Children under age 16 not allowed in powwow without adult supervision

PEMBROKE – Tribal officials said Tuesday that children under age 16 will not be allowed to attend this year’s Dance of the Spring Moon powwow without adult supervision.

They say it’s a safety issue in an area draped by a massive lake on one side and the Lumber River on the other. The past 10 powwows have been held at the farmer’s market in Lumberton, which is surrounded by a fence.

“We just don’t want young children running around unattended because they could get hurt,” said Tribal Administrator Dock Locklear. “We want to be sure this will be a safe and fun event, and we don’t want to see anyone get hurt. This not a controlled environment like we have had in past years at the farmer’s market. We are encouraging parents and guardians to keep a watchful eye on their children as we all enjoy the festivities at this year’s event.”

The tribe’s 12th annual spring powwow starts Friday and runs through Sunday at the Lumbee Tribe’s Indian Cultural Center in the Red Banks community near Pembroke.

For more information, visit lumbeetribe.com or call (910) 521-7861.