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By James Locklear Public Relations Lumbee Tribe WAKULLA – It may be an old cliché, but for Thomas Bullard there really is no place like home. He has lived in the Wakulla community for most of his life and really loves the rural area near Red Springs. And, thanks to down payment assistance from the Lumbee Tribe, it looks like he will be there for a long time, right with his people. The tribe gave Bullard $4,000 from its down payment assistance program to help him purchase a new mobile home. He was thrilled at the news when he received a call to pick up the check on April 18. “There’s nothing like staying at home,” Bullard said. “It’s a good area over there and I’m not trying to get too far away from it. I’ve been there most of my life. I love the people there.” Bullard bought a lot near the home he grew up in Wakulla on Oxendine School Road at the intersection of N.C. 71, about five miles south of Red Springs. He has pleasant memories of his childhood home. But, this young man has seen his share of difficulties as well. He was just 5 when his father, the late Ronnie Bullard, was killed in a traffic accident in January of 1996. Growing up without his father was tough, but he said he got great guidance from his mother, Rebecca Bullard, as well as other relatives. Bullard is 25. He is single and does not have any children. He said he has enjoyed living at home with his mother, but is ready to start buying his own home. He is purchasing a three-bedroom, two bath doublewide mobile home from Vision Homes in Fayetteville. It costs $53,000. The new home is equipped with a spacious kitchen and living room that perfectly suits his tastes, Bullard said. “I love it,” he said. “I can’t wait to get settled in. It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own home.” Bullard is a delivery truck driver for Coca Cola. He stocks the popular beverage in Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly and at Walmart on a route that includes Pembroke, Maxton and Red Springs. He has been with the popular soft drink company for three years. He said he had been saving money in hopes of building a home, but couldn’t quite afford to build. One of his uncles told him about the tribe’s down payment assistance program. He visited the tribal complex in Pembroke where he met with Kathy Locklear, the financial education/housing manager for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. She explained the process and he went to work gathering the documents he needed to apply. Bullard applied for the assistance on April 8. He received his check 10 days later. “I came in and got a list of stuff I needed – and – I got my credit score right,” Bullard said flashing a wide smile. “I really appreciate this. There’s nothing better than helping someone get on their feet. The tribe really helped me a lot and this is helping me to be more of a man to grow my life.” For more information, visit the Lumbee Tribe’s website at lumbeetribe.com or call (910) 521-7861. James Locklear may be reached at jvlocklear@lumbeetribe.com or (910) 536-3918.

Beautiful Indian people with beautiful regalia were in abundance at the weekend Dance of the Spring Moon powwow at the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center. Thank you to all of the people who participated and to the spectators and vendors who supported the powwow. I know people are already marking their calendars for next year’s powwow because the 2016 powwow has gotten rave reviews. Thanks again to all who made it possible.

Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin met briefly with East Carolina University student/athlete Chyna Locklear during the powwow Sunday to congratulate her on her achievements in college. Chyna is a member of the Pirates’ cheerleading squad and an outstanding student with plans to enter either pharmacy or veterinary medicine. This Lumbee beauty is also one strong young lady who boasts a 170-pound personalbest on the clean and jerk, more than 50 pounds above her body weight. At 125 pounds, she squats nearly twice her body weight. These are very impressive totals! Chyna is scheduled to compete soon in the collegiate weightlifting tournament. The tribal chairman is a weight lifting and physical fitness enthusiast who was thoroughly impressed with Chyna’s accomplishments in the gym. He smiled when he heard her weightlifting totals. “I’m really proud of what our young people like Chyna are doing,” Godwin said. “She is one shining example of the talent we have among our Native youth. I want to congratulate her on everything she has been able to accomplish. I also want to encourage the young children out there to find positive role models. I want them to know that hard work and dedication like Chyna has is what it takes to succeed. She is a great role model for our youth.”

J.D. Moore, the man with the magnificent voice, was the emcee for the weekend powwow. J.D. is a talented man who gave homage to his ancestors like Ray Littleturtle for teaching him powwow etiquette and passing along the Indian ways. J.D. and the other MC’s are now doing the same things they learned years ago. Thank you guys for all your dedication to our Indian people.

Special thanks to this group of NC State University students from the university’s College of Natural Resources who volunteered Monday to help clean up the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center after the Dance of the Spring Moon powwow this weekend. In the center of the entrance is Dr. Shaefny Grays, assistant director for community for diversity in the College of Natural Resources. She said it has been an enlightening experience for the N.C. State students to be able to visit the Cultural Center to learn about the Lumbees.

