bublishoil oaeh Thursdav in Pembroke, N.C.
CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
^ "HullJin# Communicative Hruiges In .1 Tri-Racial Q?C ^ ' \ \
VOL I ME 2H .XL MBER 5(J THVRSDA Y. DECEMBER I J. 2001 \ \ _ I 25^
rceporv to tne people
From Rep. Ron Sutton
"Now that the General Assembly has finally adjourned, members are glad
to get back home to their districts." said Rep Ron Sutton. Democrat of Pembroke.
Everyone knew the 2001 session of the General Assembly would be long
and tough. Adoption of a new budget in a declining economy and alwayscontentious
redisricting were on the agenda, and the Mouse was closely divided
between Democrats and Republicans.
Few expected that a Christmas tree decorated with a patriotic theme would
welcome visitors to the Legislative Building as the session drew to a close.
The record-shattering length will be one of the hallmarks of the 2001 session.
But the length should not overshadow the accomplishments.
Lawmakers adopted a SI4.5 billion budget that avoided painful cuts in
education and human services that are being considered in other states. Those
two areas were the only two that received more money in this fiscal year than
last.
The budget jncluded several targeted initiatives aimed at maintaining North
Carolina's gains in education. Legislators reduced kindergarten class size
and allocated an additional SI28.8 million for public schools.
The spending plan also pumped SI8I million into the state's "rainy dayfund"
and created a S45.7 million trust fund for mental health.
To balance the budget, legislators cut $700 million from the proposed budget
submitted by Gov. Mike Easley, closed tax loopholes and adopted several
temporary tax increases that will cost the average family one dollar a week.
Bond rating agencies, which had been threatening to lower the state's coveted
AAA bond rating, praised the budget.
The budget put North Carolina in a better position than most states to deal
with the economic aftershocks of the Sept. 11 terrorist'attacks. Several states
are either holding or considering special sessions to revise their budgets.
"One of the most difficult issues this year, second only to the budget in
intensity, was redisricting. Redisricting is always a difficult, but necessary
process required every ten years and the closeness of the Democrat/Republican
ratio in the House further complicated those efforts," said Rep. Sutton.
Many citizens did not realize that redistricting consists of redrawing State
House and Senate district lines as well as U. S. Congressional lines.
The lengthy session also gave North Carolina a jump on other states in
dealing with the terrorist attacks. Lawmakers approved three bills to better
prepare North Carolina for potential terrorism.
One of the bills authorized Gov. Mike Easley to spend up to S30 million
front the state's reserves for antiterrorism measures.
Another bill requested by the governor and approved by the Legislature
toughened criminal penalties for creating or using weapons of mass destruction,
including biological, nuclear or chemical weapons.
Lawmakers also approved a bill requested by Attorney General Roy-Cooper
that created a registry of labs that keep chemical or biological agents such
as anthrax or smallpox.
Legislatures in other states are expected to consider similar bills next year.
Another hallmark of the 2001 session was adoption of one of the strongest
laws in the country to give patients in managed care plans and their doctors a
larger voice in medical care decisions.
The Managed Care Patients' Bill of Rights provides a binding, independent
review of HMO decisions and the right to take HMOs to court.
Consumers also have more freedom in selecting a primary care physician.
Parents can select a pediatrician as their child's primary care doctor and patients
with a prolonged medical condition can select a specialist.
Another important health care bill laid the groundwork for a prescription
drug plan for seniors. The House and Senate passed legislation that instructs
the Health and Wellness Trust Fund commission to include criteria for grants
that would help pay for prescription drugs. The commission will distribute
SI. 15 billion from the state's share of the national tobacco settlement.
Those were just a few of the significant bills passed this year. They should
not be forgotten in all the talk about the length of the session.
Erica Nicole Dellinger "Teen
Miss Lumbee 2001- 2002"
"Keeping My Heritage Alive"
Since becoming Teen Miss Lumbee 2001-2002 in July. I have been blessed
with many wonderful experiences of meeting people from "all walks of life".
