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Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery's Monthly Report | July 2023 Dear Lumbee People, Homecoming 2023 was one for the ages! Thousands of Lumbee and our friends attended the festivities. Homecoming is a time for celebration; a celebration of our culture, our history, our talent, and love for our tribe. I would like to thank Lumbee Regional Development Association for their leadership, as well as UNC-Pembroke, the town of Pembroke, and the County of Robeson for their continued collaboration and support. This year, due to construction at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, Strike at the Wind! (SATW!) was held on the campus of UNC Pembroke at Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC). Director Jonathan Drahos and the many talented volunteers came together to put on an amazing performance for two nights. I am thankful to UNCP and Director Drahos for working with us this year and hosting this amazing story about my third great-grandfather Henry Berry Lowrie. Next year, we will host SATW! at the newly renovated Adolph Dial Amphitheater! In July, we held our annual scholarship awards ceremony, where we recognized over 100 Lumbee college students. Our scholarship program is open to all Lumbee students in higher education regardless of location or income. I would like to thank the Tribal Council for their continued support and efforts for this scholarship program. Project IndigeCHOICE, once again, provided Lumbee students with great opportunities to explore future career options. Twenty-four Lumbee students attended the Aviation Earth & Beyond Camp that took them to tour helicopters at Fort Liberty, learn about airport operations at Raleigh-Durham International, and experience a space shuttle taking off in a simulator at Kennedy Space Center. Our youth programs and camps are open to Lumbee Youth, regardless of income, and they provide excellent opportunities for our students to plan their future careers. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Chairman. I love you all, John L. Lowery

The Lumbee Warriors Association recently honored Chancellor Robin Cummings with a Lumbee Warriors pin and a Warriors patch. Dr. Cummings is the chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Lumbee Warrior and retired Chief Judge James Lockamy of South Carolina pinned Chancellor Cummings during the ceremony. Lumbee Warrior and Senior Airman Carla Locklear read the significance of what each pin means. Head Warrior Rev. Gary Deese and Marine Corporal Joe Locklear presented the Lumbee Warriors Patch to Chancellor Cummings for his leadership in the Lumbee community, and for being a great advocate for our people and for Veterans.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Lumbee Tribe’s District 13 Community Meeting at Stoney Point Community Center in Fayetteville on Thursday. Our Tribal staff presented some key information about tribal services and programs for the community. Candice Noel Revels, the new Coordinator for the Indian Education for Cumberland County Schools, and Candace Chavis, Deputy Director of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, joined the tribal staff to speak with guests about the educational opportunities for American Indian students as well as partnership possibilities with the community and surrounding businesses. The meeting was extra special for the Cumberland County Cultural Class as they were presented with a new drum! This meeting was hosted by Tribal Councilman Alex Baker.

Thank you to Pastor Donald Bullard from Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church for bringing an encouraging message to our Lumbee Tribal staff on Monday, September 11, 2023 during our morning devotion as we remember the lives lost on September 11th and a nation forever changed.

On Friday, the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. joined in the celebrations of a public servant who has given so much to the health of our tribal territory. Congratulations to from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The university and the community turned out at UNCP to celebrate her. Dr. Beasley is retiring as the Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at UNC Pembroke. There were many standing ovations as attendees showed their appreciation. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery presented Dr. Beasley with an eagle feather and a proclamation for her work, leadership and vision over the past five decades to improve the health of citizens across North Carolina and the Lumbee Tribe. UNCP Chancellor Dr. Robin Cummings presented Dr. Beasley with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper's Office for her service to the State of N.C. Dr. Beasley is a nationally and internationally recognized public health expert, who has touched the lives of countless patients as she inspired hundreds of nursing students as a professor, nurse educator and the founding member of UNC Pembroke’s Department of Nursing. She also became the first member of the Lumbee Tribe to receive a BSN, MS and PhD in Nursing. Dr. Beasley also served as a Captain and Major in the US Army Reserve Nurse Corp. Dr. Beasley’s dedication and advocacy to health and education has brought her many accolades including the UNC Southeastern Lifetime Service Award, the UNC Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching, and most recently the Governor James Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service. Dr. Beasley is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest recognitions in Nursing. Dr. Cherry Beasley is an enrolled citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. We thank her for dedication and wish her the very best in her next journey.