Lumbee lands new grant for domestic violence
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is proud to announce that the US Department of Justice through the Office of Violence Against Women has funded a Lumbee initiative entitled Enlightening Native Daughters (END) in the amount of $937,289 over a three year period under the Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Assistance Program.
The purpose of END is to provide safety, support, awareness and preventive services to American Indian women and children suffering from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking within the rural communities. The competitive grant application was prepared and submitted by Beatrice Maynor, Grant Manager, Tara Blue, Project Coordinator of the Homicide and Motor Vehicle Death Prevention Program and Rebekah Revels Lowry, Project Intern.
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Tribe to close rolls for 60 days to hold election
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will close tribal rolls on Friday, October 14 at 5 pm, for the tribal election to be held on November 15. Tribal rolls will re-open for new applications beginning December 16. According to tribal law, tribal rolls must close 30 days prior to a tribal election and remain closed until 30 days after an election.
A tribal ID card, with a picture, is $5. The card is free if you are 62 years or older. A certificate of enrollment is free for persons electing not to get the ID card. For further information please contact Reena Locklear at 910-522-5474 or Ruth Locklear at 910-522-5471. Visit the Office of Tribal CLerk for more info
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(August 2011) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina participated in UNC-Pembroke’s Involvement Fair which was hosted by the Student Involvement Department. The event took place at Chavis University Center Lawn, Wednesday, August 24 from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m.
The Volunteer Service Program, Tobacco Cessation Program, and Youth Services of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina attended the fair. The booths offered information encouraging students to become involved with programs offered by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
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(August 2011) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted a Back to School Bash at Red Hill Community Center on Monday, August 22. The event was held for the children that resided at Red Hill Apartments. Partnering agencies present were Robeson County Dept. of Social Services, Child Advocates, Robeson County Teen Outreach Program, Robeson County Health Dept. Safe Kids, and Lumbee Regional Development Association Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program.
The Child Health Plus Bus was also on site. They offered sick visits, immunizations and checkups for the youth. Sport physicals were also offered to students.
“This event is for the children and families to connect with the community,” said Ashley Haywood, Site Manager of Red Hill. “We want to encourage them to stay in school and be outstanding individuals. We would like to also thank the community for coming together for this event, and preparing the children for a successful school year.”
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(August) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted the Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for Stedman Estates in Tribal District 13, Cumberland County, on Friday, August 5.
Stedman Estates Elder Site is a neighborhood of single family homes, along with a 2,100 square foot drug-free facility which the surrounding community will be able to utilize for various activities and functions.
Elder Sites are for Lumbee elders who need safe, sanitary, and affordable living quarters. Elder sites are well maintained and serviced by staff that is always on duty.
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(August 2011)The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina took part in the Blessing Ceremony of the Dream Catcher Camp 2011, which is sponsored by the Department of Indian Education of Cumberland County Schools.
The summer program was held at Camp Rockfish from August 1 – August 5, 2011. This event was made possible by a grant that the Indian Education department received back in 2009, allowing the program to operate for three summers. The camp focuses on teaching the students they need a plan for the future, whether it may be going to college, a trade school or enlisting into the military.
Darlene Ransom, Dream Catcher Project Coordinator, said “The program has done well over the past few years and it has been a pleasure working with the students. We will be taking the students on a tour of UNCP this year on Thursday, August 4, 2011. They will visit the Administration Building, some of the dorms on campus and also the cafeteria. We want the students to feel comfortable when the time comes for them to go to college and not have that uneasy feeling.”
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(August) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina would like to announce the relocation of the Veteran Affairs Office of the Lumbee Tribe. The new facility is located at 707 Union Chapel Road in Pembroke.
Veterans Affairs of the Lumbee Tribe offers assistance with educational benefits, community resources, and assistance for homeless veterans. They can also help with concerns such as: how to get into the VA Healthcare System, how to get prescription medications from the VA, and how to arrange transportation to the VA Medical Center for appointments.
The Veteran Affairs Office of the Lumbee Tribe can also help with: VA Home Loan Guaranty Benefits, TRICARE, VA life insurance program, burial benefits, service connected disability compensation, death benefits and more.