The crown awarded me on July 6. 2001 has given me the opportunity to share
and educate others about Lumbee history and culture.
I have traveled extensively throughout RobeSon County and the state entertaining
and speaking to groups, both young and old. about the traditions, heritage.
and culture of my people, the Lumbee Tribe. I have also spoken to Elementary.
Middle, and High school students about the importance of education.
setting goals for yourself, and striving to fulfill your goals.
My most "challenging" experience was to speak to and entertain an entire
group of 6th and 7th graders at Pembroke Middle School, alone.'They were
great!! It was a very rewarding experience; one that helped me to further develop
my public speaking skills. A special "thank you" to those students, teachers,
and administrators for being so attentive!
My most "heartwarming" experience was to talk with and entertain the TMH
(Trainable Mentality Handicapped) students at Purncll Swett High School.
They are truly special! Thank you Mrs.. Lachelle Ransom for inviting me to
your classes!
My most "meaningful" experience was at South Robeson High School's
Cultural Festival. It was there that my Aunt Mary taught me the art of "basketmaking".
I actually made my "first" basket! Aupt Mary has given me a part of
my family's history that I can. in turn, pass on to future generations.
A special "thank you" to all the schools, churches, and communities that
have invited me to entertain and speak. Each has been a learning and growing
experience that I will always cherish! I hope I have touched your hearts and
minds in some way!
1 look forward to entertaining and speaking throughout the remainder of my
reign. It is a great honor to serve as a spokesperson for my people!
Season's Greetings
As the holidays approach. I want to wish each and everyone a very Merry
Christmas! Let us join in prayer that the New Year will bring peace and harmony
in the world! As you gather together with your family during the holiday
season, remember those who arc separated from theirs, serving and protecting
our right to freedom! May god bless and keep you during the holiday season!
Benefit Singing
On November 24. over 120 peopto
gathered at the Prospect United
Methodist Church to support the
LRDA sponsored benefit singing for
the creation ol'an emergency fundfor
our local fire departments.
Mr. Odell Lowers, organizer of the
event, stated. "The Lumbee Regional
Development Association would like
to bestow heartfelt appreciation to all
who contributed in supporting the
I.RDA sponsored Benefit Singing for
the creation of an Emergency Fund
for our local fire departments."
Mr. Lowers added. "The Association
would like to extend special
thanks to the following: Caria and
Redemption. Prospect Men's Choir,
The Ty ler's. Sycamore Hill Singers.
Reverend Montana Locklear. Reverend
Kenny Mitchell, Reverend Billy
Clark, and special guest Audrianna
Nichole Chavis."
Mr. Dewey Locklear. Executive
Director of LRDA stated. "We would
like to thank everyone for coming out
and supporting this cause. The incident
in New York has helped us all
to realize the importance of our local
police and fire departments."
Mr. Locklear continued by saying.
"It is through this type of outreach
effort that we can make a difference.
Thanks to the uplifting performances
we will be able to make a contribution
to our community."
I f y ou would like more information
or to make a contribution to this effort,
please contact Mr. Odell Lowery
at (910) 843-3173.
Blood Drive For
Special Cause
Matthew Blue, of Mt. Airy Boy
Scout Troop 326, vvill be sponsoring
a blood drive to earn his Eagle Scout
badge. The blood drive will be held
at Bear Swamp Baptist Church in
Pembroke, N. C. on Saturday, December
22, 2001 from 9:00 a.m.- 1:30
p.m.
SRMC Foundation "Volunteers
Planning "tenth Gala Celebration
Volunteers for the 2002 SRMC Foundation Gala are kneeling, from left; Kim Cliericliella, Marlene Evans, Jeannie
Johnson, and Barbara Walters. Seated; Kristin Smith, Katie Butler, Lisa Rust, Earle Gasque and Fordham Britt.