Thank you John Whittemore for filming this video of the Powwow.

Henry Berry and Rhoda prepare to “Strike at the Wind!” during a brief performance at the Henry Berry Lowrie House…Corbin and Misha Eddings play the role of Henry Berry Lowrie and Rhoda Lowrie in a brief skit from the outdoor drama “Strike at the Wind!” during a program for school children Friday morning. Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin is working diligently to revive the outdoor drama and hopes to have it up and running within a couple of years. Be sure to stop by the Henry Berry Lowrie house to see Corbin and Misha Kaye Eddings performances as Henry and Rhoda as part of the Lumbee Tribe’s annual Dance of the Spring Moon powwow this weekend. Gates open at 4 p.m. Visit for more information.

Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Jr. is encouraging motorists to carpool to the powwow this weekend. Record crowds are expected as the Dance of the Spring Moon powwow returns to the Lumbee Tribe's Indian Cultural Center for the first time in more than 10 years. Godwin said people can meet at the Purnell Swett High School parking lot, park and ride in a single vehicle to preserve limited parking at the Cultural Center. There will also be bus shuttles available to transport people from Purnell Swett to the Cultural Center, which is less than a mile away.

This beautiful artist rendition of Henry Berry Lowrie is on one of the walls of a building at the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center, one of the wonderful treasures that remain hidden at the Cultural Center. With renovations underway, Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin is hoping to get all the buildings back open so tribal members and others can enjoy the beautiful scenes at the historic Indian site for generations to come. Upcoming volunteer opportunities will be available for those who want to help rebuild the center. Dozens of volunteers have logged countless hours preparing the grounds for this weekend’s powwow, but there is still much work to be done to get the amphitheater and pool back in operation. Chairman Godwin said he hopes to get Strike at the Wind! back up and running over the next couple of years. Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin portrayed Henry Berry Lowrie in the outdoor drama for about six years back in the 1980s. There are also plans in the work to upgrade the pool, one of the Cultural Center’s most popular attractions. I will keep you posted about volunteer opportunities. God bless you all and God bless our Lumbee Indian Cultural Center.

