Search Site Results

Please click the link below to read about the generous donation of time and resources the First Nation Boys & Girls Club received from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Housed in District 14 and represented by Tribal Council member Ms. Barbara Lowery, the Club also owes a resounding thank you to Ms. Carla Knapp, National Director, Native Services, BGCA and members of her team who traveled to Robeson County to personally assist with the revamping and installation of donated goods. Thank you to all the good staff and supporters who also worked to make this possible. http://www.naclubs.org/index.php/about-us/club-spotlight/779-first-nation-boys-girls-club-receives-a-club-makeover

Today, the Robesonian published an article covering the upcoming Lumbee Tribe march at the presidential inauguration parade representing their tribal nation. For the full article, please click the link below. http://robesonian.com/news/95280/lumbee-getinvitation-totrump-parade

Needy Children Receive Native Dolls for Christmas On December 19, 2016, Youth Development Specialists (YDS) gathered at the Indian Education Resource Center in Pembroke to pick up Native American collectible dolls to distribute to selected Indian students throughout the county for Christmas. These gifts were donated from the private collection of Ms. Janice Schroeder. Ms. Schroeder, a generous Pembroke native concerned with the welfare of children displaced by Hurricane Matthew, wanted to specifically target elementary and middle school children as gift recipients. The Youth Development Specialists worked closely with school social workers to identify these students. Only students that were in need and/or displaced received the dolls. Ms. Schroeder donated 182 dolls from her personal collection. The dolls, with names such as “Buffalo Child” and “Little Bear Dancer”, came from a variety of noted collections, including the Hamilton Collection, Heartland Mint Collection, Georgetown Collection, Paradise Galleries, and Ashton Drake Galleries. Dr. Connie Locklear, Director of Indian Education, noted that Ms. Schroeder “offered so much of herself” with this wonderful donation, which was “given from the heart” with no expectation of recognition. Chairman Harvey Godwin, Jr. and tribal staff were able to view the beautiful collection before the YDS staff began making their deliveries. The Chairman commended all the YDS staff for the important work they do every day within the schools. In addition, the Lumbee Tribe provided coats to all the children receiving dolls. This provision was made possible by the generous donations made to the Hurricane Matthew Relief fund. Ms. Donna Locklear and Chairman Harvey Godwin admire one of the donated dolls.

On January 5, 2017, the Honorable Matthew Scott of the Lumbee Supreme Court swore in the newly elected Lumbee Tribal Council Representatives at the UNC Pembroke Entrepreneurship Incubator. Tribal Council Speaker Bill James Brewington opened the ceremony with a Welcome, followed by the posting of colors by the Lumbee Warriors Association. Rev. Steve Strickland of Mt. Airy Baptist Church officiated over the event as the Master of Ceremony. Vice-Chairman for the Tribal Council, Terry Hunt recognized the outgoing representatives. Representatives Larry Townsend and William Maiden both expressed their appreciation of the support they received during their time on the council and gave encouragement to the newly elected representatives. Other outgoing council representatives, in addition to Townsend and Maiden, included Areatha Patterson and Daniel Jones. After recognition of the 2016 Tribal Council and Outgoing Representatives, the Newly Elected Representatives took the Oath of Office. These new representatives are as follows: Larry Chavis, District 6; Corbin Eddings, District 8, Ann Taylor, District 12, and Rev. Ricky Burnett, District 13. Additionally, Incumbent Tribal Council Representatives Janie McFarland of District 2, Alton Locklear of District 3, and Jan Lowery of District 7 returned to the Tribal Council for another term, after running unopposed. Newly Elected Representatives remarked on the honor of being elected, their gratitude for support and their hope for the upcoming year. Rev. Ricky Burnett summed up his excitement by quoting the late Ray Littleturtle and saying, “It is a good day to be an Indian.” After the Pinning Ceremony and Remarks from the new councilmen, Chairman Harvey Godwin addressed the audience with closing remarks. Chairman Godwin thanked the 2016 Council for a job well done and highlighted current tribal issues and upcoming events. During the program, the Drum group, WarPaint, honored the 2016 Tribal Council and the Outgoing Representatives with an Honor Song. Tribal Cultural Coordinator Reggie Brewer performed the Flag Song on the flute and Senior Ms. Lumbee, Wanda Locklear-McCall, sang the National Anthem. The audience, including Senator Danny Britt, enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and mingled with the new council representatives after the program’s conclusion. Congratulations to the new 2017 Lumbee Tribal Council. Speaker Bill James Brewington, Master of Ceremony Rev. Steve Strickland, and Tribal Council members; Lumbee Warriors Lumbee Warriors Tribal Council Take Oath of Office, Left to Right: Mr. Larry Chavis, Mr. Corbin Eddings, Ms. Annie Taylor, Rev. Ricky Burnette, Ms. Janie McFarland, Mr. Alton Locklear Sr. Ms. Lumbee - Ms. Wanda Locklear McCall Drum Group - War Paint Chairman Harvey Godwin addresses the attendees

