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Notice: All 2018 Senior Ms. Lumbee tickets are now sold out.

The first ever Lumbee Film Festival showcases bold, original new films made by American Indians, especially Lumbees living in North Carolina and across the United States. The inaugural festival takes place on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the UNC Pembroke Entrepreneurship Incubator. American Indian filmmakers can submit narrative, documentary or experimental films of any length or genre to the festival by June 7, 2018. Submissions can be made through the Cucalorus website at: www.cucalorus.org/lumbee-film-festival/. There is no entry fee - so submit a film for free! The Festival features a panel discussion with community organizers, filmmakers and tribe members discussing cultural extraction, cultural appropriation, and other issues faced by indigenous communities and their work within the cultural sector. The Festival also presents the “Lumbee Filmmaking Challenge” as the grand finale screening, in which every submitted film under three minutes -- no jury, no rules -- will be shown. The Lumbee Filmmaking Challenge encourages creativity and storytelling in many forms, from many voices - young and old, far and near - anyone with a cell phone can make a short video and send it in. Filmmakers submitting short films for the Lumbee Filmmaking Challenge must submit by Friday June 22, 2018 at 8pm. All films must address the theme “What Lumbee Means To Me” - and all filmmakers must be American Indians. The theme can be handled in many ways - from a collard sandwich to a walk along the river to a music video for your favorite song - get as creative as you want. “It is wonderful to have an opportunity for the community to come for free to see films made for and by American Indians, amplifying our voices, our challenges and our accomplishments. I think I am most excited about “What Lumbee Means To Me” as we express our pride in our people, culture, place and traditions.” said Festival Director Kim Pevia. Pevia is joined on the staff by graphic designer Chad Locklear and a programming committee including artist Ashley Minner and filmmaker Malinda Maynor Lowery. The Lumbee Film Festival is a partnership between the Lumbee Tribe of NC, Cucalorus, and the NC Arts Council. It takes place at the UNCP Entrepreneurship Incubator at 202 Main Street- downtown Pembroke, NC on Saturday, June 23, 2018. Find more information at www.cucalorus.org/lumbee-film-festival/.

Tribal rolls are currently closed for new enrollments as we evaluate our existing processes and work toward making improvements. Tribal enrollment is a key issue throughout Indian Country and concepts such as sovereignty, blood quantum, authenticity and legitimacy, often play a large role in any discussion of this subject matter. We are excited to have Robert A. Williams, Jr., the Regents Professor of Law and Faculty Co-Chair of the University of Arizona Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program, join us at the 2018 Lumbee Nation Economic Summit to discuss tribal enrollment reform. Professor Williams, a Lumbee who received his Doctorate from Harvard Law School, is well-versed in navigating tribal law and the often tumultuous waters that surround tribal enrollment reform. Don't miss his presentation at this year's Summit on May 23, 2018. Register for the 2018 Lumbee Nation Economic Summit at http://www.ncmbc.us/2018-lumbee-nation-economic-summit .

The opioid crisis is escalating to emergency-level proportions, claiming as many lives as car accidents. When a family member has a drug or alcohol addiction, they have a disease that has the power to affect and hurt their entire family. An addiction can cause tension, miscommunication, and more frequent arguments within a household, raising the stress levels and negativity off all who are within this unhealthy atmosphere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose rates from prescription opioids were highest among people aged 25 to 54 years. Also, overdose rates from prescription opioids were higher among non-Hispanic whites and American Indian or Alaskan Natives, compared to non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Statistics such as these are alarming to Lumbee Country. It is imperative you join us at the 2018 Lumbee Nations Economic Summit to discuss the current opioid crisis with local healthcare leaders.

Highlights from tonight's Tribal Council Meeting: Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Jr. and Tribal Council presented a tribute to Mr. Kernice Locklear’s wife honoring his life and legacy as a tribal councilman. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Chancellor, Faculty, and students were acknowledged for their dedication to the Lumbee people by their hard work in establishing a Highway Historical Marker honoring the Battle of Hayes pond. The Tribal Council heard comments from community members, with members from various districts expressing their concerns and needs in their perspective district. Congratulations are in order for Dr. Freda Porter as the Tribal Council passed a resolution reconfirming her role as Tribal Administrator. Additionally, the Tribal Council passed an ordinance to preserve the Lumbee Traditional Elders Worship and Ceremony area at the Lumbee Cultural Center, the site will forever be protected as a sacred site by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Finally, the budget amendment was passed to fully fund the Dreamcatcher project, provide funds for back to school activities for the youth, and monies for a memorial to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Hayes Pond.