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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.

PEMBROKE – Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin announced Thursday that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will hold a special prayer service Sunday morning before the final day of the powwow. He has invited all ministers to attend. The interdenominational service starts at 9 a.m. to highlight day three of the 12th annual Dance of the Spring Moon powwow at the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center. Godwin said he plans to lead the service. “Upon reflection and prayer I have decided to take the lead and conduct the prayer service myself on Sunday. I think it is important as the leader of the Lumbee People and a Christian to lead this service and hopefully other tribal leadership and their people as well as our own will join me,” he said. Godwin said it is important to include Christian worship service as part of the annual celebration of Indian culture. The tribe has held three prayer services at the tribal complex since Godwin took office Jan. 8. The chairman said he wanted to have the next ceremony on a Sunday and he felt it would be appropriate to have it at the Lumbee Tribe’s newly revived Indian Cultural Center. “Now that the weather is good, this will give us an opportunity to have it outdoors,” Godwin said. “The Cultural Center is in shape now and I want to have it there on Sunday morning because Sunday is the most significant day of the week. This will allow us to get back to the environment and this is relevant to how our ancestors worshiped years ago. It allows us to get back to nature.” Many Lumbees worshipped outdoors in the years before the first churches were built in the 1800s. Some still held brush arbor worship services outdoor as late as the early 20th century as many communities still did not have church buildings. Godwin said it’s important to keep in mind that prayer and worship have always been at the forefront of the Lumbee experiences. He said he is pleased to make it a part of the powwow celebration as it will be an opportunity for people from varying religious backgrounds to worship as one on the tribal grounds. “We would like to invite all of our churches to participate,” Godwin said. “It does not matter what denomination. We want all to feel welcome and to take part in our powwow celebration.”

PEMBROKE – The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will have a surplus sale on May 13 in the back parking lot of the tribal complex beginning at 9 a.m. Office furniture will be available for purchase. For more information, call James Jones at (910) 522-2222 or email him at jjones@lumbeetribe.com

PEMBROKE – The Red Hill community watchmen fishing tournament in the Lumber River will be held June 11 from 6 a.m. until noon. The participant who catches the five largest red breasts will win a one-man fishing boat. Registration for the tournament is $30. Funds raised will be used to support the Red Hill community watchmen. Participants will meet at the Blue’s Cafe at 1128 Old Red Springs Rd. at 6 a.m. The rain date is June 18. For more information, call Terry Cummings at (910) 217-0717 or (910) 217-2285.

Registration for Summer Program is this week for current members and next week if space is available.

The Lumbee Tribe’s Pepsi Cola display powwow salute and powwow t-shirts at the Pembroke Walmart. From left are: Patrick Strickland, the tribe’s Department of Energy manager, Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin, and Pembroke Walmart Manager Ponce Chavis. The children are from the Lumbee Tribe’s Boys and Girls Club. They are from left front: Kyra Young, Zayin Locklear, Braylie Locklear, Victoria Locklear, and from left at back are Zachary Hunt, Jayla Cummings and Jeremy Hunt

Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin thanks Pembroke Walmart Manager Ponce Chavis Wednesday evening for helping the Lumbee Tribe to promote the 2016 Dance of the Spring Moon powwow by selling powwow t-shirts and for the impressive Pepsi display at the rear with the words “May 2016 POWWOW” spelled out using 12-pack Pepsi product boxes. Members of the tribe’s boys and girls clubs wearing powwow t-shirts look on as the two men exchange well wishes near the Pepsi tribute at the store’s grocery entrance.

Tribal Councilman Bobby Oxendine with a group of Prospect School students who recently competed in the county’s Battle of the Books competition. Councilman Oxendine and a local business owner sponsored a pizza dinner for the students last week at the Pembroke town park. Prospect Elementary School took third place, defeating Deep Branch Elementary in an additional round after the two schools were tied.The three-day competition tested the knowledge of students from 15 elementary schools across the Public Schools of Robeson County. The students read and were quizzed on 18 books in preparation for the event. Congratulations to the Prospect School students on a job well done. who recently competed in the county’s Battle of the Books competition. Councilman Oxendine and a local business owner sponsored a pizza dinner for the students last week at the Pembroke town park. Prospect Elementary School took third place, defeating Deep Branch Elementary in an additional round after the two schools were tied.The three-day competition tested the knowledge of students from 15 elementary schools across the Public Schools of Robeson County. The students read and were quizzed on 18 books in preparation for the event. Congratulations to the Prospect School students on a job well done.