For more information, call the Veterans Affairs Office of the Lumbee Tribe for an appointment at (910) 522-2210.
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Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina through the Homicide and Motor Vehicle Death Prevention Program and Youth Services Department will host ‘National Night Out’. It will be held at Pembroke Recreation Park on October 4, from 6 pm - 8 pm. Some of the events that will take place are visits from local police and sheriff departments, flashlight walks, contests, and other youth activities.
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(August) Notice is hereby given that an election will be held for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The filing period will open Monday, August 22 and will end Friday, September 9. Candidates may file at the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex located on highway 711 in Pembroke from 8 am until 5 pm.
The filing fee for Tribal Chairperson is $300 and the filing fee for Tribal Council seats are $150. Individuals running for Tribal Chairperson must be an enrolled member at least 35 years of age, maintained his/her residency in the territory of the Tribe for the past year and must not have a felony record. The term for the Tribal Chairperson will be until January 2013.
Individuals for Tribal Council must be an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe 21 years of age, maintained their principal residence in his or her tribal district for no less than one year and not have a felony record. Tribal Council seats will be for a three year term. The following is a list of Tribal District seats up for election.
Tribal District 2
Tribal District 3
Tribal District 5
Tribal District 6
Tribal District 7
Tribal District 11
Tribal District 12
2011 Election Information Page
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The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina would like to announce the relocation of the Lumbee Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The new facility is now located at 171 Comtech Drive Suite B in Pembroke.
The program provides vocational rehabilitation to enrolled members of the Lumbee Tribe with a disability living in the tribal service area of Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland counties. Disabilities would include: physical, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, substance or alcohol abuse, learning disabilities, trouble with hearing and/or vision, or other emotional/behavioral disabilities.
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 Tribe assist in another Lumbee Dream
(August 2011) Ms. Vinita Clark was a proud tribal member on August 3, after making the final payment on her home. The Housing Department of the Lumbee Tribe financed Clark a Fleetwood Mobile home back in August of 2005, through the Rehabilitation Program.
“The Lumbee Tribe is proud to have assisted Ms. Clark become a Lumbee homeowner,” said Bosco Locklear, Housing Director. “It’s always great to assist tribal members in securing safe and decent housing.”
The Rehabilitation Program provides services for repairs, renovations and/or replacement of existing sub-standard housing conditions for qualified low-income Lumbee families. The rehabilitation program is designed to eliminate substandard conditions that address health and safety housing issues.
In order to apply for rehabilitation services, the following information on all members in the household are required: copies of birth certificates, picture identifications, tribal enrollment and social security cards, current property tax statement or deed to property, income verification; and current bank statements.
For more information, on the Lumbee Tribal Rehabilitation Program, please call HJ Deese at (910) 522-2212.
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Lumbee Tribe Enterprises, LLC Information Session and Job Fair September 15-16, 2011
Lumbee Tribe Enterprises, LLC is having an information session and job fair September 15 & 16 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the unc-pembroke Regional Center in Pembroke, NC. The Regional Center is located at livermore Drive in the Carolina commerce and technology center (ComTech). All tribal members are encouraged to attend and share information about your skills & abilities as we better understand the lumbee work force and target opportunities to leverage tribal skills. If available, bring a copy of your resume and be ready to discuss your qualifications with representatives from LTE LLC.
Contact Ron Oxendine at 703-283-6580 or Ron.Oxendine@LTELLC.com for more information regarding LTE LLC or the LTE LLC job fair. FLYER
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The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recognized tribal members who excelled in education and fundraising efforts with Relay for Life at the regular business meeting of the Tribal Council on Thursday, June 16. At the meeting, which was held at Soaring Eagle Community Center on Norment Road in Lumberton, the Tribal Council presented Certificates of Commendation to students who had received the rank of Valedictorian or Salutatorian.
Also recognized were two Lumbee students, Jacob Cool and Elena Hunt, who received the Gates Millennium Scholars Program scholarship. The scholarship doesn’t have a monetary value, because it is open ended, but could reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars as it includes tuition, books, housing, travel and other expenses.
