Published each Thursdav in l'einbibke,:N:C. ' ^
"CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
"HuiUlinx Communicative Undoes In A Iri-Rnciul Setting"
VOLUME 2H NVMHER 44 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1,2001 25'
Lowry- Malcomn seeks seat
on Pembroke Town Council
Kyle Ann I.owry- Malcolm lias
announced her candidacy for a scat on
the Pembroke Town Council In making
her announcement. I.owryMalcolm
released the following statement
"Over the past couple of months. I
hav e made my way through the neighborhoods
of Pembroke During these
visits. I hoped to achieve two things,
convey my gouls us a council member
candidate and to listen to what voters .
feel is important I found that both
residents and business owners had a
wide variety of suggestions and valid
points about the current status of
Pembroke, many of which I have personally
voiced over the years. Many
years of opinions have transformed
into determination to make our town
more appealing to future residents
and businesses, while at the same time
increase support for the current residents
and businesses.
"IIovv can this be achieved? First,
revive the town leadership with fresh
perspectives Elect fresh blood to the
council thut has the motivation for
positive growth and support lor you.
the t'olcr Second, enforce ordinances
to hold everyone, both business and
home owner's alike, responsible for
the town's appearance This ensures
the minimum standards at e held across
the board without pieiudiee Third,
evaluate spending priorities of town
funds and grants Tlevate sidewalk
repair, town park improvements, and
other cosmetic projects higher on the
list Fourth, create a strong relationship
with the UNCI' Forge the
relationship where students are encouraged
to spend their time and
finances. Fiflh, develop clear gouls
for the town that match our 5. 10. and
20-year progression plan. Finally, attract
the businesses that w ill employ
our residents and offer room for professional
growth
"The town through careful consideration
and policy management can
systematically achieve these goals I
have heard residents and business
owners ask for these goals and I will
provide the leadership to make them
realities."
Kyle Ann I.mvry-Malcomn
Don't forget to vote
Tuesday, November
6th on vour Lumbee
Constitution!
A moment of southern history
comes alive for Native American
Heritage Month, presented by Studio
One Lab Series of PSRC.
Dr. Barry Harding selected as Superintendent of
the Year for the Sandhills Consortium
Dr. Barry Harding. Superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County,
has been selected as Superintendent of the Year for the Sandhills Consortium.
The announcement was made at the October 22nd Meeting of the Board of
Education by Dr. William McMillan of the Consortium.
Dr. McMillan lauded Dr. Harding as an ardent supporter of the children of
the region and one who is highly respected by superintendents in the area. He
spoke of the many awards he has garnered during his career and the 9 state
and national awards he has received this year including being named National
Indian Educator of the Year in the USA. He stressed Dr. Harding's
success in bringing the number of low-performing schools in the county down
from the 15 in existence when he became Superintendent to none in the past
four years. He also mentioned the fact that students in 35 of the 40 schools in
the system are performing beyond grade level.
D. McMillan cited Dr. Harding for instilling a high level of trust among the
subordinates under his leadership by recognizing people and their contributions
and commitments to the ultimate vision of his school system..That vision
is to make the Public Schools of Robeson County the best school system
possible.
Dr. Harding's selection places him in competition for State Superintendent
of the Year. That announcement will i>e made on November 15th. The 2002
National Superintendent of the Year will be named on February 15, 2002.
A Report to the People
From Rep. Ron Sutton
For 24 hours, it looked as if the
House might clear a major hurdle
standing between the Legislature and
adjournment.
On a close vote, the House gave
preliminary approval to a House redistricting
plan, known as the Sutton
2 Plan.Jkit when the measure came
up for its final reading. House leaders
adjourned without a vote. The reason
was simple. They were not sure
they had a majority ready to vote for
the plan.
Redistricting is always a contentious
and partisan issue. The close 6258
Democratic majority in the House
has made passing a plan even more
difficult than usual? and more difficult
than lawmakers imagined.
Almost all of the 58 House Republicans
signed a pledge to follow the
dictates of their caucus on redistricting
issues. Even the ones who did not
sign stuck with the caucus.
As a result, a handful of Democrats
were able to delay a floor vote for a
we$k and a half.
- -'After the preliminary 62-57 vote to
tentatively approve the plan, some
who had supported the plan said they
were having reservations, prompting
House leaders to delay the final vote.
A swing ofjust a few votes could have
sent the plan to defeat, forcing
mapmakers to start over with a new
bill.
At issue was the number of House
districts where minorities could elect
- or help elect- a minority candidate.
The proposed plan had 12 majorityblack
districts and eight districts
where minorities made up more than
40 percent- but less than half - of the
population. One of those districts
elects three members, meaning that
22 House members would be elected
from districts with a minority population
of 40 percent of more.
Republicans and a handful of
Democrats argued that mapmakers
should create more majority-minority
districts.
House leaders and most black
House members said packing minorinumbcr
of likely Democratic seats.
That would make it easier for the Republicans
to take control of the House.
