders having a place to quilt. The facility will remain a drug and alcohol free environment. For more information on this project please contact New Construction Manager Leon Revels at 910.521.7861.

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