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Congratulations  to Lumbee Tribal Councilwoman Pam Hunt (District 3) on receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Hunt, who also serves as a Housing Authority of the City of Lumberton Board Commissioner, was recently awarded the prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to serving the local community. Hunt was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by NC State Representative Jarrod Lowry, and Lumberton Housing Authority Executive Director, Adrian Lowery, at the Housing Authority’s Annual Board Meeting. According the Housing Authority staff, Hunt was pleasantly surprised and humbled to receive such an honor, having her family present at the meeting made the recognition even more special. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is one of the most prestigious awards granted by the Governor of North Carolina. It is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and have a proven record of exemplary service in strengthening the state. Pam Hunt recently retired from the Robeson County Housing Authority as the Director of Finance. A release from the Housing Authority spotlights her contributions to the community, which extend far beyond her work at the Robeson County Housing Authority. She has been involved in numerous volunteer efforts, supporting various causes and served in various roles on multiple boards. She has dedicated over 19 years of service to the Lumberton Housing Authority and has served on the Lumbee Tribal Council for over 11 years and has served 9 years on the Southeastern Family Violence Center Board. She previously served as the B.A.R.T Volunteer Case Manager Supervisor and has recently returned as part-time Case Manager. Her dedication and hard work throughout the years, has helped various organizations provide essential services and resources to the residents of Lumberton and surrounding communities. Her leadership and vision have made an impact on the lives of countless individuals. Hunt grew up in the Wire Grass Community of Robeson County and graduated from Orrum High School in 1974 and from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1993, she would return college and earned an accounting degree in 1997. She is married to Donald Hunt; she has one son Travis Lowery and 4 beautiful grandchildren. Upon receiving this award, Hunt expressed her gratitude and dedication to North Carolina and was deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award. She has always been passionate about serving her community and is humbled to be recognized for her contributions. She is grateful to have the opportunity to serve her community every day. Hunt’s name will now be etched in the history of North Carolina, with other individuals who have received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for her outstanding service and commitment to the state. According to Executive Director, Adrian Lowery, “Pam’s dedication to the Lumberton Housing Authority has provided staff the opportunity to think outside the box, her wealth of knowledge concerning the local community is unmatched. It would be extremely difficult to measure all her contributions to Robeson County and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.” Those sentiments were echoed by NC Representative Jarrod Lowry, who was honored to present this prestigious award on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper and the State of North Carolina.

Pembroke, NC (October 23, 2024) – On Friday, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina drew the interest of the candidates in the race for the US President. During a visit to Pembroke, former President Bill Clinton met with Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery at the Museum of the Southeast American Indian at UNC Pembroke following a meeting with Lumbee Democrats. Shortly after the meeting with Bill Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris called Chairman Lowery to discuss full federal recognition for the Lumbee People. This issue is both familiar to Harris and Trump as both gave support in October of 2020. “It was a good meeting with former President Clinton as we discussed the issues before congress. I also had a good conversation with Donald Trump, Jr., where I conveyed the same thoughts with him,” said Lowery. “It is time that both parties uphold their promises to us, and it's time to put action behind their words.” On Friday, while former President Clinton met with Lumbee leaders in Pembroke, Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr. joined Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Senator of Oklahoma Markwayne Mullin, in the Prospect Community to hold a rally less that 10 miles from Pembroke. Hundreds of people poured onto a Lumbee owned farm for the event. “This campaign event was in the heart of Lumbee Tribal territory,” said Lumbee Tribal Administrator Ricky Harris. “As we get closer to election day, we anticipate that the campaigns will continue to target North Carolina and try to garner support from the American Indian community at large.” The key issue on the table is full federal recognition. The Lumbee Fairness Act legislation was introduced into the senate in 2023. This bill extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and makes its citizens eligible for the services and benefits provided to other federally recognized tribes. The legislation will undue the injustice of the Lumbee Act, which President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law in 1956. With the first legislation, the United States Congress simultaneously acknowledged the Lumbee as an American Indian Nation and denied the Lumbee services and benefits based on their Indian status. With the presidential election just two weeks away, Lumbee Leaders say it is nice that the candidates acknowledge the voting power of the largest American Indian Tribe East on the East Coast, but the Lumbee People can’t be seen as a pawn on the road to the White House. Tribal Chairman Lowery said the time for action is at hand. “Senator Tillis and other NC Lawmakers are working hard on the Lumbee Fairness Act,” said Lowery. “Our people will be excited to see this issue finally corrected in the newly elected presidential administration.”