Standing; Pattie Ramsaur, Dlanne Jones, Janice Helms, Mary Ann Rust, Teresa Cummings, Maureen Thompson,
Jonnie Nance, Becky Thompson, Stephanie McLellan, Karen Granger and Bunny Barker.
volunteers of the Southeastern Regional
Medical Center Foundation are
already hard at work preparing for
their annual black-tie event set for
Friday. February 22. 2002, at
Pinecrest Country Club in Lumberton.
This year's gala will raise money to
fund scholarship loans for local residents.
who have chosen to study medicine,
nursing or allied health and who
plan to return to or remain in Robeson
County to practice or work.
"Our theme this year will be Gala
in White." said Gasque, cochair of the
10th annual event. We are fortunate
to have a very dedicated and capable
group of volunteers, who will work
with our area florists to make the
theme a most memorable one."
Gasque also announced that the previous
chairpersons for the first nine
SRMC Foundation Galas will be hon
ored at this event.
"Over the past nine years, the Foundation
Gala has supported many wonderful
endeavors- the Cancer Center,
the Community Health education
Center, automated external
defibrillators placed throughout the
community, and more," said Lisa
Rust, cochair of the Gala. "Our 2002
gala will give us the opportunity to
focus on another critical need, health
care scholarships. Providing financial
aid for those preparing for careers in
the medical arena will also ensure
quality care for our community in the
future."
Sissy Grantham, executive director
of the SRMC Foundation, announced
that in addition to cochairs Gasque
and Rust, other members of the gala
committee include: Bunny Barker,
Cherry Beasley, Fordham Britt, Katie
Butler. Kim Cherichella, Meredith
Clifton, Teresa Cummings, Billie
Dail. Katie Davis. Cheryl Ermini.
Marlene Evans. Jan Gane, Karen
Granger, Janice Helms. Jeannie
Johnson, Dianne Jones, Stephanie
McLellan, Pattie Ramsaur, Mary Ann
Rust, Kristin Smith, Becky Thompson,
and Barbara Walters. Honorary
cochairs are Jonnie Nance and
Maureen Thompson who chaired the
2001 gala.
Floral designs for Gala in White
will be created by: Billy Davis and
Bud Pate of Flowers by Billy, Monika
Kinlaw of Monika's Flowers, and
Kandy Kinlaw of Leviner's Florists.
For more information about the gala
or to purchase tickets at $125 per
couple, call the SRMC Foundation at
671-5583.
Stella Godwin Oxendine
Honored on 84th Birthday
i "
On Saturday, October 27. 2001, Stella Godwin Oxendine was honored at
First Baptist Church in Pembroke, N.C. celebrating her 84th birthday.
Born on October 29, 1917 to parents William Henry and Florence Amelia
Ransom Godwin. Mrs. Oxendine was the youngest child of five brothers and
two sisters. Her siblings are now deceased.
Stella attended school in the Pembroke area. She was married to Marvin
Oxendine who is deceased. She is the mother of Donald Godwin, Maudie
Summerville, Kitty Oxendine. and Mary Bare. Her children and their families
hosted the celebration.
After retiring. Stella moved to Landis. N.C. to live with her daughter Mary.
She is a member of First Baptist Church in Pembroke, N. C. and attends
Blackwelder Park Baptist Church in Landis.
Over one hundred guests attended the celebration. Out of town guest came
from across the state of North Carolina. Virginia, and Kentucky.
The family wishes to thank our family and friends, the musicians and others
for helping us honor our Mother. Grandmother and Great Grandmother on her
84th Birthday.
Free Poetry Contest Open
to Pembroke Residents
OW1NGS MILLS. MD (USA)- The International Library of Poetry has
announced that S58.000.00 in prizes will be awarded this year in the International
Open Poetry Contest. Poets from the Pembroke area, particularly beginners,
are welcome to try to win their share of over 250 prizes. The deadline
for the contest is February 28. 2002. The contest is open to everyone and
entry is FREE. "Any poet, whether previously published or not, can be a winner."
stated Christina Babylon, Contest Director. "When people learn about
our free poetry contest, they suddenly realize that their own poetic works of
art can win cash prizes, as well as gain national recognition." continued babylon.
