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Please join us for the Annual “Lighting of the Turtle Building” on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate as we celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season together. The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Housing Complex is located at 6984 NC Hwy 711, Pembroke, NC.

Today Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina saw a vision come to fruition with the opening of the Department of Agriculture Natural Resources New Food Processing Center. The new processing facility allows farmers to be able to wash, package and even store their vegetables as they prepare them for market. It is located at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center. The Lumbee Tribe put a new spin on the ribbon cutting and guest today had an opportunity to see the center in full process as they washed, rinsed, dried, and bagged 5 heads of collards for market. The bags were labeled the new “Produced by Lumbee Tribal Members” seal on them. Chairman Lowery discussed his vision when he first came into office. That vision was to begin a new Lumbee Tribe Food Brand for Lumbee Farmers and ranchers and today was the first step toward that dream. Lowery also thanked N.C. Lawmakers supporting the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center and Agriculture Department.  Click here for video   ​ ​ Lumbee Tribe Opens Food Processing Center Video 2 1.MOV ​ ​

Press Release  Lumbee Tribe Receives 3.7 Million Dollar Federal Grant to Empower Native Youth Pembroke, NC (November 24, 2025) – The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is proud to announce the launch of Project CREATE (Career Readiness and Educational Advancement Through Native Youth Empowerment), a transformative initiative funded through a Native Youth Community Project (NYCP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The five-year grant totals $3,773,110.00. Project CREATE is designed to address the interconnected socio-economic and educational challenges facing Native youth across the Lumbee Tribal Service Area, which includes Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina. Through strategic partnerships with the Public Schools of Robeson County, Robeson Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, the project will deliver culturally responsive programming that prepares American Indian students for academic success and future careers. Key objectives of Project CREATE include: •  Enhancing Early Childhood Education Serving youth through Pre-K STEM initiatives, targeted tutoring, and reading readiness programs rooted in cultural relevance. •  Advancing College and Career Readiness Supporting youth with structured college and career exploration, internships, job shadowing, tutoring, and immersive day and residential camps focused on STEM, culture, and academic transitions. •  Strengthening Family and Tribal Engagement Hosting community meetings, Family STEM events, and providing Navigation Services to connect families with project resources and support. “This grant represents a powerful investment in the future of our youth,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. “We are honored to continue building pathways of opportunity that reflect the strength, culture, and resilience of the Lumbee people.” Project CREATE began implementation in October 2025 and aims to foster long-term impact by equipping Native youth with the tools, experiences, and relationships needed to thrive. See full Press Release attached Media Contact: Rita Locklear, Project Director, Project CREATE Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina rjlocklear@lumbeetribe.com , 910-522-2215

In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, Lumbee Tribe staff came together in their ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, and moccasins.

In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, children from across the region spent the day learning about American Indian culture and the Lumbee people. We extend our gratitude to all of the dancers, singers, drummers, Lumbee Ambassadors, Senior Ms. Lumbee Wendy Locklear, and the Culture Team for sharing their knowledge and talents during the annual Culture Day event. Thousands of students attended two performances at the Givens Performing Arts Center, where they experienced engaging presentations that highlighted Lumbee history, culture, and traditions. Students also enjoyed demonstrations of traditional dancing, learned about Eastern Woodland tribal practices, explored language, and much more. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Culture Day a meaningful and memorable celebration. This event continues to be an important part of American Indian Heritage Month, promoting cultural understanding and pride throughout our communities.

Unofficial Results for the Lumbee Tribal Elections 2025.

American Indian Heritage Month started off strong for the Lumbee Tribe and our Dark Water Society Culture team! The staff at Scotland Regional Hospice welcomed Dark Water Society with open arms to participate in their annual American Indian Heritage Program. It was a great day to honor the Hospice staff for what they do, as well as share the tradition of the Native flute, Native storytelling and song , and showcase the Lumbee Pinecone Patchwork dress alongside the Men’s Eastern Woodland regalia. Thank you, Scotland Regional Hospice, for the opportunity! Thank you for all that you do!

This weekend, members of the Lumbee Tribe traveled to Bulloch County, Georgia, to participate in the annual cleanup of the Croatan Indian Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery is situated at the historic site of the former Adabelle Settlement, where Lumbee families migrated in the late nineteenth century in search of new opportunities in the turpentine industry. In time, many became tenant farmers for the Adabelle Trading Company, cultivating cotton and tobacco. During those years, community leaders established a thriving settlement, including Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a school, and a cemetery that remains a sacred place today. Nestled among the longleaf pines, the Adabelle community worked, worshipped, and upheld the values and traditions that reflected their Lumbee heritage. Each year, this “pilgrimage,” as many describe it, offers us a moment to remember, honor, and celebrate the lives and legacies of our ancestors who labored there to provide for their families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has taken part in preserving and honoring the memories of those who came before us.

The Lumbee Tribe of NC Housing Complex and all tribal offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 for Veterans Day. Our offices will reopen November 12th, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery represented the Lumbee Tribe today at the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity’s Tribal Leader Summit in Washington, D.C. During the event, he had the privilege of meeting with the Honorable Vice President JD Vance and fellow tribal leaders from across the country to discuss the future of economic growth in Indian Country. The discussion centered on strengthening partnerships, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that tribal nations have the resources and tools needed to thrive. Chairman Lowery also had an opportunity to discuss the Lumbee Fairness Act with the Vice President. The Lumbee people have always demonstrated resilience and vision, and Chairman Lowery is proud to carry that legacy forward by advocating for our continued economic and cultural prosperity.