2012 Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of NC

Welcome to the new 2012 Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Tribal Council Elect members: Mr. Terry Hunt, Tribal District 2; Mr. Lesaundri (Lee) Hunt, Tribal District 3; Mr. Charles Bullard, Tribal District 5; Mr. McDuffie Cummings, Tribal District 6; Mr. Terry Campbell, Tribal District 7; Mrs. Linda Revels, Tribal District 11, and Mr. Walter Lowery, Tribal District 12, took the Oath of Office Thursday, January 5 at the Swearing In Ceremony held at the gymnasium at the Indian Education Resource Center in Pembroke.

The Oath of Office was administered by the Chief Justice of the Lumbee Supreme Court, the Honorable Gary Locklear. The newly elected Tribal Council members were elected in November, and with their oath, this now seats the new 2012 Tribal Council. Again congratulations and thank you to all outgoing members of the Tribal Council for their service: Ms. Sharon Hunt, former Tribal Chairwoman, Vice Chair and Tribal District 2 representative; Ms. Pam Hunt, Treasurer and Tribal District 3 representative; Mr. James Deese, Tribal District 6 representative, and Mr. Shelly Strickland, Tribal District 12 representative.

Great Futures Start at Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are a part of the movement Ready to Serve Youth of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. To have a greater impact on our youth, Verdia Deese Manager of Youth Services for the Lumbee Tribe, and Tangelina Jarry, Unit Coordinator, attended the Advanced Leadership Program in Atlanta, Georgia.

The training equipped them with the necessary tools and support to bring the formula for the Impact to the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs. Deese and Jarry have trained the staff of the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs, and Deese has presented Impact to various groups including the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The Tribal Council has approved a Tribal Resolution for Impact.

The program will hold the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs accountable for improving attendance, using the five elements for positive youth development: a safe, positive environment; supportive relationships; fun; opportunities and expectations, and recognition. By using high yield activities and target programs, youth at the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs will become productive, caring citizens.

“I am proud that the management of youth services continues to find ways to support the development of our youth,” said Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks. The Advanced Leadership Program attended by Deese and Jarry equipped both with the tools and support for implementing a successful Advisory Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to secure more funds through resource development. The Lumbee Tribe was awarded an Advanced Leadership Program grant in the amount of $3,000 from the Woodruff Foundation to help implement the Advisory Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

For more information on Youth Services or the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs, please contact Verdia Deese at 910.522.2218.

6th Annual Elders Christmas Banquet

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Elder Services Department hosted their 6th Annual Elders Christmas Banquet December 6, 2011 at the Farmer’s Market in Lumberton, North Carolina.

The evening was sponsored by the Lumbee Tribe Elder Services Department, presented by Natascha Tilson and employees, a host of sponsors ranging from individuals, businesses, churches and a number of volunteers. You could feel the excitement, anticipation, joy and happiness that filled the room as the elders and their guest arrived.
One Elder from each of the Heritage Groups was selected to participate in the Elder of the Year Contest. Each participant received a plaque and a fifty dollar cash award. The Elder of the Year Award was presented to Ms. Tessie Hunt who is a member of the Lumberton Heritage Group: Ms. Hunt received a plaque and a two hundred and fifty dollar cash prize. Ms. Hunt was also presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on December 17, 2011 at the Tribal wide Christmas Meal at the Southeastern Agriculture Center in Lumberton, North Carolina. Ms. Hunt has accomplished many achievements during her life and is held in the highest regard at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and through out the tribal community. Ms. Hunt also has a love for people and has been dedicated in different outreach programs.

There was special entertainment provided throughout the evening. Everyone who is a member of the Heritage Groups received a gift at the end of the evening. For more information on how any Lumbee Elder 55 or older can join a Heritage Group in their community can contact Lumbee Elder Services at (910) 522-5461.

Lumbee Christmas party draws thousands

Several thousand Lumbees gathered at the farmers market for the first-ever Lumbee Christmas party. The event was sponsored by newly elected Lumbee Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks and supporters of the unity movement.

It was an opportunity for tribal members to meet old acquaintances and make new friends.

"I feel good to mingle with people I haven't seen in years," said Gennell McMillan, who is 73 and lives in Shannon. "It's just great to see all our people here, knowing where we've come from. We've come a long way."

Brooks said promoting unity while showcasing the success of the tribe was the intent of the inaugural celebration. Dozens of Lumbee elders were present at the event. Brooks applauded them for their efforts in helping to move the tribe forward. He talked about how the Rev. Claudie Dial brought evangelical ministry to the Lumbees with tent revivals dating back to the 1950s.

He said Dial had preached in every state in the nation and 13 countries. Dial was also among the first to bring the message of Christianity to the Seminole Tribe in Florida. Donald Jackson listened to the stories about the tribe's success between nibbling on a barbecue sandwich and a bowl of chicken bog. Jackson came with several friends and family members from Rowland.

Jackson praised the tribe's efforts in helping the people. He said his mother received a new mobile home through the tribe's housing program.

"I think this is something good for the people to let them know the good the tribe has done," Jackson said. "My mom was living in a dilapidated trailer before. Now she has a nice home."Donald Chavis, 72, was one of dozens of military veterans in attendance. Chavis, a Vietnam Veteran, sported a 101st Airborne baseball cap with the "Screamin' Eagle" insignia. "I just absolutely love this," he said, moments before veterans in attendance were honored.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a ceremony honoring Tessie Hunt of Lumberton. Hunt is 90. She was recently named the tribe's Elder of the Year. Hunt, a 1942 graduate of UNC-Pembroke, is one of the college's oldest living graduates. She was in the last high school class to attend classes on the campus in 1938 when classes were held in Old Main, the university's oldest building. State Rep. Charles Graham of Lumberton presented her with the Order of the Longleaf Pine award signed by Gov. Bev Purdue. It is one of the highest honors awarded by the governor.