Aside from raw partisan considerations,
there are legal issues involved
in redistricting. Federal law and court
rulings forbid drawing districts that dilute
minority voting strength. But the
Supreme Court has ruled in a North
Carolina case that Legislators cannot
overly rely on race in drawing districts.
Other court cases require legislators
to draw districts that are roughly equal
in population, to uphold the principle
of one person, one vote. And districts
must be contiguous.
Finally, legislators want their districts
as favorable as possible. AH 170
members of the General Assembly,
and all 12 incumbent members of the
U.S. House, would like a "safe" district.
It is impossible to draw a map
that makes all incumbents completely
happy.
The key is coming up with a redisricting
plan that makes a majority of
the House relatively happy. Everyone
knew that would be a difficult task,
given the conflicting legal, partisan
and even personal ramifications involved.
"On Thursday, we did not have the
necessary majority vote to pass my
redisricting plan on third and final
reading, thus we will keep- working
till we Find the votes." said Rep. Ron
Sutton, the Democratic Redisricting
leader.
Native American
Dance Class
The NC Indian Cultural Center will
sponsor a Native American Dance
Class for anyone interested in learning
to dance. Classes will be held
Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. til 9:00
p.m. All ages are welcome, however,
younger children must be accompanied
by an adult.
For more information contact
NCICC at (910) 521-2433.
LRDA Fall Pow Wow Breaks
Attendance Record
by Vinita Clark
Pembroke, JVC-There w as nol an
empty vendor space in sight as Angel
Clark, the coordinator for the threeday
fall Pow Wow, had to find spaces
for over 14 more vendors who decided
to attend Everyone wanted to
be a participant in the Fall Pow Wow
sponsored by Lumbee Regional Development
Association this weekend
The LRDA has been the guiding light
of the Lumbee people for over thirty
years People attended to show their
support for the pow wow that is one of
three events sponsored by the LRDA
each year to acknowledge the history
and unity of the Lumbee people. Thousands
of people attended and at various
times, even with the two parking lots
at the North Carolina Indian Cultural
Center, there was trouble finding a
parking space. People were camping
out at various sites inside the complex.
including next to the "Strike at
the Wind" costumes rooms. The
Pumell Swett Senior High JROTC
coordinated by Command Sergeant
Major Barney Razor coordinated the
parking.
The holders of the Miss l.umbee
titles in the various divisions were all
present along with representatives
from other tribes across the state and
nation Very few membersof the Tribal
Government attended. U.S. Congressman
Mike Mclntyre and the new
Chairman of the North Carolina Indian
Cultural Center. Mr. Dobbs
Oxendine, Jr took center stage and
spoke to those in attendance Many
people, both voung and old. w alked
around wrapped up in blankets, not
w anting to miss a single event
The Tyler's 29th Anniversary
Gospel Sing
On Saturday. November 3rd. 2001. the UNC Pembroke Givens Performing
Arts Center will have an anniversary gospel sing featuring; The Tylers. The
Crabbs. Mike Bowling and Michael Combs. The Pre-show will start at 6:30
p.m with The Jacobs Family.
Tickets will be sold in advance for SI 0.00 at the GPAC Box Office, at the
door they are SI2.00. The evening is sponsored in part by The Potter's Mouse
in Pembroke. Red Springs Christian Supplies in Red Springs and l.aurinburg
Christian Supplies in l.aurinburg.
Christmas Craft Show and Sale
A Christmas Crafl Show and Sale, sponsored by the Robeson County Center
of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the Robeson
County Extension and Community Association, will be held Friday. December
7. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the O.P. Owens Agriculture
Center. Highway 72 West (west of Exit 17. off 1-95). Lumbcrton.
According to Phyllis Hunt. Extension and Community Association Coordinator
with the Robeson County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service. ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.
Craflcrs from Robeson and neighboring counties will offer qualityhandcraftcd
items for sale. Lunch and baked goods will also be available.
For more information contact the Cooperative Extension Service at (910)
671-3276. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people
regardless of race, color, national origin, sex. age. or disability.
i . 1 1 '
Don't forget to vote Tuesday,
November 6th on your Lumbee
Constitution!
LEGEND OF POCAHONTAS
The ringing sounds of the drummers and chanters welcome the Wordspinner
to the stage to tell the story of Pocahontas, young daughter of the Algonquin
chief. Powhatan. This is the story of a young girl who saved the lives of both
her own people and the settlers of Jamestown. In Algonquin. "Pocahontas"
means playful joking girl, a fitting name since she is both playful and inquisitive.
She makes friends with the new English settlers who are struggling with
sickness and near starvation. When the English captain. John Smith, comes
to her father and is traditionally sentenced to death, she begs for his life and
finds a way for her people and the settlers to begin to live together and
attempt to understand one another. This thrilling American folktale is told
with historical accuracy among a delightful cast of characters; the people of
Pocahontas' village, the spirits of the forest, the animals who are her guides
and the settlers of Jamestown. JOcelyn Hunt makes her stage debut as
Pocahontas, with Roger Locklear, a senior at Purnell Swett High School as
her father, Powhatan. Also featured in the play are Jonathan Hunt (Thundercloud),
who attends Pembroke Middle School and Jamee Hunt (Wordspinner),
a student at South Robeson High School and the former Miss Teen Lumbee.
