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The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. invites you to the 1st Annual Fall Gospel Singing on 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- rain date October 25. For more information, call 910.521.7861 or visit www.lumbeetribe.com

Fall is here and it is time to plant the fall garden. Early this morning, our Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center Staff and our Agriculture Department Team began planting the fall garden the old way, with the one row tobacco planter. They planted collards, turnips, rutabagas and mustard. With the help of our Ag and Cultural Center Team, these same vegetables will be planted in the raised beds by our children at our Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Clubs. Some specialty plants will also be planted in the greenhouse: carrots, broccoli, Brussel sprouts and lettuce.

Today during the quarterly meeting of the NC Commission of Indian Affairs, the commission honored the late Dr. Joseph Bell for his lifetime of service to Native communities and families. The quarterly meeting was held on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Commission Chairman Greg Bryant read a letter from Governor Josh Stein, which honored Dr. Bell for his service. Commission of Indian Affairs Director Greg Richardson also presented Dr. Bell’s wife, Vicky, and family with a flag that flew over the state capital. Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery also welcomed the Commission members to UNC Pembroke and the Lumbee Tribal Territory as well as introduced Miss Lumbee Taylor Davis to the members and guest. Chairman Lowery discussed his recent meeting with the NC Secretary of Administration and the importance of the NC Tribes being included in the budget. Today, the Commission also swore in four new members. Congratulations to all the new members and Lumbee Councilman Gerald Goolsby and Greg Bryant, who were sworn in today.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow is just around the corner. Join us on September 26-28, 2025, at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center. Don't miss the dancers from all across the nation as they compete in the specials, which include the Women’s Fancy Spotlight Special, the Grant Dial - Men’s Northern Traditional, the Chairman’s Special - Women’s Southern Traditional, the Fancy, Jingle, Traditional, Grass Dance and many more. The Lumbee, a Southeastern Indigenous people with a long-standing tradition of matrilineal societies, is committed to honoring women's vital role as life-givers within our community. For centuries, Lumbee society has been guided by women's strength, wisdom, and resilience. In recognition of this enduring tradition, the Lumbee Tribe Powwow Committee is pleased to announce the addition of a new Women’s Eastern Woodland Category for participants ages 18–49. This addition reflects our continued commitment to uplift and honor our people's matrilineal foundations. It reminds us that women have always held central roles in shaping, sustaining, and guiding our communities. Serving as Emcees of the Lumbee Powwow are the dynamic duo Marty Thurman and Sandon Jacobs. Patrick Green will oversee the circle as Arena Director, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Chris Conner joins us as Head Drum Judge, and Kevin Chavis will serve as Head Dance Judge, both bringing years of experience and cultural insight. We are honored to welcome our Host Drums—The Boyz (Northern) and Southern Boyz (Southern)—whose songs will carry the heartbeat of the powwow all weekend. This year’s Head Female Dancer is Raven Dial-Stanley, and Head Male Dancer is Ryan Dial—twin siblings, proud citizens of the Lumbee Tribe, and lifelong powwow dancers, introduced to the powwow circle at just six months old. Raven Dial-Stanley whose roots run deep in the communities of Maxton and Prospect in Robeson County. Though now living in Durham, NC, her identity remains firmly grounded in the traditions of her people. A graduate of UNC Greensboro, she studied Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies and went on to design denim for Lee. Today, Raven blends creativity and culture through her streetwear brand, Original Peoples of the Southeast, and a children's coloring book inspired by her grandmother.  Ryan Dial is a proud citizen of the Lumbee Tribe, a lifelong powwow dancer and MC. Raised in Robeson County, he now lives in Durham, NC, with his wife, Idalis Jacobs Dial. Ryan works as an American Indian Health Program Manager at UNC Chapel Hill, serving both the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the American Indian Center. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on advancing health equity for Indigenous communities in North Carolina. Ryan has traveled across the state sharing Lumbee history and traditions through storytelling, music, and cultural education.  Join us at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center as we celebrate our culture, honor our ancestors, and lift up our people. This will be a gathering you don’t want to miss! Grand Entries will begin on Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at Noon & 6 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm. The Host Hotel is Holiday Inn Express in Pembroke, NC. The Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center is on 683 Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton, NC. For more information, visit www.lumbeetribe.com

Chairman’s Monthly Report | July 2025 Dear Lumbee People, Summer is winding down, but it was a great one! Our Project IndigeChoice program hosted 458 students of all ages during the months of June and July. One of our courses, “Native Young Visionary Women and Girls Day Camp,” welcomed 30 girls, grades 6th – 8th, to explore topics such as creating personal futures, civic involvement, careers in technology, health care, law, among others. We also had 45 rising 9th – 12th graders visit UNC Pembroke, NC State University, and UNC Chapel Hill, to tour these campuses and get acclimated to college settings. The Biomedical Camp hosted 26 students, who explored careers in the medical field. The camp allowed them to tour Pfizer and do a deep dive into the inner work of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Strike at the Wind” Outdoor Drama kicked off a new season with six shows throughout the month of July. The fully renovated Adolph Dial Amphitheater is a sight to see; with new seats, a new stage, new lights and audio system, and a Chairman’s Box to allow donors and contributors to sit for shows. Once again, we worked with UNCP Professor Dr. Jonathan Drahos to put on the play and to bring to life the story of Henry, Rhoda, and the rest of the Lowrie Gang. Dr. Drahos does an outstanding job of bringing out the talent of the many actors that cross the stage each night. Thank you to everyone who made this season a success, and many thanks to those who came out to support this magnificent show. As we move forward into the next year, we will work to bring additional performances to the stage to attract tourists and provide our people with entertainment opportunities. The Tribal Council took time to officially designate the road going into the Cultural Center as the “Lester Bullard Boulevard.” This was a wonderful occasion as many family members and friends of Mr. Lester attended the event. Mr. Lester, working with a number of other Lumbee citizens, had a vision for a place where our folks could have recreational activities without facing discrimination due to the color of their skin. Mr. Lester was the first President of the Lumbee Recreation Center and worked with other board members, such as Hilton Oxendine, Vernon Thompson, Willie Harris Sr, and many more to ensure that their vision came to fruition. Mr. Lester spent time digging out the lake and even allowed the architect to stay at his house as they designed the golf course. This recognition for Mr. Lester, and the many others who walked and worked beside him, was long overdue and I am grateful to former Councilwoman Wendy Moore for initiating this effort and ensuring that his name will live on through the ages. Thank you all for allowing me to serve as Chairman of the Lumbee Nation. I love you! Sincerely, John L. Lowery