The four-hour celebration ended with gospel singing and performances from the Lumbee Ambassadors, including Miss Lumbee Whitney McFarland. Brooks said he was pleased with the turnout. "I believe that together we can make a difference," Brooks said, echoing his recent campaign slogan. "Our determination has taken us to great heights, and with a unified tribe, we can go even higher."

Written by: By James Locklear
Correspondent for the Fayetteville Observer

Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Inaugurates Brooks as Tribal Chairman

          The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina inaugurated its fifth Tribal Chair shortly after the Tribal Election Board certified the tribal election from Tuesday, November 17. Chairman Paul Brooks was certified by the Lumbee Elections Board on 5 pm Monday, November 21, and was administered the Oath of Office by the Chief Justice of the Lumbee Supreme Court, the Honorable Gary Locklear.
            Chairman Brooks will complete the remaining term of former Chairman Purnell Swett, who resigned in May, 2011, due to health reasons. Chairman Brooks will serve as Chairman until January, 2013.
            "I am thankful for my supporters, and love all the members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.” said Chairman Brooks. “I look forward to working with the staff and Tribal Council to see that tribal members receive the services they qualify for and need.” Chairman Brooks further stated, “This position is about service, not about self-serving. We are a smart people, and if we all remember that we are servants in our own right, then together we can make a difference.”
            Chairman Brooks comes to the tribe with a list of accomplishments that include: leading the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs as Chairman, as well as being a previous school board member, treasurer of the Golden Leaf Foundation, and a successful business man.

Tribal delegation seeks representation and election to NCAI

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recently attended the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) which was founded in 1944 to fight termination and assimilation policies forced upon tribal governments by the United States. The organization stresses the need for unity and cooperation among tribal governments for the protection of sovereign rights. The organization is made up of federally and state recognized tribes from every region of the country. During the first week of November, NCAI convened the 68th Annual Convention and Marketplace in Portland, Oregon. At the convention, the membership of NCAI elected officers, regional vice-presidents, and passed various resolutions presented by regional Indian organizations.

NCAI Resolutions promote and set a unified agenda for Indian County when presented by NCAI staff on Capitol Hill. There were 77 resolutions considered in 5 committees consisting of 17 subcommittees. Approximately 7 of the resolutions directly affected the sovereignty of state recognized tribes, like the Lumbee. Four of the seven resolutions tied sovereignty to federal recognition rather than acknowledging that tribal sovereignty is an aboriginal right. Members of state recognized tribes from eastern United States present included: the Lumbee Tribe, Haliwa Saponi, Coharie, Mowa Choctaw, Pointe-Au-Chien, Ma-Chis Lower Creek, and the Lanai-Lanape Tribe.

Due to the collaboration of these tribes, all 7 resolutions identified as problematic were altered in either subcommittee or at the committee level. The state recognized tribes successfully collaborated to ensure enough votes were present during these committee meetings to ensure our position/status was unaffected as a result of resolutions considered by the body. One resolution brought before the Congress would change the definition of “Indian” in various federal statutes. The proponent of the proposed resolution sought a uniform definition that would disallow state recognized tribes from services from Urban Indian Health Centers. Tribes in North Carolina are working diligently to get an Urban Indian Center brought to North Carolina. This resolution failed as the Congress passed a resolution to the contrary at a previous Annual Meeting.

NCAI is governed by an Executive Council made up of all the tribal membership. Operations are delegated to an executive board of 12 regional vice-presidents and 4 officers. These positions are elected with 2 year terms. This annual meeting was an election year for the Congress. The Southeast region held elections for its Area Vice-President. Larry Townsend was the incumbent for this position. Regional representatives determined that there was active opposition for the position. In light of this opposition, the Lumbee brought in additional representatives prior to the election. The tribe discussed attendance at the meeting with HUD officials prior to attendance at the meeting. Larry Townsend was re-elected by the Southeast region to represent the regional tribes as the Southeast Regional Area Vice-President.

Lumbee staff members attended 18 workshops to discuss opportunities and issues relevant to programs administered by the Tribe. Tribal Council members had opportunity to meet and hear updates from federal officials. Officials in attendance included: Jodi Gillette, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of Interior; Kim Teehee, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, White House; Denise Desiderio, Senior Counsel, Senate Committee of Indian Affairs; Loretta Tuell, Majority Staff Director, Senate Committee of Indian Affairs; Dr. Yvette Robideaux, Director, Indian Health Services; Stephanie Bird, Director, Office of Tribal Government Relations, Veteran’s Affairs; Betty Lock, Women’s Bureau, Department of Labor.

MESSAGE FROM THE LUMBEE TRIBAL ENROLLMENT OFFICE (Pembroke, NC)

Due to high call volume operators maybe busy helping another client. Please be patient and call only (910.521.2843) to schedule your appointment. Remember clients are only seen by appointment.

May 2011 – As decided upon by the Lumbee Tribal Council during their monthly council meeting on May 19th , the tribal rolls will officially reopen on June 27, 2011. The Enrollment and Records office will begin taking applications on that day and will be doing so by appointment only. The staff will begin scheduling appointments on June 13, 2011. You may call (910) 521-2843 to schedule your appointment between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays and the archiving week, which is the last full week of each month set aside for the archival of records).

All new enrollments will have to make an appointment, regardless of age or the distance traveled. If you are an enrolled parent wishing to enroll a minor child(ren) (under 18), please let the staff know so that we may record that information, along with your enrollment number, date of birth, and the number to be enrolled. Also, if you have received a “Pending” certificate, you do not need an appointment-you will be issued a number upon the opening of the rolls.

COMPLETE MESSAGE

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