Southern Eagle Drum Group provides drumming and chants that underscore
the traditional dances choreographed by Ms. Carmen Deese, the choreographer
for Strike at the Wind.
Presented by the Studio One Lab Series, the theatrical production division
of the Public Schools of Robeson County, Legend of Pocahontas is a salute
to Native American Heritage Month and to the culture and ancient traditions
of the native peoples of our region. As part of this project, there will be an
exhibit of art and artifacts from this region and other Native nations of the
America in the lobby area of Lumberton Jr. High School. The exhibits will
open a half hour prior to each performance, and all audiences are welcome to
"meet the company and dancers" afterward for refreshments and discussion.
This production will be presented in the auditorium of Lumberton Jr. High
School November 1-3 at 7:3- pm and November 3-4 at 3:00 pm. Tickets are
S6.00 for adults and S2.50 for students and may be purchased at the lobby of
the auditorium prior to the display opening. Group reservations and discounts
may be attained by calling the marketing Director, Ms. Kari Dial at 521 9882.
A Tribal Constitution
by Cynthia L. Hunt, an Enrolled Member of the Lumbee Tribe
A tribal constitution provides limits on the authority of a tribe's governing
body, and gives tribal members a voice in how they are governed. It serves as
the official governing document of a tribe. However, other documents can
serve as a tribe's governing document For example, a tribe may decide to be
governed by by-laws, similar to those adopted by various associations and nonprofit
organizations If a tribe is governed by by-laws, tribal members have no
say in how the tribe's affairs are run It is important to note that adopting a
constitution does not establish tribal government. The tribal government will
exist whether they operate under a constitution or by-laws A constitution puts
limits on the government and gives people a voice.
Last year on November 07, 2000, approximately over 5,000 Lumbee tribal
members voted and said they wanted to be governed by a constitution. They
also voted for the constitution to be drafted and presented to the tribe for a vote
in one year of the date of that election This was truly a mandate from the
Lumbee people The Tribal Council has scheduled an election lor Tuesday.
November 06, on a proposed constitution. Recently, there has been much
debate and discussion regarding this election
It is important at this time to remind ourselves, as tribal members, why we
voted to be governed by a constitution First, tribal members voiced their
wishes to have a say in how funds, received on our behalf, are spent. We were
seemingly tired of tribal leaders making decisions without our input. For
example, the tribe has been receiving federal housing funds for some time.
Tribal members have voiced much criticism of those administering those
monies A tribal constitution will give us a voice in such matters
Second, some of us have grown tired of the same old faces running our tribal
business A tribal constitution provides term limits for those serving on the
governing bodv Without a constitution, there are no term limits If the Tribal
Council were governed by by-laws, I doubt very seriously term limits would be
included in the document We need to be mindful of how tribal business has
worked in the past It is important we have a voice in our government and adopt
a document that provides limits for tribal leaders, Too often, some have a
tendency to become too comfortable and stagnated in their representation of
tribal members
Further, there is the possibility, if we do not adopt the proposed constitution
on November 06. we may not have the opportunity to do so at a later date. It
is rumored that some Tribal Council members have stated that if the document
is not passed next Tuesday, they will begin drafting a new one for an election
later on down the road We need to understand there is nothing that requires
them to do this So the question becomes, do we believe the current Tribal
Council? Do we trust them to offer us the opportunity to vote on a document
we want to be governed by. if the proposed document fails next week?
Lastly, it is also rumored that if the document fails to pass next Tuesday,
there are those who will ask a judge to have the election held last year for the
current Tribal Council "set aside." Where will this leave us? 1 am not sure
anyone knows However, it may be that we will see the Lumbee SelfDelcrininatiofi
Commission reappear in Robeson County What would be their
role' Is it possible they will again attempt to prov ide for guidelines to adopt
a tribal government and a tribal governing document? From the results of what
we are currently dealing with, they seemed to have failed miserably These are
the things we must be mindful of when we decide whether to support the
document on November 06. 2001 I .umbcc tribal members are among the most
intelligent in anil out of Indian Country and we alw ay s make informed decisions
Please continue to do the same on Tuesday . November 06, 2001
Robeson County Public Library
Holds Annual Book Sale
The Friends of the Robeson County Public Library will hold its annual book
sale on November lst-3rd in the old Ostemeck Auditorium. The book sale
will open at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday November 1st and close at 9 p.m It will
continue at 9:00 a.m. on Friday November 2nd and close at 6 p.m. On Saturday
November 3rd. the last day of the book sale, the sale will start at 9 a.m.
and conclude at 4 p.m.
For more information about this years book sale call 738-4859.