The Office of Indian Education (OIE), Title VI Program honored Ms. Gay Lowery Mansell for her many years of service as an Academic Indian Education Tutor on Friday, December 16, 2016 with a surprise retirement social. The event was held at the Longhouse for Learning on the Educational Resource Center Campus. Upon her arrival, Ms. Mansell was greeted by family, co-workers, and a host of friends, all present to celebrate her many accomplishments. Ms. Mansell is one of ten children. She attended Prospect Elementary School, Les Maxwell Indian School, and Douglas Byrd High School. She is a graduate of the Native American Bible College in Shannon, NC and Fayetteville Technical Community College. She also attended Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. Ms. Mansell's lifelong commitment has always been to improve the lives of native people. Her career began as an instructor teaching GED courses at the local Indian Center. This position prepared her for the work she was eventually tapped to do as an Academic Tutor with Cumberland County Schools, Office of Indian Education. Ms. Mansell, a devout Christian, is also a Sunday School teacher and a volunteer. After nearly 15 years with OIE, Ms. Mansell made the difficult decision to retire. While she quietly made plans to say goodbye, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina made plans to bestow upon her the highest honor granted to an American Indian. During her retirement social, Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin honored Ms. Mansell by presenting her with an Eagle Feather. A smudging ceremony and songs accompanied by the drum and flute followed the presentation. While attending the retirement social, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina also delivered hundreds of new coats for Lumbee children and their families enrolled in the Title VI Program. Darlene Ransom, Coordinator of the Cumberland County OIE, described the coat delivery as a “gift of warmth” that “speaks volumes about the goodness of others”. The Indian Education office staff distributed the coats to students prior to the Christmas holiday. Ms. Darlene Ransom, Chairman Harvey Godwin, Ms. Gay Lowery Mansell Smudging Ceremony Ms. Mansell Surprised by Staff John Oxendine; Patrick Strickland; Chairman Harvey Godwin; Kaya Littleturtle; Reggie Brewer; Ms. Darlene Ransom; and Tribal Councilman William Maiden. Staff Delivers Coats

