History unfolded at Tribal District 4 Lumbee Lodge
(March 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted the ribbon cutting and open house ceremony Friday, March 19, 2010 at the Tribal District 4 Lumbee Lodge community center.
“Greetings from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina,” saluted Chairman Purnell Swett as he opened up the ceremony, “it is a pleasure to have all of you here today.”
The Tribe broke ground on the project in mid 2009, where the 5,000 sq. ft building now stands. The drug and alcohol free facility will be utilized by the surrounding community for the purpose of various activities and functions.
“I’m so glad this is happening, I’m the proudest woman in Robeson County,” declared Tribal District 4 Representative Helen Locklear. Councilor Locklear also took a moment to speak about her former husband and tribal council member, Mr. Sanford Locklear, regarding his hopes and aspirations toward one day seeing the building erected within the community.
Dr. Stan Knick, an anthropologist at UNC-P stood before the crowd and gave a presentation on several artifacts he’d found on the property the day of the ground breaking in 2009. “Some of these artifacts are six to seven thousand years old,” confirmed Dr. Knick, “some even date right up to the point when Columbus got lost on his way to India.” Dr. Knick stated the artifacts corroborate that many years ago a village of American Indians was indeed on the property where the building stands today. He presented Councilor Helen with a framed proclamation containing the artifacts.
“Philadelphus has been one community to be known as a tight-knit, but there is one thing we’ve never had and that’s a place to meet,” stated Jimmy Goins, former tribal chairman, “I’m hoping this will be in remembrance of Sanford.” After all commentary was complete, Southern Sun sang an Honor Song for Councilor Helen and her family in remembrance of Mr. Sanford.
The funding for the $ 525,000 building is provided the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
