2018 Elder in Residence Robert Williams, Jr. Visits Lumbee Tribe

Robert Williams, Jr. is the 2018 Elder in Residence at the UNC American Indian Center. He is the E. Thomas Sullivan Professor of Law and Faculty Co-Chair of the University of Arizona Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program. Professor Williams received his BA from Loyola College (1977) and his JD from Harvard Law School (1980).

Professor Williams is Lumbee and still visits Robeson County on a regular basis to spend time with his family members and to take in the sights and sounds that are unique to this area and the Lumbee People.

He took time out of his schedule as an Elder in Residence to speak to staff, council members, and visitors on a wide range of historical and current issues facing Indian country. He built into this discussion insight he has gained around the area of Tribal Enrollment. He gave numerous examples and ideas for our Council and staff to consider as we work through the process of updating the Lumbee Tribe's Enrollment Program.

It was a lively discussion, and he left each of us with a lot to "chew" on.

Thank you, Professor Williams, and blessings to you as you continue your work with American Indians across the continent.