MAY 2024 Chairman Monthly Report
- dscott839
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Dear Lumbee Citizens,
The month of May was filled with activities as we began to feel the spring vibe. Our annual Veterans Standdown
was a success as we worked with NCWorks and the Veterans Services of the Carolinas to provide health
screenings, employment assistance, veterans benefits assistance, and much more for our nations heroes. We also
took the time to honor our fallen warriors as US Army Retired, Rev. Gary Deese provided remarks as we
highlighted Memorial Day. With over 250 attendees, the Standdown has become an event that our veterans look
forward to attending and it allows them the opportunity for camaraderie and fellowship.
Our second annual Lumbee Day at the General Assembly allowed our tribe to share our culture and heritage with
policy makers at the state level. Senator Danny Britt, Representative Jarrod Lowery, Representative Brendan Jones,
and Representative Garland Pierce welcomed us to the state capital as we presented gifts to Speaker Destin Hall,
Representative Julie Howard, and Representative Michael Setzer. This event gave our tribal members an
opportunity to interact with lawmakers and to build rapport with those who shape the policies and set the budget for
our state. Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt, Secretary Elaine Marshall, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined us as we
ate Lumbee foods, participated in traditional dances, and watched our artisans craft. We even had an opportunity to
meet Colonel Freddy Johnson, who leads the NC Highway State Patrol and previously patrolled Robeson County
over a decade.
I once again visited Washington DC, where I was able to meet with lawmakers and their staff to advocate for
passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act. Patricia Leach, Assistant Chief of the Catawba Indian Nation, and Jonah Hill,
Councilman from the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, accompanied me as we met with individuals who serve on the
U.S. House’s Natural Resources Committee and the U.S. Senate’s Indian Affairs Committee. Allies like the
Catawba, Oneida, Pequot, Chickahominy, Shinnecock, Tunica, and many more continue to have our backs and
support us on this journey. Thank you, Assistant Chief Leach and Councilman Hill, for meeting me in DC and
walking the halls of Congress in a show of solidarity and overall support for the Lumbee people.
Also in May, I paid a visit to Governor Josh Stein and discussed economic development opportunities for the tribes
in North Carolina and the importance of local law enforcement collecting data on domestic violence and sexual
assault cases. The inability to collect accurate data on our tribal citizens who face these situations hinders our
ability, and other tribes in our state, to apply for funding that will allow us to battle these crimes in our territories. I
am hopeful Governor Stein and his team can work with law enforcement agencies to address this concern.
When Councilwoman Jo Doss came onto the Tribal Council in 2023, she asked me to work with her to build a full
fledge Boys & Girls Club in Scotland County. Currently, we have a club that operates out of one of our housing
buildings in Scotland County, but it lacks the amenities of our other clubs. Councilwoman Doss never took her eye
off of her goal and now, working with newly elected Councilman Larry Soles, both now represent Scotland
County, we have purchased land that will be used to build a fully operational Boys and Girls Club. I am so thankful
for this opportunity to purchase this land and to look forward to the day our youth have the facilities needed to truly
enjoy their time at our club in Scotland County.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve you as Chairman of the Lumbee Nation. I love you all.
John L. Lowery
Chairman