“I believe it is important to recognize students when they excel” said Tribal Chairwoman Sharon Hunt. “The Council has been honoring students and their parents several years now, and I feel it is imperative for us to keep this tradition going.” COMPLETE STORY
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The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina crowned a new Senior Ms Lumbee over the 43rd Annual Lumbee Homecoming. Also crowned were new Lumbee Ambassadors by the Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA).
Winning the title of 2011 Senior Ms Lumbee was Mrs. Linda Lowery. Mrs. Lowery is a resident of Lumberton and married to Henry Berry Lowery. She has two children and two grandchildren, and was sponsored by the Lumberton Heritage Group. She previously served as Ms. NC Indian Senior Citizen Coalition Princess for 2006-2007.
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The Homeownership Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina participated in a housing fair aimed at preventing foreclosures on Saturday, June 18, at Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton. This was the sixth annual fair and is sponsored by the Robeson County Community Development Corporation.
“Previous years have focused on homeownership.” said Kathy Locklear, Homeownership Manager for the Lumbee Tribe, “However, with the economy being weak and unemployment high, this year we thought we needed to focus more on how to help prevent people from losing their homes.”
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The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is proud to invite tribal members and the general public to the Inaugural Ceremony of the Tribal Chair, the Honorable Sharon Hunt. The ceremony will be held at Southern Spirit Community Center, in the Back Swamp community, at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 14.
Tribal Chairwoman Hunt is also a member of the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and represents Tribal District 2, which includes: Back Swamp, Fairmont and Smyrna. Chairwoman Hunt is also the Vice-Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, as duly elected by the Tribal Council in January 2011, and has served as a member of the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina since 2006.COMPLETE STORY
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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.” COMPLETE STORY
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The Lumbee TRU (Truth, Reality, Unfiltered) youth, along with other TRU groups from across the state, held a rally in Raleigh on May 11 at the State Legislative Building. The event was held to raise awareness and try to save the Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF). Members of the Pembroke and First Nation TRU groups were in attendance representing the Lumbee Tribe Tobacco Cessation Program. COMPLETE STORY
 
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(May 2011) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will host its 7th annual event, Dance of the Spring Moon- Lumbee Powwow, from Friday, May 6 until Sunday, May 8, 2011 at the Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton, North Carolina.
The Lumbee Tribe started the annual spring powwow in 2004 with the vision of not only celebrating the arrival of spring but, to culturally educate our neighbors. Celebrating its seventh year, The Dance of the Spring Moon was featured in USA Today and received national coverage in being among the top 10 powwows in the nation to attend.
“I would like to invite all residents, regardless of their ethnic and cultural background, to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring together,” said Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. COMPLETE STORY
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 (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.”
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(April 2011) The Tribal Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina took part in the 7th Annual Southeast Indian Studies Conference at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) Annex on April 7, 2011.
Southern Sun, The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s host drum, opened the ceremony with an honor song follow by greetings from the Tribal Chairman. “It is my hope that through conferences such as this we can provide ourselves and our youth a deep and full understanding of the story of our land,” said Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. COMPLETE STORY
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(April 2011) The Youth Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted an education and culture session for the Scotland County Native American Student Affairs (NASA) Club on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Tribal Housing Complex in Pembroke.
“We wanted to familiarize the students with the services and programs offered at the tribe,” said Indian Education Teacher and Advisor for NASA Theresa Torgerson. This is the Scotland County NASA Club’s third year in existence.
Youth Services Coordinators John Oxendine and Terry White gave the students a tour of the Tribal Housing Complex, taught them how to make corn-shuck dolls, and gave out flyers and brochures on tribal programs. While making corn-shuck dolls, Oxendine explained the significance and history behind the craft.
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The Supreme Court of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has transferred tribal member Eric Locklear’s petition to the Administrative Court of the Lumbee Tribe, and has cancelled a hearing that was set for Wednesday, March 30.
Tribal member Eric Locklear filed a petition with the Supreme Court on March 10, 2011 seeking access to various documents citing Ordinance No. 2010-0318-01.