Labor Day weekend pool schedule

See you at the Second Annual Lumbee Tribe of NC Bike Fest in collaboration with Lumbee Racing, Paul Watson. You are invited to an afternoon of fun, great food, and biker fellowship. Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 3 pm to 8 pm at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center on Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton. The event is free.  Plan for a 50/50 raffle. Participants may also purchase lunch and a commemorative photo, official Lumbee Tribe apparel for purchase, and participate in a cultural presentation. There will be a drive-in car show, a Food Truck Rodeo, and we welcome Jamie Hammonds of Cycleworks of Lumberton, one of America's nationally recognized Custom Bike Builders. Individuals must pre-register for the bike show. Registration is $20. #LumbeeTribe   #lumbeeracing

Lace up your sneakers and join us for the 4th Annual Lumbee Tribe of NC Fall Festival 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at 638 Terry Sanford Dr., Maxton, NC! Start your morning with a fun, family-friendly run or walk on the newly paved route and stick around for a community celebration and a delicious fish fry. Registration begins at 6:45 AM, the 5K kicks off at 8:00 AM, and the fish fry starts at 11:00 AM. Early registration is just $20 ($15 for seniors 55+), or $25 on race day—and the 1-Mile Fun Walk is FREE!  Pre-registered runners will receive a t-shirt and enjoy prizes and giveaways! Mail-in registration is also available (Belinda Brewer, 6984 NC Hwy 711 West, Pembroke, NC). Don’t miss this day of fitness, fun, and fellowship with the Lumbee Tribe!   #Lumbee5K   #FallFestivalRun   #LumbeeTribeEvents

The Lumbee Tribe of NC Housing Complex and all tribal offices will be CLOSED on Monday, September 1, 2025 for Labor Day. Our offices will REOPEN on Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Join us on September 26-28, 2025, at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow. The Lumbee Tribe of NC, a Southeastern Indigenous people with a long-standing tradition of matrilineal societies, is committed to honoring women's vital role as life-givers within our community. For centuries, Lumbee society has been guided by women's strength, wisdom, and resilience. In recognition of this enduring tradition, the Lumbee Tribe Powwow Committee is pleased to announce the addition of a new Women’s Eastern Woodland Category  for participants ages 18–49. This addition reflects our continued commitment to uplift and honor our people's matrilineal foundations. It reminds us that women have always held central roles in shaping, sustaining, and guiding our communities. Don't miss the dancers from all across the nation as they compete in the specials, which include the Women’s Fancy Spotlight Special, the Grant Dial - Men’s Northern Traditional, the Chairman’s Special - Women’s Southern Traditional, the Fancy, Jingle, Traditional, Grass Dance, and many more. It is a celebration of our Native Culture! Grand Entries will begin on Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at Noon & 6 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm. The Host Hotel is Holiday Inn Express in Pembroke, NC. The Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center is on 683 Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton, NC.

How to Apply for the Michael Paulson Scholarship   The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is awarding six  $5,000 scholarships  in memory of Michael Paulson!   Important Dates: Application Opens:  August 18, 2025 at 8:00 am Deadline to Apply:  August 25, 2025 at Recipients Notified:  By September 12, 2025   Eligibility Requirements: Must be a full-time student (sophomore or higher in undergrad, or grad school) Must have a  minimum 2.7 GPA Must be an  active enrolled member  of the Lumbee Tribe (valid enrollment card required)   What You Need to Submit: Completed application (do not retype) Official transcript  (from registrar’s office) Copy of Class Schedule Certificate of full-time enrollment provided by your institution Copy of active Tribal Card 3–5 min video  on Lumbee Tribal Government and leaders (MP4 format) Two essays  (PDF format) Resume  (PDF format) Two letters of recommendation  (PDF format – one must be academic)   Submit All Materials To: MichaelPaulsonaward@lumbeetribe.com Subject line:  Michael Paulson Award Scholarship – [Your Full Name] (Example:  Michael Paulson Award Scholarship – John Doe ) I ncomplete or late applications will NOT be considered. No exceptions. The application will be available on the Lumbee Tribe Website starting August 18, 2025.  #LumbeeTribe #ScholarshipOpportunity #CollegeFunding #MichaelPaulsonAward

Thank you to the Catawba Nation for welcoming our Lumbee Tribe Agriculture and Natural Resources team this week. Our staff visited the Catawba to collaborate and discuss future plans to work together on agricultural endeavors and projects.  These plans include ways in which each tribe remains focused on Indigenous food sovereignty in their communities and determining solutions that can benefit both tribal communities in achieving their respective goals. In June 2024, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and the Catawba Nation signed a historic Government-to-Government Principles of Agreement vowing to offer support on each tribe’s missions and goals.