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Chairman’s Monthly Report | April & May 2024 Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina People of the Dark Water Dear Lumbee People, The Spring was a busy time as we hosted a great number of events for our citizens. For this report, I am going to combine my April and May monthly reports as one. In April, we hosted our Annual Lumbee Honor Cord ceremony at the Robeson Community College Auditorium. At this event we honored over 300 students graduating from high school and different levels of college. The Honorable Jessica Locklear, Superior Court Judge, was our keynote speaker. She discussed her own educational and career journey that led to her recent appointment to become the first American Indian Superior Court Judge in the state of North Carolina. This event continues to grow and we are proud to celebrate our Lumbee graduates as they prepare to be our future leaders. The Lumbee Tribal Council and I recently held educational consultation sessions with the four public school districts within our territory and Old Main Stream Academy Charter School. These consultation session are mandated by federal law and state that these school districts must consult on Indian Education programming with the local Tribe. Our Tribal Council takes these consultation sessions seriously as they recently passed a resolution encouraging greater participation by each LEA. Consultation with the Lumbee Tribe is vitally important and we feel that a new day of cooperation is close at hand with each of these school systems. In May, I was proud to announce that we will receive an additional 10 million dollars in housing money during the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. As I work on my budget to present to the Tribal Council, I will propose that we use some of these additional funds to offer housing opportunities that will focus on home ownership. We have bought numerous plots of land during my time as Chairman and these new funds will allow us to start the development on new houses for future home owners. Also in May, we opened six new rental homes to families in the Arrow Point subdivision as part of the “DreamCatcher Arrow Point” project. I was honored, along with Tribal Council members, to hand the keys to these individuals as they walked through the doors of their new homes. The DreamCatcher project had three phases and I am proud of my staff and our contractors for completing all three developments. On May 5th, the Lumbee people lost one of our trailblazers and visionaries, Mr. Horace Locklear. Mr. Horace was the first American Indian to practice law in North Carolina, he was a co-founder of the Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA), and was the second Lumbee to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly as a representative in the North Carolina State House. Mr. Horace played a role in many major Lumbee developments from the 1960-1980s and his advice was sought by many as they looked to continue to move our people forward. Many folks talk about doing good for their people, Mr. Horace walked the walk of helping better our Lumbee people and for that we will always be grateful for his life of service. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Chairman, John L. Lowery

Come by the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex or visit our online store to purchase your Official Lumbee Tribe of N.C. merchandise. We have NEW Lumbee homecoming shirts, LTNC patch, Jibbitzs, and hats! All proceeds will support the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Dance of the Harvest Moon Powwow. You may visit the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex, located at 6984 NC-711 Pembroke, NC 28372, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to purchase your official LTNC merchandise. You may also purchase any of our items on our online store at https://lumbee-tribe-of-nc.square.site/s/shop . If you have any questions, please contact 910.521.7861. Adult T-Shirts (50/50): $25 each or 2/$40 Adult Dri-Fit: $25 Kid’s 50/50 T-Shirts: $20 or 2/$30 Kid’s Dri-Fit: $20 2023 Powwow Kid Shirts: $7.00 Patches $8.00 Ball Caps: $30

Thank you to everyone that attended the Lumbee Historical Marker Unveiling at the Lumbee Tribe Housing Complex. The marker is one of nine being dedicated in 2024 by the N.C. State Historical Marker Program that highlight American Indian culture and history in North Carolina. Historical markers were approved for the Coharie, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan tribes. The N.C. American Indian Heritage Commission staff worked closely with N.C. tribes to complete applications to be considered for the historical marker program. The Lumbee Tribe is a strong and resilient people with a proud tradition of education, entrepreneurship and overall excellence. The Lumbee tribal territory includes Robeson, Hoke, Scotland and Cumberland counties. The majority of tribal members reside in Robeson County. Significant Lumbee communities also thrive in Baltimore, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan.

What a great week to celebrate Lumbee Homecoming with such amazing opportunities for our people! Thank you to everyone who attended the State of the Tribe Address. The event brought friends and guest from around the nation. Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery shared exciting information about up-and-coming plans for the Lumbee Tribe as well as the expansion of the Lumbee budget. The current budget of 46 million dollars is the largest in Lumbee History. He also shared about the thousands of tribal citizens that the Lumbee Tribe is assisting every day. Over the past year, the Lumbee Tribe assisted more than 29,000 Lumbee citizens. Chairman Lowery also honored Lumbee elder Virgil Lowry at the event. Mr. Virgil is a Union Chapel Elder who is active in his community and church family. He was honored with a drum song by Drowning Creek and a beaded Eagle Feather. Thank you to our staff for all their hard work to welcome our citizens and the community. Thank you to the Lumbee Warriors, Pastor Hoggie, Jayla Locklear, Senior Ms. Lumbee Carolyn McNeill Emanuel, members of Drowning Creek, the family of Mr. Virgil Lowry and everyone who made this event a great success.

Looking for a great way to beat the heat this Lumbee Homecoming and 4th of July, but still be outside. Look no further. The Lumbee Tribe Aquatic Center Staff has scheduled some great activities for next week. Our pool is open from noon through 7 pm at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center on Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton.

