The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow is just around the corner.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow is just around the corner. Join us on September 26-28, 2025, at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center. Don't miss the dancers from all across the nation as they compete in the specials, which include the Women’s Fancy Spotlight Special, the Grant Dial - Men’s Northern Traditional, the Chairman’s Special - Women’s Southern Traditional, the Fancy, Jingle, Traditional, Grass Dance and many more. The Lumbee, a Southeastern Indigenous people with a long-standing tradition of matrilineal societies, is committed to honoring women's vital role as life-givers within our community. For centuries, Lumbee society has been guided by women's strength, wisdom, and resilience. In recognition of this enduring tradition, the Lumbee Tribe Powwow Committee is pleased to announce the addition of a new Women’s Eastern Woodland Category for participants ages 18–49. This addition reflects our continued commitment to uplift and honor our people's matrilineal foundations. It reminds us that women have always held central roles in shaping, sustaining, and guiding our communities.

Serving as Emcees of the Lumbee Powwow are the dynamic duo Marty Thurman and Sandon Jacobs. Patrick Green will oversee the circle as Arena Director, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Chris Conner joins us as Head Drum Judge, and Kevin Chavis will serve as Head Dance Judge, both bringing years of experience and cultural insight.

We are honored to welcome our Host Drums—The Boyz (Northern) and Southern Boyz (Southern)—whose songs will carry the heartbeat of the powwow all weekend.

This year’s Head Female Dancer is Raven Dial-Stanley, and Head Male Dancer is Ryan Dial—twin siblings, proud citizens of the Lumbee Tribe, and lifelong powwow dancers, introduced to the powwow circle at just six months old.

Raven Dial-Stanley whose roots run deep in the communities of Maxton and Prospect in Robeson County. Though now living in Durham, NC, her identity remains firmly grounded in the traditions of her people. A graduate of UNC Greensboro, she studied Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies and went on to design denim for Lee. Today, Raven blends creativity and culture through her streetwear brand, Original Peoples of the Southeast, and a children's coloring book inspired by her grandmother. 

Ryan Dial is a proud citizen of the Lumbee Tribe, a lifelong powwow dancer and MC. Raised in Robeson County, he now lives in Durham, NC, with his wife, Idalis Jacobs Dial. Ryan works as an American Indian Health Program Manager at UNC Chapel Hill, serving both the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the American Indian Center. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on advancing health equity for Indigenous communities in North Carolina. Ryan has traveled across the state sharing Lumbee history and traditions through storytelling, music, and cultural education. 

Join us at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center as we celebrate our culture, honor our ancestors, and lift up our people. This will be a gathering you don’t want to miss! Grand Entries will begin on Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at Noon & 6 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm. The Host Hotel is Holiday Inn Express in Pembroke, NC. The Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center is on 683 Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton, NC. For more information, visit www.lumbeetribe.com