Over the past two days, the Lumbee Tribe, in partnership with UNC Pembroke, proudly hosted the 5th Gathering of the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity (NACEP) on our homelands.

Over the past two days, the Lumbee Tribe, in partnership with UNC Pembroke, proudly hosted the 5th Gathering of the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity (NACEP) on our homelands. Led by visionary Chairman Marshall Pierite of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, the conference featured a series of engaging panel discussions, roundtable conversations, and collaborative sessions focused on advancing Tribal economic development and self-determination. NACEP, of which Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery serves as a founding board member, is dedicated to strengthening Tribal economic sovereignty through economic development, intertribal commerce, and strategic partnerships. The coalition works to promote shared prosperity, expand access to capital and resources, create jobs, foster long-term economic growth, and build productive relationships with federal agencies.With more than 40 member Tribes represented across the nation, NACEP continues to serve as a powerful voice for Tribal economic advancement. We were honored to welcome leaders, partners, and participants to Lumbee Territory and look forward to continuing this important work together. Chairman Lowery said, “this was a historic event to be held on the campus of UNC-Pembroke with tribal leaders from all over the country visiting our homelands. I look forward to hosting more of these events in the future as tribal leaders work to protect our sovereignty and build up our economies and communities.” 

The two day historic event also included a welcome reception held at the Museum of Southeastern American Indian and a tour of the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center where participants learned about Lumbee tribal governance, economic development initiatives, community programs, and Lumbee history and culture.