The Administrative Court has not yet set a hearing date for this matter.
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 Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett contacted the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and requested three weeks ago that the office begin their yearly monitoring of tribal housing expenditures early. Chairman Swett on Friday, March 25, revised that request to ONAP and requested that they begin their monitoring and review of tribal programs and compliance at the tribal housing complex immediately.
“I became concerned several weeks ago,” says Chairman Swett, “that due to the constitutional issues I raised in regard to the processes and tactics that the Tribal Council were using to try and obtain information, particularly regarding contracts, the perception would become that I had something to hide. I now take this action to assure the tribal membership and the Tribal Council that I, nor my administration, have anything to hide.” COMPLETE STORY
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 (March 2011) The Lumbee Tribe Tobacco Cessation Program hosted its annual Kick Butts Day at Pembroke Park on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
“We want to see everybody stop smoking because it is not healthy and we want you to help us spread the word--to stop smoking!” said Lumbee Tribal Administrator Dr. Rose Marie Lowery-Townsend as she energized the students. Last year, Chairman Swett declared Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Kick Butts Day in the Land of the Lumbee.
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(March 2011)The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina proudly salutes the tribal members of Dark Water Rising who performed at the 36th Annual North Carolina Indian Unity Conference on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10:30 pm. The band also provided entertainment during the Awards Banquet.
The band name, Dark Water Rising, originates from the home of its members. Robeson County, known for its rich Lumbee culture, thrives from the nourishment of swamplands and rich, dark water of the Lumber River. The dark watered swamps are legendary for providing hide outs and escape routes for American Indians during the Civil War.
COMPLETE STORY or visit thier website at Darkwaterrising.net
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 (February 2011) Students from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) donated non-perishable items to the Volunteer Program on Wednesday, February 23rd at the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex.
According to the students, because the organization they identify with is Native American based they had the desire to contribute to the Lumbee Tribe. Students involved in the service project were Arielle Harding, Terryn Ransom, Hanna Blue, Francine Cummings, Breanna Locklear, Eva Lowery, Jessica Smiling, Lydia Locklear and Heather N. Locklear. “These students have made a difference in their community today by positively impact the lives of others that are economically disadvantaged,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “I want to thank each one for their leadership in setting an example for others to follow.” COMPLETE STORY
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Pembroke –March 23, 2011 is National Kick Butts Day, and TRU members in Robeson and Hoke County hope to encourage teens to be tobacco-free so they can have longer and healthier lives.
TRU (Tobacco.Reality.Unfiltered) is the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund’s initiative that includes both the state’s youth movement and the powerful TRU media campaigns working to dissuade youth from using tobacco.
“You may not know that tobacco-related illnesses are the number one cause of death in our state,” said India Smith, 10th grader at Lumberton High School. “It’s our hope to change that by creating North Carolina’s first tobacco-free generation.”COMPLETE STORY
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(March 2011) The administration of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina had a brainstorming session with local Lumbee golfers and businessmen on Monday, March 7th at the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex building to discuss restoration of the Riverside Golf Course in Pembroke, NC.
“We are solely concentrated on the golf course not the culture center, it is not on the table for discussion,” stated Tribal Administrator Dr. Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, “let there be no confusion the focus is only on Riverside Golf Course.”
Those in attendance discussed ideas on how to re-open and maintain the golf course. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will not be funding the Riverside Golf Course management project. Membership pledges are currently available through the tribal office for those interested in reserving their slot at the golf course for the upcoming playing season. The pledges will be used as funding to bring the golf course up to state standards and codes. COMPLETE STORY
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(March 2011) The New Construction Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will be accepting applications for homes in the Cheraw Acres Subdivision on Friday March 25th at the Hawkeye Boys & Girls club located at 3066 Blue Springs Road in Red Springs, North Carolina.
