Chairman’s Monthly Report | July 2025

dscott839
Aug 27
2 min read

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