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Press Release Lumbee Tribe Creates New Economic Development and Tourism Department Pembroke, NC (October 21, 2025) – During the October business meeting the Lumbee Tribal Council voted to approve the creation of a new Economic Development and Tourism Department. This is a historic step for the Lumbee Tribe and follows the creation of an Agriculture and Natural Resources Department in 2022 and New Health and Human Services Department in 2023. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery thanked Speaker Alex Baker and Committee Chairman Gerald Goolsby for being very supportive and ushering the passage of this new department through the Tribal Council. “Economic development is more than a pathway to growth, it is the living expression of our sovereignty and the foundation of true self-governance,” said Lowery. “The creation of this new department marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward greater self-determination and shared prosperity. As we strengthen our efforts in economic and tourism development, we are charting a bold new course, one that expands our horizons beyond government contracting and opens doors to diverse, sustainable opportunities for our people. Together, we are building an economy that reflects our values, honors our heritage, and secures a thriving future for generations to come.” Through the establishment of this department, tribal administration recognizes the essential role that economic development plays in advancing tribal sovereignty, strengthening self-sufficiency, and improving the quality of life for Lumbee people. The Lumbee community includes entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals, whose success contributes directly to tribal prosperity and future opportunities. The Lumbee Tribe has identified a critical need to expand and coordinate business development programs, workforce training, financial literacy, and partnerships with federal, state, and private entities. Councilman Gerald Goolsby, (District 2) Economic Development Committee Chairman, states the committee has generated numerous ideas over the past 5 years, but the committee and council lacked the necessary infrastructure, funding, and grants to effectively implement the ideas and build the required facilities, but the establishment of this department is a great starting point. “We started with the idea of creating the department and I'm so pleased that the chairman was excited and supported moving forward with the initiative,” said Goolsby. “The committee has worked to learn about business and tourism strategies and we look forward to bringing some of the ideas to fruition.” The mission of the Lumbee Tribe Economic Development and Tourism Department shall be to foster sustainable economic growth and expand tourism opportunities that honor and showcase Lumbee history, culture, and traditions.

Join us for a very special performance as the Lumbee Community welcomes the Gather Hear Tour for an extraordinary evening! Bring your family out on Friday, October 24th at 7 pm for a world class performance with Miki Sawada and Chris Thompson. The event will be in the Prospect Community at the Two Streams Community Building. It is free to the public. The show is unlike any other, combining classical piano music with spoken word and rap, audience participation, plus an original composition by Chris. Through music, Gather Hear seeks to connect with the people who call this land home, and find what we have in common as humans across the divides in this nation. At the Two Streams concert, UNCP professors Mark Tollefsen and Lindsay Jacob will join the stage for a performance of a newly written composition inspired by "Chicora and the Little People: The Legend of the Indian Corn." Visit www.gatherhear.com  for more information about the tour and the project. About Miki: As the founder of Gather Hear, pianist MIki has organized and performed 100 concerts across 7 states. She is based in Boston and performs internationally in places such as Carnegie Hall, Joe's Pub at the Public Theater NYC, and Helsinki Music Center. www.mikisawada.com   About Chris: Multi-talented musician Chris is a composer, percussionist, and spoken word/rap artist. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition at Peabody Institute, and is a proud alum of NC A&T's internationally acclaimed Gold Steel Drumline, having served as Drum Captain. www.masterchristopher.com

The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. invites you to the Fall Gospel Singing this Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Adolph Dial Amphitheatre, Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center in Maxton, NC. Join us for an evening of worship, fellowship, and uplifting music featuring The McNeills, Bobby Deal, the Pierce Family, and the Carter Family, along with a special appearance by Senior Ms. Lumbee 2025-26, Wendy Chavis Locklear. This free community event is open to everyone. For more information, call 910.521.7861 or visit www.lumbeetribe.com

During the October Business Meeting, the Lumbee Tribal Council welcomed Jennifer Jones-Locklear, Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing at UNC Pembroke, and her team to discuss Breast Cancer Awareness as the council observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Chief Justice Ronnette Sutton administered the oath of office to swear in Edward Brooks to the Supreme Court of the Lumbee Tribe and Deana Locklear to the Lumbee Tribal Election Board. Justice Sutton also swore in five new members to the Institutional Review Board- Dr. Aaron Locklear, Tina Locklear, Ciera Locklear, Dr. Alfred Bryant, and Dr. Thomas Maynor.

As a part of the observance for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our Lumbee Tribal Council also discussed tonight the importance of breast health awareness. Speaker Baker encourages breast exams and checkups. As part of the observance, the council wore pink at tonight’s council meeting.

Please join us in Districts 4, 8, 9 and 10 for two-joint community meetings. We look forward to seeing you Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm for Districts 9 & 10 Community Meeting at the Freedom Baptist Church, located at 4020 W McDuffie Crossing Rd. in Lumberton, NC. The event, hosted by Council Members Johnny Bell & Bobby Emanuel, will provide valuable updates on tribal services and community information. Dinner will also be served. --------------- Council Members Kathy Hunt & Jody Bullard will host a community meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm for Districts 4 & 8 at the Union Chapel Baptist Community Church, located at 4148 Union Chapel Rd. in Pembroke, NC. The event will provide valuable updates on tribal services and community information. Dinner will also be served.

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday at the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Fall Gospel Singing on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Adolph Dial Amphitheater, Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center in Maxton, NC. Join us for an evening of worship, fellowship, and uplifting music featuring The McNeills, Bobby Deal, the Pierce Family, and the Carter Family, along with a special appearance by Senior Ms. Lumbee 2025-26, Wendy Chavis Locklear. This free community event is open to everyone. Rain date October 25. For more information, call 910.521.7861 or visit www.lumbeetribe.com

The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Housing Complex and all tribal offices will be CLOSED on Monday, October 13, 2025, for the Indigenous Peoples' Day Holiday. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, October 14, 2024.

Teachers and homeschoolers, please join the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. for a FREE American Indian Culture Day on November 20, 2025, at Givens Performing Arts Center. The event will feature Lumbee History, traditional dancing, storytelling, and much more. There will be two shows: 10 am and 12:30 pm. The event is for Kindergarten through 8th-grade students. Teachers, please register your K-8th classes with GPAC at 910.521.6361.

Thank you again to everyone who came out this weekend to our annual Lumbee Tribe Fall Festival, fish fry and 5K Run and walk. Here are a few photos from this weekend which spotlight all the good times and good food! The weather was beautiful so it was a perfect day to be at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural center with all our families, friends, neighbors, and community members enjoying fish and sweet potatoes, just like our ancestors.

District 14 Community Meeting will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:00 pm at First Nation Boys & Girls Club at 784 Singletary Church Rd. in Lumberton, NC. The event is hosted by Council Member Homer Fields. The meeting will offer information about tribal services and community information. Dinner will be served.