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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).

The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Energy Department will STOP accepting CIP applications today, October 8, 2024. The Energy Department will BEGIN accepting applications for the Heating Assistance Program Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Empowering Lumbee Farmers for Sustainable Success The Lumbee Department of Agriculture is excited to present a comprehensive workshop series designed to equip farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in today’s agricultural landscape. Whether you are a beginning farmer, planning to start your farming journey, or an established grower looking to refine your practices, this series offers something for everyone. To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/.../4-day-workshop-series ... Workshop Series Highlights: Workshop #1: Food Safety Resources, Crop Planning, and Ap proved Inputs Dive into essential food safety protocols, learn how to plan and manage your crops effectively, and explore approved inputs that meet Lumbee Roots Program certification standards. Workshop #2: Farmer Cooperative Goal Setting and Opportunities Discover the benefits of joining the Lumbee Farmer Cooperative, learn how to set and achieve collective goals, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration. Workshop #3: Lumbee GAP (Good Agricultural & Conservation Practices) Get certified with Lumbee GAP by mastering Good Agricultural Practices and integrating conservation practices that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. Workshop #4: Postharvest Handling for Improved Quality and Safety Enhance your postharvest handling techniques to ensure your produce maintains its quality and safety from the farm to the market, boosting consumer satisfaction and marketability. Why Attend? Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced professionals in the field of agriculture, food safety, and conservation. Practical Knowledge: Gain hands-on experience and actionable insights that you can immediately apply to your farming operations. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow farmers, cooperative members, and industry experts to share knowledge and resources. Comprehensive Support: Receive continuous support and resources from the Lumbee Department of Agriculture to help you succeed long after the workshops conclude. Who Should Attend? Beginning farmers and those planning to start a farm. Agricultural start-ups looking to establish or expand their operations. Farmers re-strategizing their market approach. Established farmers seeking to refine their practices and improve sustainability. Join us for this transformative series and take the next step toward achieving your farming goals with confidence and success.

What a beautiful day to remember the old ways with our families, make new memories with our relatives and give thanks for our blessings. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us as we celebrated at the Lumbee Tribe Fall Festival and Fish Fry. Fall is a wonderful time to continue traditional ways of celebrations of our ancestors and the cooking of fish and fellowship with our families and neighbors. Thank you to Fullers BBQ for continuing to come out and cook the fish for our community. Thank you to our Lumbee Ambassadors, Senior Ms. Lumbee, Carolyn McNeill Emanuel and Miss Lumbee, Calista Deal and our former Senior Ms. Lumbees who sang gospel music for everyone today. Thank you to our staff who prepared, helped cook, served food, prepared the grounds and welcomed our citizens and community. Thank you to our Lumbee Tribal Council, who worked alongside our staff to make the day a great success.

