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Dear Lumbee Citizens, As we approach the April 23, 2025 deadline set by President Trump’s Executive Memorandum, I had two additional consultation meetings with Department of Interior officials in March as they work to prepare their report about avenues for full Federal Recognition for the Lumbee. The DOI officials have been very welcoming and enthusiastic while consulting with us. They have also heard our concerns regarding our ability to receive full Federal Recognition. I look forward to the DOI’s report and working with them and Trump Administration officials to finally get our tribe across this goal line. As Chairman, I stand on the shoulders of so many of our ancestors who began this journey in the 1800's and I take their memories and hard work with me every day. When I became Chairman, I prioritized our employees feeling respected and having a good work environment. During my time, we have increased our staff’s cost of living wages as well as contributions into their 401K to help strengthen their retirement packages. Under my administration, employees are able to have their birthday off each year and we have given them the week from Christmas to New Years off to spend time with their families. We also host food trucks on almost every Friday in the Spring and Summer of the year to allow them access to food directly on the campus without having to leave. We also have two employee gatherings each year to honor those with work anniversaries and to say “Thank You” for working hard for our people. These changes have boosted moral and pushed our retention rate to 85%. Another area of employee focus is on staff development. We worked with UNC Pembroke officials, such as Dr. Lawrence Locklear, Museum Director Nancy Strickland Chavis and retired Indian Education Cultural Coordinator Kenny Clark to offer professional development sessions focused on tribal history and cultural enrichment. I believe it is important that the staff knows our history. Every day, we have tribal citizens who come in for services and they ask our employees about different items related to our tribe’s past and this training enhances their ability to support our citizens. Having a good work environment, competitive benefits package, and career development opportunities is important to the human resources side of our operation. More importantly, making the Tribe a good place to work is vital to our long-term stability and overall progress. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Lumbee Nation. I love you all. John L. Lowery Chairman

We look forward to seeing you TONIGHT at the Monday, April 14, 2025, evening culture class. The class will be at the Pembroke Boys & Girls Club.

Thank you to Long Branch Elementary, Deep Branch Elementary, and Pembroke Middle Schools for the opportunity to participate in their Career Day! Approximately 30 employers attended, including the Lumbee Tribe New Construction and Housing Departments and Project IndigeCHOICE. They shared about the many different programs and services the Lumbee Tribe offers, the steps our contractors must take to maintain a safe and successful job site, and information on the camps offered by Project IndigeCHOICE. Pre-K through 8th graders visited each business and discussed the potential job opportunities available with each career.

We were happy to welcome Cayten Locklear, a Senior at Cary High School, as he recently spent time with our administrative team. Cayten spent his spring break at our Lumbee Tribe Housing Complex as he shadowed Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery. Cayten also serves as Mister NCNAYO (North Carolina Native American Youth Organization). He had an opportunity to shadow the Chairman and some of the administrative team and staff members to see day to day operations in tribal administration. Cayten also visited with Lumbee elders and had an opportunity to attend the Open Space Institute land donation to the tribe. Thank you Cayten for spending time with us.

The Qualified Bidders List is NOW OPEN! Apply Today! The Lumbee Tribe Rehabilitation Housing Program is accepting new contractor applications for the following trades: Plumbing, Electrical, Septic, and HVAC. The Rehabilitation Program accepts applications for new contractors twice a year ONLY. Any American Indian contractor who would like to place their name/business on the Qualified Bidders List for the Lumbee Tribe Rehabilitation Housing Program must submit an application by mail or by the drop off box at the Tribal Housing Complex located at 6984 NC 711 in Pembroke, NC 28372. Address submissions to the attention of Jessica Jones. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 30, 2025 by 3 pm. For applications or additional questions, contact Jessica Jones at 910.522.5466 or jljones@lumbeetribe.com

Join Us for the 2025 AISES Powwow at UNCP during Lumbee Homecoming! Lumbee Homecoming is almost here, which means the AISES Powwow is right around the corner! We invite you to join us on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. in the UNC Pembroke Quad for an afternoon of culture, community, and celebration! We also have a few important updates regarding the UNC Pembroke AISES Chapter & Powwow:  Thank You, Ms. Valerie Deese! After years of dedicated service, Ms. Deese has retired from UNCP and is no longer our chapter advisor. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and wish her the best in retirement!  Student-Led & Student-Planned! Moving forward, the AISES Powwow will be organized entirely by our students. This is a great opportunity for us to develop leadership skills, and we appreciate your patience and support as we take on this important role.  Supporting Our Future! The AISES Powwow is also a fundraiser to help our student members attend conferences, workshops, and purchase materials for programming throughout the year. Your support makes a difference!  Vendor information will be sent out soon—stay tuned! We can’t wait to see you all on July 5, 2025! f you have any questions, please contact Chapter President Paisley Dimery at pl0021@bravemail.uncp.edu .

Congratulations to Coach Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars on an extraordinary season! The Houston Cougars gave their all in each and every game they played—they were a force to be reckoned with! This season has been one to remember because of Coach Sampson’s leadership and his team’s skill on the court; Lumbee people, throughout the nation, were cheering and supporting one of our own every step of the way! We are proud of Coach Sampson and his team’s hard work, sportsmanship, and resilience throughout this 2024-2025 basketball season!

Lumbee Tribal employees and children from the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club participated in National Walking Day on Wednesday by walking laps around the Turtle Building and some beautiful walking trails. The American Heart Association created National Walking Day to inspire people to move more and stress less. Let’s take steps together toward healthier, happier lives—refreshing our minds and reducing stress through movement.

Congratulations to Dr. Larry ‘Ray’ Brayboy, former UNC Pembroke baseball player, on the retirement of his No. 13 jersey! The Lumbee Tribe was honored to be part of the celebration as the University, Town of Pembroke, former teammates, family, and friends gathered to celebrate Dr. Brayboy and the impact he has had on the University’s Athletic Program. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery presented Dr. Brayboy with an eagle feather and a proclamation to honor his lifetime accomplishments throughout Lumbee Tribal Territory and beyond. John Oxendine, of the Lumbee Tribe’s Dark Water Society, sung an honor song and played the American Indian Flute for Dr. Brayboy, which is custom when recognizing an esteemed individual. Dr. Brayboy was in the last graduating class of Pembroke State College in May 1969 and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. During his college career, he served in many capacities, including serving as the Class President his sophomore year. Among his many accomplishments is being inducted into the UNC Pembroke’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. Dr. Brayboy's jersey will be permanently displayed at Sammy Cox Field.

The Lumbee Housing Complex welcomed Old Main STREAM Academy’s 4th - 7th graders on Friday. Tribal staff led the students on a tour of the ‘Turtle,’ where they were able to observe the important work being conducted for Lumbee Tribal citizens. Following the tour, Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery and staff shared the story of the American Indian Flute. The students had the opportunity to witness Chairman Lowery play the flute for them. In addition, they were able to learn what Chairman Lowery’s day-to-day operations look like as Tribal Chairman of the largest tribe east of the Mississippi as well as his staff. The Lumbee Tribe of NC hopes to continue to engage with students from local schools to share what the Lumbee Tribe is doing to support its’ citizens.