LUMBEE TRIBE OF NORTH CAROLINA RESTRICTED SOLICITATION THIS INVITATION IS RESTRICTED TO QUALIFIED TRIBAL AND /OR INDIAN OWNED ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 7 (Seven) SINGLE FAMILY HOMES THIS IS A SINGLE PRIME SOLICITATION FOR LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTORS: The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will receive SEALED BIDS, mailed or hand delivered, until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23rd 2017 at the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex located at P.O. Box 2709 ( 6984 NC Hwy. 711 West) Pembroke, North Carolina 28372; ATTN: Anthony Holden . Bids will be opened and read aloud on Tuesday, January 24th 2017 at 11:00 am in Conference Chambers located at the above address. The Lumbee Tribe is soliciting sealed bids for contractors to construct seven (7) single family homes. These homes will be constructed on scattered sites and on tribally owned land located within the tribal territory. Contractors will be responsible for all permits, materials, labor, and utilities for the entire project. Contractors must submit documentation of: * General Liability insurance coverage- $500,000 * North Carolina General Contractors License (with proper classification) * Workers’ Compensation- $250,000 * Surety bid bond, certified check, or letter of irrevocable credit specified for each particular job, equivalent to 5% of the bid price * Statement identifying business as Indian owned and operated * A list of subcontractors and material suppliers. * NOTE: ALL BONDING COMPANIES MUST BE ON THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY’S LISTING OF APPROVED SURETIES Bids not containing ALL listed items will be deemed incomplete and unacceptable. All qualified proposals meeting required terms and specifications will be evaluated and approval made by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to constitute the most responsible bid for the services requested. A firm fixed price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. As stated in 2 CFR part 200.320 (C) (2) (iv). For contracts exceeding $150,000, the selected contractor will be required, within 14 calendar days, to produce a payment and performance bond for 100% of contract amount. Contractor is responsible for a builder’s risk insurance policy for each project. 75% of all subcontracts and material suppliers shall be with Tribal and /or Indian-owned economic enterprises and organizations. The submitted list of subcontractors/material suppliers cannot be changed without written permission from the Owner. Contracts may be terminated for improper subcontracting, failure to supply wage or sales tax information, or false certification as to subcontracting with Tribal and/or Indian-owned economic enterprises and organizations. Contact Anthony Holden at 910-522-2223 at the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex located at (6984 NC Hwy. 711, Pembroke, NC 28372) for blueprints and specifications on these homes. A refundable $200 deposit is required for blueprints and specifications. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals presented and the right to waive any informalities or irregularities.

Please Join Us for the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Swearing–In Ceremony January 5, 2017 6:30 pm. UNCP Entrepreneurship Incubator 202 Main Street Pembroke, NC 28372

128 years ago today, a group of Lumbee petitioned the United States Government for recognition as an American Indian tribe. That fight continues today. Chairman Harvey Godwin, Jr. stated that in the Summer of 2016, he and council member Jarrod Lowery planted a tree as a symbol of our promise to the Lumbee people that in 2016 we would make progress in our fight to achieve full Federal recognition. Today he is pleased to announce that we have indeed reached a milestone in our effort towards full Federal Recognition. On December 22, 2016, the United States Department of the Interior reversed its long-held position that the 1956 Lumbee Act both terminated our existing rights, benefits, and privileges and prohibited the application of future legislation to us as an Indian tribe. This opinion does not grant us full federal recognition but it does open up additional avenues for us to pursue our efforts. Click the link below to read the Solicitor's Opinion. https://solicitor.doi.gov/opinions.html

These photos depict one of many tribal cultural demonstrations conducted during National Indian Heritage Month in November 2016. This demonstration took place at the Indian Education gymnasium in Pembroke for the students of Shining Stars Preschool and Communities in Schools Academy. The tribal culture team gives a cultural demonstration to an attentive group of students at St. Pauls High School. Thank you Mr. Albert Harding, Indian Education Youth Development Specialist, for this opportunity to share our culture with your students.

Members of the Lumbee Tribe participated in the unveiling of the Blue Star Memorial on November 16, 2016 at the I-95 South NC Welcome Center. Blue Star Memorial Highway markers are located across the United States and commemorate the U.S. armed forces and the services these brave men and women have provided to keep all of us safe. This program was started at the end of World War II by what is currently known as the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Singing, drumming, prayer, and smudging were provided by Kaya Littleturtle, Lumbee Tribe Cultural Liaison; Lindsey Oxendine, Ms. Lumbee 2016-2017; and Mr. Harold Hunt, Veteran and Lumbee Warrior. Kaya Littleturtle, Lumbee Tribe Cultural Liaison Harold Hunt, Veteran and Lumbee Warrior Smudging by Harold Hunt, Veteran and Lumbee Warrior Blue Star Memorial Highway marker Lindsey Oxendine, Ms. Lumbee 2016-2017 Kaya Littleturtle, Lumbee Tribe Cultural Liaison