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Superfund Research Program (SRP) is conducting a research study in partnership with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina  and the Winyah Rivers Alliance   to prevent and reduce harmful exposure to contaminated well water. After completing the survey below, if you live in certain areas of Robeson or nearby counties , you may be selected for a free well test . We will provide 200 well tests. More tests may be available if resources allow. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. The samples will be analyzed for inorganic metal  contamination. Confidential water quality results  will be emailed and mailed to residents’ homes, and a follow-up community meeting will be held in the county to report back results and answer participant questions. Take the survey Eligible well users will have kits mailed to their home and must be returned either by mail or dropped off at a central location. Detailed sampling instructions will be provided. Questions?  Contact Andrew George at andrewg@unc.edu  or 919-966-7839 . For more about well testing visit our All About Well Testing  page. To learn about contaminants that may be in your county visit our Well Water Contaminants  page. This study is supported by the UNC Superfund Research Program  and funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (#P42ES031007-01). Take the survey  https://go.unc.edu/wellempowered

Our Lumbee Tribe staff is wearing pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Department for bringing out the Breast Cancer Awareness car. Congratulations are in order for Sam Bird and Terry Locklear, Rehabilitation Staff members, for taking first place for the second time in the Lumbee Tribe Chili Cookoff contest for the staff. 2nd Place was Mark Strickland, Tribal Security, and 3rd Place was Jessica Jones, Rehab Department staff. Thank you to our judges Eric Fuller Locklear, Fuller’s BBQ, Bra Oxendine from Papa Bills BBQ and Chairman Lowery for taking the time to try the four different chili’s. Congratulations to Janeva Moore and Brittany Demery on their first place win in the pumpkin decorating contest. Second place winner is the Vocational Rehab team and third place was the Finance Department team.

Thank you, Robeson Community College (RCC), for inviting the Lumbee Tribe Culture Team to be a part of your amazing 2nd Annual Fall Festival at the COMtech location in Pembroke! There was a tremendous turnout. Attendees received free services from students, including haircuts, manicures, facials, and blood pressure checks. They visited the many food trucks and craft vendors that were onsite as well as participated in a cultural workshop by the Lumbee Tribe Culture Team. The team showcased Women’s Southern Traditional and Men’s Eastern Woodland dance styles, weaponry that was used to hunt small game and in battle, and flute music with various styles of flutes. Attendees also made the seven direction bracelet.

The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Housing Complex and all tribal offices will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14, 2024 for the Indigenous Peoples' Day Holiday. Our offices will reopen Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Lumbee Citizens, the Lumbee Tribal Rolls are mandated under Lumbee Tribal Law to close 30 days prior to any tribal election. The rolls will close on October 18, 2024 for the November 19th tribal election. There are eight Lumbee history culture classes left before closure. You must pre-register for the class by calling 910.522.5468 or emailing enrollment@lumbeetribe.com. If you email, please include your name and telephone number. Classes may fill up quickly, so contact us early.

The UNC Pembroke American Indian Heritage Center and the Museum of the Southeast American Indian welcomes you to an Indigenous People's Day event on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 11 A.M.- 2 P.M. at the UC ANNEX INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY:CULTURAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCE - HONORING THE PAST. CELEBRATING THE PRESENT Immerse yourself in history and heritage as we embrace our roots and celebrate our culture. Explore the traditions of Indigenous artistry with local artisans showcasing and selling their handcrafted creations.

Our Lumbee Culture Class will be hosted at UNC Pembroke on Monday night, October 14, 2024 as we celebrate a Indigenous Peoples' Day Cultural Class in collaboration with the UNC Pembroke American Indian Heritage Center. Class is from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm at the UC Annex, next to the University Center. A special treat this Monday is McNeil's Food Truck will be on hand as well as we celebrate our Native culture. Discover Powwow-style dances, learn about Powwow etiquette, explore crafting, and take the opportunity to purchase food from McNeil's food truck. Everyone is welcome!

Join us on Saturday, November 2, 2024 as we offer parents and families resources to support your precious babies. We will have a diaper giveaway from 1 pm - 4 pm which is hosted by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Vendors will be onsite to talk about healthy parenting, seat belt safety, parenting skills, domestic violence resources, and rape victim resources. This giveaway is open to the public, while supplies last. Come and connect with local healthy parenting resources. For more information, please call Anna Register & Melissa Hunt at (910)522-5055.