Press Release Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Prepares for “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow. Powwow Competition is Postponed for Friday Due to Inclement Weather, (Traffic Detour Information also Included) Pembroke, NC (September 25, 2024) – The Lumbee Tribe “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow competitions which were scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024 are now postponed due to anticipated rains from Tropical Storm Helene. Friday’s School Day performance is canceled. The powwow dancers may still register on Friday from 3 pm till 6:30 pm and on Saturday from 7:00 am till 11:30 am. Grand entry will begin for the Powwow on Saturday at noon.The staff of the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. is busy preparing to welcome you for their biggest event all year. Their teams are putting up tents, working on seating, preparing the grounds and much more as preparations continue this week for the upcoming “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow. The tribe is excited to welcome friends from around the nation to the powwow celebrations which are now scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 28th through Sunday, September 29th, 2024. The annual Powwow celebrates the rich history and culture of American Indian and Indigenous People. The “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow officially begins with Grand Entry at noon on Saturday with the second Grand Entry at 7:00 pm on Saturday. The Grand Entry on Sunday begins at 1 pm. The Lumbee Powwow has something for everyone. Guest will enjoy Powwow dancing, dance contest for men and women and a drum contest. Dancers from across the nation have multiple chances to place with different dance specials throughout the weekend including a Women’s Jingle Special Competition, Men’s Fancy Spotlight special, Father/Daughter Two-Step Special on Saturday as well as both members of the Head staff will also have a dance special. Guest may also learn more about American Indian Culture as they visit the “living village” and see demonstrators showcasing Native craftsmanship and expertise throughout the weekend. Guest may also try Lumbee food favorites with the various food vendors. Camping spaces are available all weekend. Wash house facilities are also available onsite. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery welcomed everyone to the festivities this week through a video on social media and the tribal website. “We are days away from the Lumbee Powwow and our team and our staff here at the tribe are preparing the grounds and we’re getting everything ready,” said Lowery. “We just want to welcome you to come on out, bring your friends and your family and let’s enjoy the powwow this weekend.“ Co-Emcees for the Powwow are JD Moore and Marty Thurman. JD Moore is a member of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of Southeastern NC. He is a manager of Nuclear Site Services with Duke Energy. JD serves as a commissioner of the NC American Indian Heritage Commission. Marty Thurman resides in Shawnee, Oklahoma with his wife Sophia Lynn and their 3 children, Tyler, Tylyn, and Tye. He represents the Sac and Fox, Comanche, Absentee Shawnee and Delaware nations. His parents are the late Paulette (Coffey) TallChief and the late Marvin Thurman of Shawnee, OK. Marty has been dancing almost all of his life beginning as a fancy dancer, a grass dancer, and as a prairie chicken dancer. Along with dancing, Marty is one of the lead singers for the Sizzortail drum group. He has also had the honor of singing with many accomplished southern drums. The Lumbee Powwow Head Male Dancer is Louis Campbell and the Head Female Dancer is Ciena Fedor. The lineup features Host drums’ War Paint (Northern Drum) and Ottertrail (Southern Drum). Ottertrail was formed in 1992 in the Northeastern U.S. by Alexander Santos, Will Mosley, Matt Harmon, Urie Ridgeway, Benjamin Roldan, Mark Hicks and Harry J. Gould, this intertribal southern style powwow singing group eventually grew to include many other singers from across the U.S. including Mr. Don Neconie and his son, Pete "Echohawk" Neconie who were instrumental in the teachings of southern plains music. They received their name from a suggestion given to them by the late Johnny Lone Chief, (Otoe, Kaw). The name was to symbolize some aspect of southern style plains culture so the name Ottertrail was born and it indeed represents a very important item of clothing worn by the southern straight dancer, the otter drag or trail. Ottertrail were recipients of a N.A.M.A. (Native American Music Awards) nomination in 1997 for their "Family Songs Southern Style" album and a 1998 award for a c.d. entitled "Various Drums at Gathering of Nations" under the S.O.A.R. label. Their recording with S.O.A.R. entitled "Red River Crossing" (which earned them a GRAMMY award for "Best Producer of the Year") and one entitled "Brotherhood" by Red Lightning Records out of Canada featuring the Sioux Nation Singers, have established them as a popular drum group in Canada as well. Their new c.d. entitled "Trailblazin" produced by "Red Blanket Prods." is out and we hope you enjoy it as well. Al Santos has also been featured as guest artist on various recordings including "Brule", The motion picture theme song for Tom Cruise's "Mission Impossible" just to name a few. WarPaint was established in 2013 in Backswamp, North Carolina and since then have traveled all over Indian country hosting and competing in various tribal celebrations. Comprised mainly of Kahtehnuʔá·ka·ʔ Tuscarora and Lumbee, but also have members from the Catawba, Lakota, Dakota, and Ojibway. A main goal of the drum group was to be able to write songs in their own language and showcase it across powwow country. They also hope inspire young people to get involved in their culture, and show that southeastern Native people, are still here. Detour on Deep Branch and Highway 710 Guest visiting the Lumbee Powwow are encouraged to follow detour signs to enter the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center due to a road closure for the construction of a highway roundabout at the intersection of N.C. Highway 710 and Deep Branch Road near Nic’s Gas Station. Travelers from Interstate 95 may travel Highway I-74 Bypass to the Pembroke Exit, turn left at Alternate US 74 (Old Highway 74) and then right at Recreation Center Road. This route will bring you directly to the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center entrance. Travelers from Fayetteville / Red Springs area may travel Highway 710 to Oxendine Road, which will detour back to Deep Branch Road and onto Recreation Road at the Cultural Center. Admission for the Lumbee Powwow is $10 for adults, $5 for Youth (18 and under), $5 for Seniors (55+), $5 for Military (with ID), and $5 for a Sunday Only Pass, $20 for a Weekend Pass and children 5 years old and under are free. Visitors will also have the same pay and parking procedures as 2023. Guest will drive onto the cultural center grounds, parking in the center parking lot near the pool area and walk across to pay.

Farmers mark your calendar to join us for the introductory online Webinar to kick off the series: Empowering Farmers for Sustainable Success on October 1st at 4 pm. The other workshops will be held at Lumbee Lodge. Register for the introductory webinar at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introductory-webinar-empowering-farmers-for-sustainable-success-tickets-1025017002447?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lumbee Powwow Head Dancer Ciena Fedor is Inspired by the "Dance of the Harvest Moon" Powwow's Good Medicine and so much more. Join us to see why people from around the nation visit the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina's Powwow. Everyone is welcome next weekend, September 27 – 29, 2024, at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center. Be sure to come out to meet your 2024 Head Male Dancer, Louis Campbell and your Head Female Dancer, Ciena Fedor. The Powwow Emcees are JD Moore and Marty Thurman, with WarPaint and Otter Trail as the Host Drums. Food vendors will be on hand with your "Lumbee Food favorites". There will be dance competitions, a living village, Lumbee artisan demonstrations and of course the beautiful Cultural Center Lake to enjoy an amazing weekend with your friends and family! The Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center is located at 638 Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton, NC. https://www.lumbeetribe.com/fallpowwow

FRESH OFF THE PRESS! We have the Lumbee Tribe "Dance of the Harvest Moon" official powwow short & long sleeve shirts and hoodies! Visit our online store to purchase your official Lumbee Tribe merchandise. All proceeds will support the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina "Dance of the Harvest Moon" Powwow. You may purchase any of our items on our online store at https://lumbee-tribe-of-nc.square.site/s/shop  or scan the QR Code! We look forward to seeing you at the Powwow, September 27, 28, and 29, 2024 in this year's official design. The last mail order before the Powwow will be mailed on Thursday, September 26, 2024. You may also purchase shirts onsite at the Lumbee Powwow. Adult Short Dri-fit Sleeve T-Shirt : $30 Adult short sleeve cotton: $25 Adult Long Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt : $30 Hoodie : $40 Kids Black short sleeve : $20 If you have any questions, please contact 910.521.7861.