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On May 26, 2022, the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. officially opened the Warriors' Way Veterans Village. The event was extra special for 5 veterans who received keys to a home in the community. The village is located in the Rowland Community. This neighborhood will house (10) ten veterans. North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson spoke at the event today. The ceremony featured a Flag Ceremony" as well as a Memorial Day Service as part of this special occasion. An all-Veteran Parachute team, All Veteran Group, opened the event with a parachute drop-in. For any Veterans interested in more information about the Lumbee Tribe HUD VASH Program, they may call Carla Clark at (910)-705-1862 or Janice Locklear at (910)-522-22088 at the Lumbee Tribe of N.C.

A District 3 Community Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13, 2022. The meeting is hosted by Council members Pam Hunt & Harold Smith. The meeting is at 6:00 pm at the Resource Center on 1702 W. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. Dinner will be served.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Leroy Freeman who passed on May 17, 2022. Mr. Leroy, 75, was a native of the Fairmont community. He will be remembered as a true leader, a veteran and a businessman who broke barriors for our tribal community and all Native People. He believed in supporting the community. He was a member of the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Mr. Freeman leaves his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Rose Oxendine Freeman; two children, Adam Cranston Freeman, and Adrian Colby-Lynn Freeman, both of the home; his mother-in-law, Rosie Lee Oxendine; five sisters, Debbie Jacobs of Raeford, Myra F. Hunt of Charlotte, Rosie Lee Hunt of St. Pauls, Lori Ann Barnes (Allen) of Fairmont, and Linda O. Hunt (Clayton) of Fairmont; seven brothers, Christopher Sanderson (Charlotte) of Fairmont, Reverend Tony Hunt (Deana) of Raeford, Reverend BJ Hunt of Baltimore, Maryland, Harold Hunt of Fairmont, Willie James Hunt of Fairmont, Kenny Hunt (Geraldine) of Lumberton, and Curly Jr. Hunt (Mary) of Pembroke. Mr. Freeman also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews to cherish his service to others, Corbin, Joshua, Aleshia, Jay, Robert, Lynn, Helena, Lenora, Tammy, Tee, Jonathan, Cynthia and dozens more. Several very spoiled family pets: Prince, Trouble, Angel and Bandit also shared a special place in Mr. Freeman's life. Mr. Freeman was an Army veteran. He was the retired owner of Freeman and Smith, Inc., later known as NYP Corp AMPACK Division, located in Lumberton. Mr. Freeman also owned the Snak Shak, a local restaurant in Fairmont, as well as being the co-owner of Heavenly Touch Home Healthcare, located in Pembroke. Mr. Freeman had extensive experience and success in providing services to Native American families in Robeson County and never once did he expect any return on his investment in the lives of other people. From 2000 to 2007, Mr. Freeman served in an elected position to the Board of Directors for Lumbee Regional Development Association. During this time, Mr. Freeman served as the Chairman of the Board for most of his tenure. In June 2001, Mr. Freeman was appointed by the then Gov. Mike Easley, to the N.C. Crime Commission. Mr. Freeman spent the majority of his life as an active participant in local and state politics. Over the years, Mr. Freeman was appointed to many local committees and organizations. His contributions and leadership resulted in new and improved services for his local community which are still ongoing today. On a personal note, Mr. Freeman's hobbies included politics, photography and watching television. He was an avid Carolina fan as well as a longtime benefactor for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Freeman was so thankful for his life of service and for all of the individuals who gave him a chance to work and serve so many good and worthy people. A couple of historical facts about the life of our Awesome Mr. Leroy Freeman's life: Mr. Freeman was instrumental in developing the color that became the official color of the sandbags that were later utilized for the protection of our soldiers during Desert Storm and secondly, Mr. Freeman worked extensively on the creation and design of the mail bags that are still the official form of transport for the U.S. Postal Service.

The Lumbee Tribe Aquatic Center at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center is officially open. The pool is open Monday, Memorial Day till 7 pm. The pre-summer schedule is Saturday and Sunday - Saturday 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sunday 2 pm -6 pm Admission Prices: (CASH ONLY) $2 - With an Active Tribal Card (Must have card present) $3 - Without a Tribal Card $1 on Sunday The Cultural Center is located on Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton, NC.

