Chairman Lowery’s Monthly Report for June 2023.
Chairman Lowery’s Monthly Report for June 2023.
Dear Lumbee People,
The Lumbee Tribe celebrated National Homeownership Month in June by completing construction on our 250th home! Since 2001, our Housing Department has been able to help 250 families achieve their homeownership needs through our Homeownership Program. Our staff is always available to talk about opportunities to become homeowners through our program.
Also, in the month of June, we made a major policy change to allow families to build homes on land that is not road frontage. This change was something that the Tribal Council and myself found to be imperative and I was happy to announce this updated policy.
We teamed up with Veterans Services of the Carolinas, NCWorks, the US Department of Veterans Affairs and many local partners to hold our Annual Veterans Stand Down event. The event, held at the Pembroke Boys & Girls Club, offered veterans a variety of resources including health screenings, free haircuts, mental health services, food, gear distribution, blankets, the opportunity to apply to services, and so much more.
I want to thank the Fayetteville Woodpeckers for hosting the first ever “Lumbee Night” at Seagra Stadium. During the game, we had numerous booths set up showcasing our artisans and singers, along with a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem by Senior Ms. Lumbee Sharon Burnette. I was honored to throw out the first pitch of the game and enjoyed the night with our tribal citizens.
Kicking off Lumbee Homecoming, we held our annual Senior Ms. Lumbee pageant at the end of June. The pageant was magnificent as our contestants showed off their talents before a packed house. I want to say “Thank You” to Sharon Burnette for being a wonderful Senior Ms. Lumbee and representing our people with dignity, beauty, and pride. To our new Senior Ms. Lumbee Edith Jones, I look forward to serving with you over the next year.
We lost one of our greatest leaders in June. Dr. Ruth Dial Woods was a true trailblazer for the Lumbee people. Her career in education, constant pursuit of equality and fairness for Natives and women, and her work to improve the lives of those with substance abuse issues will forever be remembered. Dr. Woods served as the Tribal Government’s first Tribal Administrator and laid the foundation for where we are as a government today. We are a better people today because of the life of Dr. Woods.
Thank you for allowing me to be your Chairman.
I love you all,
John L. Lowery Chairman