By James Locklear Public Relations Lumbee Tribe PEMBROKE – Larry Chavis took extra pride in building the newest Pepsi display at the Pembroke Walmart. The former Lumbee Tribal councilman known locally as the “Pepsi Man” spent two hours earlier this week turning an ordinary stack of 12-pack Pepsi products into a work of art honoring his tribe’s 2016 Dance of the Spring Moon powwow. Chavis laid out the impressive display at the Pembroke Walmart’s grocery store entrance, spelling out the words “May 2016 POWWOW” using 12-pack drink boxes. The promotional display marks the beginning of a new partnership with the Lumbee Tribe as the retail giant also started selling powwow t-shirts at its Pembroke location. This is the first time the Lumbee Tribe has had a merchandising agreement with a major franchise. The profits from the t-shirt sales will be used to pay for the powwow. The t-shirts will also be on sale at the powwow. “I’m so glad Walmart has a place for this display,” Chavis said. “I think this is wonderful. This is something that shows respect for our people.” The Lumbee Tribe’s Department of Energy Manager Patrick Strickland orchestrated the deal with Walmart to promote the 2016 powwow through the Pepsi display and by selling powwow t-shirts. Chavis built the display using an assortment of perfectly placed black, red, gold and white boxes protruding from the stack of drink cases outlined the Lumbee tribal logo. He said it took him about two hours to make the design, creatively built in three-dimensional style with protruding drink boxes forming the letters to announce the powwow and outlining the tribal logo. Chavis said he is looking forward to this year’s powwow and plans to go every night. The tribe’s new partnership with Walmart and the fact that the powwow is returning to the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center is plenty to be excited over, he said. “I love it,” Chavis said. “I just think it’s wonderful to have it back here. The staff and volunteers have done a wonderful job preparing it. I think the chairman is to be commended for his work in getting it ready. It will be a lot of fun and I can’t wait.” Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin praised Ponce Chavis for helping get the project approved through the corporate channels. Chavis has been the Pembroke Walmart Manager about five years. He praised Godwin for pushing the project forward. Chavis said previous attempts with the tribe were unsuccessful. “I have been trying to get something like this done since I’ve been here, but it just hasn’t happened,” Chavis said. “It’s been great working with Harvey Godwin. He has truly worked diligently to push this project forward in a short amount of time. I think it will be a great partnership with similar future events as well.” Godwin said the deal with Walmart is another example of the benefits of building partnerships with local companies and agencies. Having a Lumbee store manager is also a plus, he added. “We’re fortunate to have one of our own managing the Walmart here in Pembroke,” Godwin said. “He is someone who understands our culture, heritage and our identity. He really understands what the powwow means and its importance. This is what a great partnership can do.” Members of the tribe’s boys and girls clubs sported Lumbee powwow t-shirts in a promotional photo shoot to advertise the shirts. The children looked on in amazement as the tribal chairman greeted them before taking the picture in front of the Pepsi powwow display. Godwin took time to shake each of their hands as the astonished youngsters looked on in amazement at the opportunity to meet their tribal leader. “Hello there. Do you know who I am,” Godwin said to Zayin Locklear, as the timid little boy from the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club shied away. “I know who you are. You’re our tribal chief,” Kyra Young said to Godwin as he turned and smiled at the Hawkeye School student. “It’s great to meet you.” Godwin said it is important to make sure the youth are involved with such events. He said including the young Lumbee children in these programs instills a sense of pride in them about their culture, heritage and history. Ponce Chavis passed out cookies and other snacks to the children as they prepared to leave the store. He beamed with pride as he talked with Godwin, praising Pepsi officials for their work as well. “Pepsi is always great about doing displays for us,” Chavis said. “We did one for Lumbee Homecoming before, but this is the first we’ve done for the Lumbee powwow. I’m glad we were finally able to do one because I think it’s very important to showcase our heritage. It’s been 10 years since the powwow’s been here. It’s important for the customer to see it displayed.” Chavis said he showed a picture of the powwow t-shirts to a customer as he was walking out of the stock room. He said she immediately asked for two shirts, which he promptly retrieved. “The customers were taking them off the carts as we were trying to stock them,” Chavis said smiling. “We could hardly keep up with people buying them. I’m proud it went well because Walmart is a big supporter of diversity. It’s great to support something this important to our market here in Pembroke.” Godwin said he has plans to hopefully sell other merchandise at Walmart, ranging from clothing to baby supplies. The tribal chairman is hoping the tribal members will take pride in seeing the Lumbee logo on everyday items such as drinking cups, coolers and possibly towels as well. He said he is excited about working with the Lumbee store manager as well as Walmart executives. “This is what a great partnership can do,” Godwin said. “Not only was Walmart our number one sponsor for the powwow, they also got these t-shirts produced at a discounted rate for us. This is what a real community partner looks like. This is for the benefit of the people.” For more information, visit the Lumbee Tribe’s website at lumbeetribe.com or call (910) 521-7861. James Locklear may be reached at jvlocklear@lumbeetribe.com or (910) 536-3918. ...