On Thursday, the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. officially opened the Warriors' Way Veterans Village. The event was extra special for 5 veterans who received keys to a home in the community. The village is located in the Rowland Community. This neighborhood will house (10) ten veterans. North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson spoke of the importance of honoring our veterans and their role in our freedom. The ceremony featured a Flag Ceremony as well as a Memorial Day Service as part of this special occasion. An all-Veteran Parachute team, All Veteran Group, opened the event with a parachute drop-in. For any Veterans interested in more information about the Lumbee Tribe HUD VASH Program, they may call Carla Clark or Janice Locklear at the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. at 910.522.2208.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Carnell Locklear. Mr. Carnell passed away on May 25, 2022. His smile and joyful spirit will always be remembered among our people. His role as he played “Boss Strong” in the “Strike at the Wind!” Outdoor Drama was the first time that many people saw his vibrant personality. Mr. Carnell was a talented musician, actor and storyteller. Devoted and loving father, husband, grandfather and friend, Mr. Carnell “Boss Strong” Locklear, 80, of 246 Red Banks Road, Pembroke was born August 22, 1941 and made his heavenly journey home on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Ms. Peggy Locklear; two sons: Mr. Shawn Locklear and Mr. Quindell Locklear; parents: Mr. Jessie B. Bullard and Mrs. Nancy Jane Dial; step-father: Mr. Lacy Dial; five brothers: Mr. Curley Dial, Mr. Carlie Dial (Florella), Mr. Joe “Bear” Dial (Diane), Mr. Jackie Bullard, Mr. Daniel James Bullard (Gloria); two sisters: Ms. Monica Bullard and Ms. Frances Locklear. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Bakers Chapel Baptist Church with Revs. Lindbergh Chavis and Mark Locklear officiating. Burial will follow in the Locklear Family Cemetery. Mr. Locklear is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Michelle Johnson (Joe) of Pembroke and Mrs. Miranda Locklear (Bill) of the home; two sons: Mr. Wynndion (Cindy) of Maxton, Mr. Lynn Edward of the home; six sisters: Ms. Naomi Dial, Mrs. Alice Brooks (James) of Pembroke, Mrs. Ruby Locklear (Paul) Mrs. Rose Bullard (Gurney) Mrs. Sally Locklear (Grady) and Ms. Patricia “Pat” Bullard; six brothers: Mr. Fred Locklear of Sanford, Mr. Kenneth Bullard (Nell), Mr. Jessie Bullard, (Gerita) Mr. Larry Bullard (Wanda) Mr. Wilbert Bullard (Elvie) and Mr. Edward Bullard; five grandsons: Devin Johnson, Shawn Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Nicholas Locklear and Justin Locklear’ three granddaughters: Nicole Johnson, Nikki Johnson and Heather Summerford; one great-granddaughter: Natalyn Raine Johnson; a very special friend: Mrs. Maxine Jones and a host of relatives and friends.

Thank you to everyone who made the Lumbee Tribe Cords of Honor Ceremony Special for our graduates. It was a beautiful moment to celebrate our Lumbee Graduates and the Future. We say a special thank you to the educators, principals, professors, social workers, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and everyone who encouraged and prayed for them along the way. Thank you parents for everything. Lumbee Graduates please take time to celebrate your accomplishment and this vision that our ancestors dreamed of so long ago. Congratulations! We will post more photos as we continue to celebrate you!

We are so honored and proud for the opportunity to recognize our Lumbee Graduates at the Lumbee Cords of Honor Ceremony.

FREE Educational Opportunities with Project IndigeCHOICE. Register now for summer camps. https://indigechoice.lumbeetribe.com/Program

Today Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery had an opportunity to discuss his vision of the Cultural Center and environmental justice with DEQ Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser. Biser is the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Duke Associate Professor Dr. Ryan Emanuel gave Secretary Biser a tour of Robeson County and an overview of the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center history and current projects.

Lumbee Elder Mrs. Allie Oxendine was recently recognized in an article in Indian Country Today as she prepares to celebate her 102nd birthday on Aug. 23, 2022. The article, written by James Locklear, looks at the life of the Mount Airy Community Native. Many blessings to Mrs. Allie and we wish you a beautiful birthday and an amazing year! Read full article here: https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/lumbee-elder-credits-smiles-laughter-for-long-life?fbclid=IwAR2qwSHe2YZIodwwSh1nJa-ZyqL7kxuha0vqW8anXuVLfNJFQJPDDR3jS1E

Press Release In a Historic Moment the Lumbee Tribal Council Votes to Create a Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Pembroke, NC (May 19, 2022) - On Thursday, the Lumbee Tribal Council voted to approve the creation of a Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources within the Lumbee Tribal Government. This new department will assist Lumbee producers in food certifications, access of markets, and knowledge of opportunities available through state and federal agencies. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery said it is a historic moment for Lumbee farmers. “As this government moves forward, this new department will have the opportunity to strategically work to assist those who ensure we have food on our table and also work to protect the natural resources of our tribal lands,” said Lowery. Programs regarding farming, ranching, natural resources, conservation, food safety, food security, and food sovereigntywill fall under the umbrella of the new department. Tribal Councilwoman Wendy Moore said farmers are the life blood of Lumbee communities. Moore is the Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee for the Tribal Council. “I am proud to be part of this moment as the Tribe takes a step forward in our agriculture and natural resource work. As indigenous People, we were placed here to be good stewards of Mother Earth, so this is a step in the right direction. ” said Moore. During his campaign, Chairman Lowery said he would appoint a temporary Advisory Committee to look at the Agriculture sector and how the Lumbee Tribe could assist farmers and ranchers. Eddie Moore, from the Prospect Community, agreed to chair the temporary committee. Mr. Moore pulled together a coalition of farmers representing diverse areas of agriculture production, which ranged from cattle to row crops, aquaculture to regular produce as well as organic farming. The farmers discussed the strengths and challenges that Lumbee farmers face. One of the recommendations from this Advisory Committee was the creation of a Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The mission statement of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is “to steward Lumbee lands and waters by honoring our ancestors and their traditions, strengthening our existing farm community by advocating for Lumbee agricultural opportunities and promoting tribal food sovereignty.”