The Homeownership Program will be looking at first time homeowners. According to the Housing Financial Education Manager Kathy Locklear, to qualify a family of four cannot exceed $30,960 in total household income. Items that will be necessary for the application process will be social security cards, tribal enrollment cards, birth certificates for individuals over the age of 16 and proof of household income. A criminal back ground will be conducted on individuals over the age of 18 and a credit score will be conducted on all individuals applying for a home. To be eligible, interested individuals must not have a felony conviction within the last 10 years. COMPLETE STORY
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(February 2011) First Nation Boys & Girls Club of The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina sent its Keystone Club, Community Warriors, to the 2011 National Keystone Conference in Orlando, Florida Thursday, March 3 until Sunday, March 6.
The club received its invitation in January 2011. In 2009 Community Warriors attended the Regional Conference for being a Basic Keystone Club, this year will be their first time at the National Conference. “I am very, very excited that my students were able to attend this conference, it is an overwhelming feeling when you know your students are receiving an opportunity that is not afforded to them very often,” said First Nation Boys & Girls Club Manager Tangelina Locklear-Jarry, “they have worked hard and deserve it.” COMPLETE STORY
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An information meeting for American Indian farmers was held on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 4 o’clock p.m. at Lyavans Lowry Farms located at 8879 US Highway 74 West in Pembroke, NC.
The meeting was for American Indian farmers who were denied a farm loan or loan servicing by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The meeting addressed the settlement in KEEPSEAGLE v. VILSACK and explains the terms of the Settlement Agreement. The $760 million settlement has been reached with the USDA. This is a class action settlement and if you qualify as a class member you could receive a payment of up to $50,000 or more and forgiveness of some or all outstanding USDA loans. COMPLETE STORY
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(February 2011) The Pembroke Lumbee Boys & Girls Club members that are involved in the Body Mass and Resiliency Assessment through Vigorous Exercise (BRAVE) Club performed at the Women’s University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) versus Armstrong Atlantic State University women’s basketball game on Wednesday, February 23rd at UNCP’s Jones Athletic Center. COMPLETE STORY
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 (January 2011)The United Tribes of North Carolina will be hosting its 36th Annual NC Indian Unity Conference from March 10 until March 12, 2011 at the Hilton North Raleigh in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This event is held so that all American Indians of North Carolina can discuss common interests and pursuits at the local, state, and national levels. Various panel discussions will be conducted throughout the conference for tribal members and representatives to attend. COMPLETE STORY
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(January 2011) Members of the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs recently participated in a professional hockey game at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC. The youth were able to attend the Fayetteville Fireantz game because of donated tickets from a local dealership.
Lumberton Ford Lincoln Mercury is a corporate sponsor of the Fayetteville Fireantz, and donated thirty of its complementary hockey tickets to the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs (LBGC). “We wanted to give the tickets to those who don’t get the opportunity to have experiences like this very often,” stated Corporate Business Development Director Craig McMillian, “we are excited about the happiness and joy it brought to the youth.” COMPLETE STORY
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(January 2011) The Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has begun selling digital artwork at the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex in Pembroke to raise money for an educational scholarship program.
“We are starting a tradition that we are hoping to continue and grow,” stated Tribal District 1 Representative Audrey Hunt. The goal is to raise $20,000 from the print. Once the goal is met then the Tribal Council will begin on an application and qualifications for the scholastic assistance.
“Tuition only continues to rise and resources are limited for tribal members,” said the Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe Purnell Swett, “and as a former educator, I am very pleased to see the council’s efforts toward this initiative.” COMPLETE STORY
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(January 2011) The 2011 Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted its swearing-in ceremony for the new tribal district representatives Tuesday, January 18th at Tribal District 2 Southern Spirit Boys and Girls Club and Community Center in Lumberton.
The Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe opened up the ceremony acknowledging the Tribal Council for their support in his first year of office followed by personally thanking each outgoing Tribal Council member. “Again, to the members of the 2010 Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, thank you for your service, your leadership, and your forbearance.” COMPLETE STORY
The transition of power was smooth and without controversy on the first meeting of the new 2011 Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. According to tribal law, the Tribal Council is required to elect new officers at its January meeting. The Parliamentarian of the 2010 Tribal Council, Mr. Shelley Strickland, called the meeting to order and after the Pledge of Allegiance and reading of the Preamble of the Lumbee Constitution opened the floor for nominations.