PEMBROKE – Former UNCP trustee and alumnus Gervais Oxendine worked selflessly to support the county and the growth of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Although he was a successful businessman, Oxendine shunned the limelight. "He worked behind the scenes," said long-time friend, Ron Sutton. "Gervais wanted to remain in the background." Fittingly, Oxendine was presented the state’s highest award – The Order of the Long Leaf Pine – before a small group of family and friends at his Lumberton home last week. Oxendine passed away on May 1. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Olivia Holmes Oxendine, a professor in the School of Education at UNCP; two sons, Capt. Eric Oxendine and Brock Oxendine; and three grandsons. Gov. McCroy issued a statement expressing his condolences. "Gervais Oxendine was a loyal friend whose service to our nation’s military, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and the Lumbee Tribe made our state and country a better place. He always had a smile on his face and a personality that could fill a room. Ann and I join his community and our state is mourning his loss and praying for his family." "Gervais was a dear friend to me and to UNC Pembroke," said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. "Despite being taken too soon, he made a lasting impact on the university through his service on our Board of Trustees and continued advocacy for our institution. On behalf of UNCP, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Olivia and the entire family." Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby made the trip to Oxendine’s home to present him with the Order of the Long Leaf on April 27. Jarrod Lowery, community liaison with the Governor’s Office, presented Oxendine with a letter of accommodation on behalf of state Senate leader Phil Berger proclaiming Oxendine’s lifetime achievements. Oxendine, a Pembroke native, served two, four-year terms on the UNCP Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2005. He served as chair from 2002 to 2004. A 1964 graduate, he is a former member of UNCP’s Foundation Board and lifetime member of the Chancellor’s Club. Oxendine served on the "First and Ten Campaign" committee which successfully revived the football program after a 57-year absence. During Oxendine’s tenure, the university underwent an enormous transformation after receiving $56.6 million from the Higher Education Bond in 2000. The money was used to renovate and upgrade several buildings and infrastructure and construct a new science building and new residence hall. Oxendine was a fixture at university events and fundraisers. He and his wife recently attended a private ceremony for UNC System President Margaret Spellings at the Entrepreneurship Incubator. "He always loved the university," said Sutton, a former state representative. "He gave the university credit for starting his careers in the military and industry. He was very outspoken about the university." Oxendine enjoyed an illustrious 32-year career with Abbott Laboratories, holding key management positions at facilities in Laurinburg, Chicago and Spartanburg. A veteran member of the local Republican Party Executive Committee, he served as a mentor to many county leaders like Lowery and UNCP Trustee Jarette Sampson, ’00. "Gervais took me under his wing," Sampson said. "He not only helped me professionally, but he was there to talk to me about life decisions. I learned a lot from him about business and politics. He was a methodical thinker. He was good at analyzing how decisions that were made today would affect future generations." Born in 1943, Oxendine was the son of the late Vernon and Nancy Chavis Oxendine. His father retired as police chief in Pembroke. After college, he earned his commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy stationed aboard USS Forrestal during the Vietnam War. Before joining Abbott Laboratories, he worked as in industrial engineer with Johns Manville, Inc. in New Jersey. He retired in 2002 and later served as consultant with Porter Scientific in Pembroke. He also served on the North Carolina Railroad Company Board of Directors. Faline Dial, a local businesswoman and Pembroke Chamber of Commerce president, also sought advice from Oxendine. "He was very astute and knowledgeable," Dial said. "Whenever I was faced with any business or political challenges, I would look to him for guidance. He was always very supportive and respectful. Dial admired his calming demeanor. "He never got excited, no matter the situation," she said. Oxendine left a lasting impression on countless individuals through his work in the private sector and politics, according to Jarrod Lowery. "He put the community first," Lowery said. "He used his decades of relationship-building and partnerships to push the community forward on the state and federal level." "He helped jumpstart my career," he said. "And I thankful to him. He never did anything to bring attention to himself, he was about building up everyone around him." Paul Jolicoeur served with Oxendine on the Republican Party Executive Committee. He considered Oxendine family. "He was like an uncle to me," Joliceur said. "I got to know him in 2004 and we became close friends. I could depend on him for guidance." "When Gervais had his mind set on something he was real forceful, but he went about it in a very tactful manner," Jolicoeur said. "He was reasonable with his requests. And he was a firm believer in qualifications. When he would ask for help with a particular position, he made sure they were well qualified." Jolicoeur became emotional as he spoke about Oxendine being honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. "It was a great honor," he said. "Gervais deserved it. He worked so hard for the county and for other people and didn’t ask for a lot in return. He was just trying to promote the county and promote the betterment of his people. That was the most important thing to him. He will certainly be missed." Sutton, who had been friends with Oxendine since their college days, said he is going to miss their weekly conversations. "He was a true professional," Sutton said. "He was kind of a jokester when it came to his personal life, but when he was dealing with a project or something for the university, he was an absolute professional." The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday (May 5) at Berea Baptist Church in Pembroke. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Bell Family Cemetery at Bethel Hill Baptist Church. UNC Pembroke is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system. For more information, contact Jodi Phelps, executive director of University Communications and Marketing via email, (jodi.phelps@uncp.edu) or by phone (910.521.6863). Connect with UNC Pembroke on social media or online at uncp.edu to learn how the university is changing lives through education.

PEMBROKE – Tribal officials said Tuesday that children under age 16 will not be allowed to attend this year’s Dance of the Spring Moon powwow without adult supervision. They say it’s a safety issue in an area draped by a massive lake on one side and the Lumber River on the other. The past 10 powwows have been held at the farmer’s market in Lumberton, which is surrounded by a fence. “We just don’t want young children running around unattended because they could get hurt,” said Tribal Administrator Dock Locklear. “We want to be sure this will be a safe and fun event, and we don’t want to see anyone get hurt. This not a controlled environment like we have had in past years at the farmer’s market. We are encouraging parents and guardians to keep a watchful eye on their children as we all enjoy the festivities at this year’s event.” The tribe’s 12th annual spring powwow starts Friday and runs through Sunday at the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center in the Red Banks community near Pembroke. For more information, visit lumbeetribe.com or call (910) 521-7861.