Tribal Council Swearing-In Ceremony
On January 5, 2017, the Honorable Matthew Scott of the Lumbee Supreme Court swore in the newly elected Lumbee Tribal Council Representatives at the UNC Pembroke Entrepreneurship Incubator. Tribal Council Speaker Bill James Brewington opened the ceremony with a Welcome, followed by the posting of colors by the Lumbee Warriors Association. Rev. Steve Strickland of Mt. Airy Baptist Church officiated over the event as the Master of Ceremony.
Vice-Chairman for the Tribal Council, Terry Hunt recognized the outgoing representatives. Representatives Larry Townsend and William Maiden both expressed their appreciation of the support they received during their time on the council and gave encouragement to the newly elected representatives. Other outgoing council representatives, in addition to Townsend and Maiden, included Areatha Patterson and Daniel Jones.
After recognition of the 2016 Tribal Council and Outgoing Representatives, the Newly Elected Representatives took the Oath of Office. These new representatives are as follows: Larry Chavis, District 6; Corbin Eddings, District 8, Ann Taylor, District 12, and Rev. Ricky Burnett, District 13. Additionally, Incumbent Tribal Council Representatives Janie McFarland of District 2, Alton Locklear of District 3, and Jan Lowery of District 7 returned to the Tribal Council for another term, after running unopposed.
Newly Elected Representatives remarked on the honor of being elected, their gratitude for support and their hope for the upcoming year. Rev. Ricky Burnett summed up his excitement by quoting the late Ray Littleturtle and saying, “It is a good day to be an Indian.” After the Pinning Ceremony and Remarks from the new councilmen, Chairman Harvey Godwin addressed the audience with closing remarks. Chairman Godwin thanked the 2016 Council for a job well done and highlighted current tribal issues and upcoming events.
During the program, the Drum group, WarPaint, honored the 2016 Tribal Council and the Outgoing Representatives with an Honor Song. Tribal Cultural Coordinator Reggie Brewer performed the Flag Song on the flute and Senior Ms. Lumbee, Wanda Locklear-McCall, sang the National Anthem. The audience, including Senator Danny Britt, enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and mingled with the new council representatives after the program’s conclusion. Congratulations to the new 2017 Lumbee Tribal Council.
Speaker Bill James Brewington, Master of Ceremony Rev. Steve Strickland, and Tribal Council members;
Lumbee Warriors
Lumbee Warriors
Tribal Council Take Oath of Office, Left to Right: Mr. Larry Chavis, Mr. Corbin Eddings, Ms. Annie Taylor, Rev. Ricky Burnette, Ms. Janie McFarland, Mr. Alton Locklear
Sr. Ms. Lumbee - Ms. Wanda Locklear McCall
Drum Group - War Paint
Chairman Harvey Godwin addresses the attendees