The officers of the 2011 Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are as follows: Tribal Speaker, Mr. Steve Sampson(pictured right); Vice Chairperson, Ms. Sharon Hunt; Secretary, Mrs. Linda Revels; Treasurer, Ms. Pam Hunt and Parliamentarian, Mr. Shelley Strickland.COMPLETE STORY
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 (January 2011) The Youth Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina obtained the 2010 OJP (Office of Justice Programs) Grant in late December to incorporate Project Learn within the Tribal Boys and Girls Clubs.
The $75,000 grant will be divided between the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs and will address academic achievement among tribal youth. Twenty-five children from the tribal clubs have been selected to participate in the program. “As a former educator, I know firsthand how success in school builds not only confidence but opportunities for greater success in life,” commented Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. According to Boys and Girls Club of America, over a three-year period, Project Learn has showed significant grade improvements and an increase in attendance rates for program participants. COMPLETE STORY
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(January 2011) The Tribal Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina presented a proclamation honoring Mr. Ronnie Sutton, Esq. for his years of service as a representative in the NC General Assembly at an appreciation dinner hosted by the community held Thursday, January 6th at the UNCP Annex. [photos]
“Thank you Representative Ronnie Sutton for all you have done,” said Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett at the Appreciation and Farewell Dinner held in honor of the former representative. Tribal Chairman Swett then presented former Representative Sutton with a proclamation declaring Thursday, January 6, 2011 as Representative Ronnie Neal Sutton Day in the land of the Lumbee. Serving since 1993, Sutton was the only American Indian member of the NC General Assembly. “While my tenure as an elected official has come to an end, my role as a community leader continues,” commented Sutton, “one of my greatest satisfactions has been the ability to cut through the red tape involving citizens and their government.” COMPLETE STORY
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(January 2011) The Volunteer Program of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina delivered a wish to a WOW (Worthy Of a Wish) recipient’s Lumberton residence in late December 2010.
Darlene Scott of Lumberton nominated Dewayne Hunt as a wish recipient to the WOW Project in late 2010. “He was born with Cerebral Palsy and has suffered from aches and pains all of his life,” said Scott. Twenty-year-old Dewayne Hunt of Lumberton has always wished for an electric wheel chair due to the increased pain he has had to endure from the manual wheel chair he has been using according Scott. Hunt has been confined to a wheelchair because Cerebral Palsy affects the brain and nervous system functions. COMPLETE STORY
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 (January 2011) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted the reopening and blessing ceremony of the Indian Health Clinic (IHC) on January 6th at Native Angels in Pembroke off highway 711.
Reverend Doug Locklear began the ceremony blessing the IHC with sage, a traditional American Indian herb used to give thanks. Following Locklear’s prayer, members of Southern Sun Drum Group sang an Honor Song to conclude the blessing.
“My vision for the clinic is to use this as a stepping stone and learning tool on how to offer healthcare services so that once we receive full federal benefits we will be in a position to move forward and address the multiple needs of our tribal members,” stated Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. COMPLETE STORY & MORE PHOTOS
 Past IHC Stories
Lumbee Tribe announces the opening of the Indian Health Clinic
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(January 2011) The Volunteer Program of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina made Christmas a reality by gifting presents to Tribal youth across the Tribal territory on Monday, December 20, 2010 at the Tribal Housing Complex in Pembroke. [continued....] along with more photos
The Lumbee Housing Complex was a drop-off site that allowed locals to deposit toys for children who would not have otherwise had a Christmas. “The holiday season is a special time of year, a time filled with excitement and anticipation. Sadly, many families living in our tribal territory do not have the means to purchase even the most basic holiday gifts,” stated Tribal Coordinator Morgan Warriax.[continued....] along with more photos
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Washington, D.C.—Dr. Helen Maynor Scheirbeck, longtime champion of American Indian civil rights, pioneer for Indian control of their own education, and passionate advocate for the sovereignty of her Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, died Sunday night, Dec. 19, 2010. She was 75 years old. In May of 2009, just weeks before the debilitating stroke that led to her death, Helen’s 40 plus-year odyssey fighting for Indian Self-determination was recognized by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. By her side also receiving an honorary degree was anti-apartheid campaigner and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Desmund Tutu.