Mark your calendar to join Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce this afternoon for the annual Business After Hours as we celebrate 55 years of Lumbee Homecoming! The annual event will be held at the Wing Company Rooftop located at 54 Union Chapel Road, Pembroke on Friday, June 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The after-hours is one the Chamber’s most well-attended events and is the premier networking event for Pembroke’s professionals and chamber members - giving you the opportunity to enjoy entertainment, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. #LumbeeHomecoming

Congratulations to our newly crowned 2024-2025 Senior Ms. Lumbee, Carolyn McNeill Emanuel. Eight contestants participated in the pageant Friday night at Givens Performing Arts Center. It was a great evening of fellowship as our Lumbee People kick off Lumbee Homecoming. Miss Congeniality was Ms. Annie Mae Harris, Miss Photogenic was Tamara Jacobs, the People’s Choice Award went to Ms. Annie Harris, Fourth Runner up was Mrs. Scarlet Thomas, Third runner up was Ms. Sheila Jacobs, Second runner up was Ava Locklear and the First runner up was Sharon Blue.

There was much to celebrate today as the Catawba Nation and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina came together for the historic signing of a Government-to-Government Principles of Agreement, which is considered similar to a modern-day treaty between the two tribal nations. This historic covenant will mark a new day of guided principles between the two nations as they have agreed to move forward together in friendship and partnership, while also protecting the sovereignty of each nation. The agreement signing took place at noon at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center with guest from across the region to witness the historic event. This agreement begins a new era of support, resilience, as well as prosperity for both Tribes. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery and Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris kicked off this monumental occasion by participating in the Annual Summer Solstice Ceremonial Fire, in which they began together with two (2) ceremonial fires, which became one to symbolize our tribes are bonded forever, with a bond never to be broken. Following the Fire Ceremony, Chief Harris and Chairman Lowery were presented with the tail feather of an Eagle. The leaders from the two nations signed the agreement before a large audience today. Both nations also shared gifts of pottery. Catawba Chief Harris presented Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery with a gift of a Chairman's pottery vase. Chairman Lowery presented and wrapped Chief Harris with a quilt from one of our Lumbee Elders. The Catawba Nation and the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. have a longstanding relationship with families moving between the two tribes for centuries. Here is a look at historic signing and the celebrations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lumbee Holdings, Inc. Approves FY 2025 Distribution to Lumbee Tribe Pembroke, NC, June 26, 2024 – The Lumbee Tribe Holdings, Inc. (dba Lumbee Holdings, Inc.) Board of Directors has approved its annual distribution to the L umbee Tribe of North Carolina – the sole shareholder of Lumbee Holdings, Inc. (LH). The fiscal year 2025 distribution of $600,000 will be spent in accordance with the Tribal government’s budgeting process, which is a collaboration between the Tribal Chairman and Tribal Council. “It is truly an honor to present these critical funds annually to the Lumbee Tribe as it supports its tribal citizens and community,” stated LH CEO Joshua D. Malcolm. “Daily, the employees that make up the Lumbee Holdings, Inc. family of companies are laser focused on continuing our established track record of exceeding expectations for our federal agency partners so we can maintain our support to the Tribe.” The annual distribution is made by LH in advance of the Tribe’s fiscal year, which begins October 1st. Funds are allocated to benefit objectives as determined by the Lumbee Tribal government. In the past, LH distributions have been used to support scholarships, various veterans and elders programs, and other cultural activities that are utilized by the Tribal citizens. About Lumbee Holdings, Inc. Lumbee Holdings, Inc. (LH) was established in May 2011 with the strategic focus of sourcing and providing the necessary services to ensure the mission success of our industry and Government customers. Currently consisting of four (4) subsidiaries, each with its own distinct offerings of products and talent, Lumbee Holdings, Inc. is committed to providing resources to assist the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina with the development of various programs and services aimed at benefiting its Tribal citizens. This synergy between business and community further drives Lumbee Holdings’ commitment to success. Lumbee Holdings, Inc. is wholly owned by the Lumbee Tribe. For more information about Lumbee Holdings, Inc., visit https://lumbeeholdings.com/.

What better way to celebrate Lumbee Homecoming than to celebrate our elders. Today was the Annual Elders Luncheon, which is hosted by LRDA and cosponsored by the Lumbee Tribe Fullers BBQ, and Health Keeperz, American Industries Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of NC, Innovative Insurance Group, Mountaire , and First Bank of Pembroke. Our elders were served by Lumbee pageant contestants and Lumbee Tribal Council Members, staff and volunteers. Thank you for all the businesses who donated goodies for our elders.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People (MMIW/P) March and Ceremony in Pembroke, N.C. on Tuesday evening. The event gave family members of victims, advocates and community members an opportunity to bring awareness about the great impact in their lives, our community and the need of solidarity among the community to bring change. The event is sponsored by the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. and Native Visions Magazine. The mission of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People (MMIW/P) is to spread awareness of Indigenous women/people that have been murdered or have gone missing across the United States. There is also a push to provide support to the families of the victims and encourage tribal communities to come together to take a stand in support of protecting our women. Thank you to each family member who attended and or shared, our community partner agency advocates, Lumbee Tribal Councilwoman Wendy Moore as well as Special Superior Court Judge Jessica Locklear.

Reminder - The Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People (MMIW/P) March and Ceremony which was scheduled for May is rescheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 6:30 pm. The march lineup begins at 6:00 pm at Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub at 202 Main Street. The program begins at 7:00 pm at Milton R. Hunt Memorial Park in Pembroke, N.C. The event is sponsored by the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. and Native Visions Magazine. The mission of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People (MMIW/P) is to spread awareness of Indigenous women/people that have been murdered or have gone missing across the United States. Along with acknowledging murdered and missing Indigenous women/people, there is a push to provide support to the families of the victims and encourage tribal communities to come together to take a stand in support of protecting our women. Thank you to the Native Members of the UNCP Women's Softball Team for standing in solidarity with the MMIW movement.