Our hearts are heavy as we send our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Loretta Oxendine. Mrs. Loretta passed from this life on October 6, 2024. She was a beloved elder and a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. She will be remembered for her humble spirit, her precious smile and her willingness to share about her Lumbee People and our way of life.   Mrs. Loretta was a keeper of our culture. As a master Pine needle basket weaver, her baskets have been recognized and celebrated across the nation. She was one of the first Lumbee Tribal Citizens to have her artwork and  basketry showcased at the National Museum of the American Indian. She also made China Berry necklaces. In 2004, Mrs. Loretta shared her traditional knowledge of herbs and healing as she collaborated on a book to preserve Lumbee remedies. Mrs. Loretta was a trail blazer for our people. Even though she is well known for basketry, Mrs. Loretta’s first passion was teaching. She began her teaching career at the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School, which follows the tradition of our elder teachers who graduated from Pembroke State College during its early years and traveled to teach at tribes across North Carolina. She later taught at Piney Grove Elementary in Lumberton. Mrs. Loretta became one of the first Lumbee teachers to work in the Lumberton City School system following integration. She received teacher of the year during her final years of teaching as a 4th grade teacher at West Lumberton Elementary School, which was a testament to her impact on youth and that community. Mrs. Loretta carried our culture across the state and across the nation. Many people would remember her traveling to the Frisco Native American Museum in the Outer Banks of N.C. to share basketry art and tell about the Lumbee Tribe. She also traveled numerous times to Washington, DC to present. In September 2022, she received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Roy Cooper. Mrs. Loretta’s gift of basketry is weaved into the very fabric of our Lumbee Tribal nation. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery said Mrs. Loretta’s passing is a great loss to our nation. “Mrs. Loretta contributions to the Lumbee People can never be measured and her legacy will live on as a visual and cultural testament for future generations,” said Chairman Lowery.   Please remember Mrs. Loretta’s family and all who loved her during this difficult time. Loretta Oxendine Obituary Mrs. Loretta Oxendine of Pembroke was born on April 21, 1938 to the late Willie C. Oxendine and Jennie Oxendine. She departed this life on October 6, 2024 completing her journey of 86 years. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters: Willie Mae Jones, Mozella O. Locklear, Sadie Mae Oxendine, Georgia Mae Oxendine and Jessie Lee Oxendine; five brothers: William "Hoover" Oxendine Jr., James Alton "Dink" Oxendine, Rady Oxendine, Grady Oxendine, and infant Oxendine; her son-in-law: Arnold Raye Oxendine and a special niece: Brenda Fay Cummings. Mrs. Oxendine leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 60 years: Herman Oxendine; two children: Laurie Ann Oxendine Locklear of Lumberton and Virgil Oxendine (Robert L. Canida II) of Lynchburg, VA; her siblings: Ella Mae Oxendine Taylor of Charlotte, Annie Mae Oxendine Jones of Prospect, Vanzetta Oxendine of California, and Andrew C. Oxendine (Rachel) of Prospect; a special niece: Patricia Oxendine Jones of Pembroke as well as a host of relatives and friends. Mrs. Oxendine had a zeal for people, her tenure of 35 years as an educator was a testament of this. She was also a member of Freedom Assembly of God and National Educators Association. Along with being an educator, she also enjoyed learning about the history of North Carolina, traveling and crafting. She especially loved pine needle basket weaving, making China Berry necklaces and writing short stories. Her creativity would flow through her teaching, crafting and also her cooking which she was very fond of. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 1-2 P.M. at Freedom Assembly of God. The funeral will begin immediately following the visitation beginning at 2 P.M. Burial will follow at Oxendine Cemetery. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Red Springs.

Do you need heating assistance?   The Lumbee Tribe of NC’s Energy Department will begin accepting applications for the Heating Assistance Program on October 15, 2024 through November 1, 2024 from 9 am - 4 pm. The Heating Assistance Program will provide heating assistance to members throughout tribal territory Assistance dates will be broken into three categories, in which applicants can apply. They are as follows * October 15 - 18, 2024: 65 years and older * October 21 - October 25, 2024: Disabled Citizens & Veterans * October 28 - November 1, 2024: All Eligible Households Applications will be accepted at the Lumbee Tribe Housing Complex (6984 NC 711 Pembroke, NC 28372).