Helen was a member of the first Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. She served as the Secretary to the Board for two terms and joined the staff at the museum, where she served from 2000-2007 as Senior Advisor for Museum Programs and Scholarly Research and earlier as the Assistant Director for Public Programs.[continued....]
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(December 2010) The Elder Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted its Fifth Annual Elder’s Christmas Banquet on December 2nd at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center.
“As I look around I see such a wonderful group of trail blazers,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “a lot of you have allowed us to be where we are today.”
Elder Services Manager Natascha Tilson opened the dinner by giving special thanks to her staff who worked for roughly three months raising money to make the event possible. Tilson paid tribute the community sponsors listed in the program who helped make the event a success.
After opening commentary Senior Miss Lumbee Eva Oxendine sang ‘Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’ followed by Reverend and Tribal District 13 Representative Ricky Burnett blessing the dinner. COMPLETE STORY
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The Lumbee Tribe will be accepting applications for Stedman Estates on select days during the months of November and December at the North Carolina Indian Housing Authority from 9a.m. until 4p.m. located on 2125 Sapona Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina. MORE INFORMATION
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The Pembroke Boys & Girls club of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has partnered with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNC-P) by way of a grant promoting an active lifestyle.
The $20,000 grant will be used to educate children of the club about the importance of incorporating exercise into their daily routines. “I really like the program, a lot of our youth are either over weight or have diabetes within their family,” stated Youth Services Manager Verdia Deese, “the children are loving it and it fits with our program in meeting one of our five core objectives." COMPLETE STORY
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The Youth Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted its 7th Annual Youth Leadership Conference from Friday, November 5th until Sunday, November 7th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“You are among what we call the select few,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “my advice to you would be to take advantage of everything you are exposed to here at this conference.” Select high school students from Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland and Robeson counties were chosen to participate in the conference based on a range of considerations from academic achievement to program involvement. COMPLETE STORY
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(October 2010) The Tribal Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Honorable Purnell Swett, appeared as a guest speaker at the opening for the 9th Annual Indian Mothers, Inc. “Walking in Many Worlds” Spirit of One 2010 Conference on Thursday, October 14th at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Annex Center.
“I commend the American Indian Mothers for having the vision to bring together the caliber of individuals that are represented here today” said Chairman Purnell.
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 (August 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina met with Golden Corral franchisee owners on Monday, August 30, 2010 to discuss their interest and willingness to contribute toward the educational future of a deserving Lumbee student through the newly founded tribal scholarship program.
“Without access to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribe has been unable to assist tribal members in this area,” explained Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “but we anticipate keeping education in the forefront of our concerns for our Lumbee people.” Golden Corral Buffet & Catering of Lumberton is a franchise business in which the owners, Dalton Stocks along with Tom and Amanda Marks, expressed their strong belief in community involvement. According to their spokesman, Bob Greene, they wanted to get involved with the Lumbee Tribe.
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(August 2010) The Lumbee Tribe Rehabilitation Housing Program has invested approximately $6.5 million throughout the four county tribal territories in repairing tribal member’s homes to make them decent, safe and sanitary.
“To ensure fast service while ensuring quality work is something we are definitely proud of,” said Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. The purpose of the program is to make home repair services available to qualified enrolled Lumbee tribal members whose dwellings are sub-standard, unsafe and/or lack acceptable sanitary facilities. “I was amazed, looking back, that we were able to rehabilitate 400 homes within the 2009/2010 fiscal year,” said Kent Locklear, the Rehabilitation manager. Included in the total were 45 mobile home replacements, amounting to roughly around $1.5 million. COMPLETE STORY
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(August 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina would like to welcome Verdia Deese as the new Boys & Girls Clubs Manager. A thorough search began after the position was left vacant due to the recent death of Wanda Kay Locklear, the director of the Boys & Girls Clubs for roughly 4 years.
Verdia Deese is from Rowland and a retired educator. Deese will bring 39 years of experience to the table as a former educator within the Public Schools of Robeson County. “Our young people are our future and that is why team work must continue to be the driving force for this program,” she said. Deese gave a personal example of when she was little girl stringing up tobacco; they didn’t count how many leaves their neighbor did, they did it together and they finished together making them feel like they had conquered the world. “Even cooking back then took a half a day to do because you had to work as a team to get everything done, you needed one another,” she continued. COMPLETE STORY
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(August 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recently hosted a Health and Human Services Volunteer Dinner with doctors and nurses from the four county tribal territories to discuss the Tribe’s recent acquisition of the Indian Health Clinic.
“I want to thank those of you here in the medical profession for coming to share with us in this dream to make it a reality,” said Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “this will send the message that the Tribe is doing other things besides rehabbing and building homes.”
The Indian Health Clinic was founded in March 2004 by Fred Rogers and his wife Linda. Mr. Rogers is retiring and moving back to his home state of Oklahoma and asked the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to continue the work he begun. The clinic was opened to provide free primary health care for uninsured/low-income American Indians in Robeson and surrounding counties. “The need for this service is tremendous in our community,” said Tribal Administrator Dr. Lowry-Townsend, “the clinic from my understanding opened with 320 patients the first year and now currently serves almost 1,900.” COMPLETE STORY
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(September 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Emergency Housing Repair and Assistance Program is scheduled to have its transitional homes available for tribal members to occupy starting October 1, 2010.
There will be five homes available October 1, 2010; four in Robeson County and one in Hoke County. Currently a transitional home is being built in Cumberland County and is tentatively scheduled to be complete in the first quarter of 2011. Tribal members who qualify for the service will be provided temporary housing during which they will have 90 days to transition into a permanent residence. Tribal members will not be required to pay a monthly housing fee or utilities and the home will be fully furnished. The arrangement is designed to offer a tribal member and their family successful transition within the 90 day period. COMPLETE STORY
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(August 2010) The Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministry hosted its 2nd Annual Heritage Day Honoring Service Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Camp Grace in Fairmont, North Carolina.
“It is an honor and privilege to be here with you today,” commented Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “the Tribe stands ready to assist you and your community in any way possible.” According to Reverend Sylvia Collins-Ball, a minister within the conference, the Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministries was formed in 1995 so that the Indian Methodist Church community could be mobilized and become collective in sharing Christ and meeting the needs within communities. “I want to thank one of our Tribal council members for helping in coordinating this wonderful event, Ms. Louise Mitchell,” continued Tribal Chairman Swett.
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(August 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recently held a Full Federal Recognition Discussion dinner with community leaders at the Lumberton Holiday Inn. “This event is for us to show our support in federal recognition efforts,” said the Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “we are fortunate to be where we are in the process.”
“This not only going to help the Lumbee, but all of Robeson County and its surrounding counties,” stated Chairperson of Tribal Council Federal Recognition Committee Sharon Hunt, who is also a Tribal Council Member for Tribal District 2.
Following the dinner Tribal Administrator Dr. Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend introduced AndersonTuell, LLP Law and Lobbying Firm to the attending community leaders. According to Article VIII, Section 1, subsection e of the Lumbee Constitution, the Tribal Chairman is executing his duty to “represent the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina before all other governments and tribunals, including the United States, the State of North Carolina, and federal and state agencies,” by engaging AnderonTuell, LLP to assist with the federal recognition endeavor. COMPLETE STORY or PHOTOS
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Older Stories
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Involvement Fair
Stedman Estates Opens
Tribe honors students and Relay participants
Lumbee Crowns New Senior Ms Lumbee and Ambassadors
Lumbee Tribe Tobacco Cessation Program State Rally
Lumbee Supreme Court transfers case
Dark Water Rising at 36th Annual NC Indian Unity Conference
UNCP students donate to Tribal Volunteer Program
Tribal Administration submits RFP for Riverside Golf Course 
Expansion begins for Cheraw Acres
Tribal Youth invited to National Keystone Conference
The Lumbee Tribe participates in Annual American Indian Mothers, Inc. Conference