To enter, send ONE original poem, any subject and any style to: The International
Library of Poetry. Suite 19913. 1 Poetry Plaza. Owings Mills, MD
21117. The poem should be 30 lines or less, and the poet's name and address
should appear on the top of the page. Entries must be postmarked or sent via
the Internet by February 28. 2002. You may also enter on-line at
www.poetry.com.
The International Library of Poetry, founded in 1982, is the largest poetry
organization in the world.
OurTribal Constitution
by Cynthia L. Hunt
This week lets continue our discussion of Article I of the Lumbee Tribal
Constitution by reviewing the section addressing jurisdiction Article 1 Section
2 states, "The Tribe's jurisdiction shall extend to the fullest extent possible
under Federal law to:
(a) all enrolled members of the Tribe, without regard to location or
residence, and (b) all persons, property, and activities located or taking place
upon the Tribe's territory." This section on jurisdiction has created much
confusion among tribal members. It is important that we understand this term
and its effect on tribal members
What does jurisdiction mean in our tribal constitution? Jurisdiction means
authority to govern an area, but the extent of that authority is established in the
constitution. The limits of both the Tribal Council and the Tribal Chairman are
outlined in the document Our tribal government, the Council and Chairman,
can have no more authority than what we the tribal members granted to them
in the constitution For example, the Tribal Council has the authority to pass
ordinances, and the Tribal Chairman has all executive powers.
Confusion has surfaced in the Lumbee tribal community regarding the
wording in Article 1 Section 2. Some tribal members have stated their concern
about this language affecting their rights as US citizens. This language does
not affect our rights as citizens of the US or the State of NC. Our tribal
constitution does not limit or change the rights of tribal members as Americans
or North Carolinians. Neither, does the tribal constitution establish a reservation
or give the Bureau of Indian Affairs any power or authority over tribal
members.
Tribal members have also stated how this section affects the property they
own. The tribal government can never take any tribal member's private
property. They have to obey federal law. Your property was not purchased by
tribal money or in the name of the tribe. Article 1 Section 2 (b) states all persons,
property, and activities located or taking place upon the Tribe's territory. This
does not say members of the Lumbee tribe, nor does it say Lumbee Thus, does
this mean that the tribe shall have jurisdiction over ALL residents, property, and
activities within the territory? The answer is NO. It is stating that when the tribe
owns property of its own, any person, property, or activity that takes place upon
the Tribe's territory will fall under the jurisdiction of the tribe.
Next week we will discuss Article II that addresses membership. Please
attend the Tribal Council meeting Saturday, December 15, 2001 at 10.00 at the
Tribal Office.
Update on Changes at LRDA
Pembroke. NC -- On Monday, December 3, 2001. the Lumbee Regional
Development Association board of Directors adopted a change to the board
structure. Originally comprised of 20 elected members, the LRDA Board of
Directors has been redesigned with an 11-member board.
The board members established a new district system that is comprised of
only 9 districts, with two of those districts having 2 community representatives.
The following members will remain as community representatives: Leroy
Freeman. William Lowery, Earl Cummings. Odell Lowery, Gerald Strickland,
Harold Chavis, Rodney Hunt. Woodrow Dial, Bobby D. Locklear, Harold
Hunt, and James Sampson.
Leroy Freeman, chairman of the LRDA Board, stated "1 would like to extend
my thanks to all the board members for their years of service and dedication
to this agency. Without the experience and input of each member we
would not be where we are now."
Mr. Freeman continued, "With our new position in the community, we needed
to streamline our board. These changes will allow us the opportunity to continue
to grow and to serve."
The LRDA Board of Directors will continue to function as a guide for the
Lumbee Regional Development Association agency and staff
Native American
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
tribal Council to
meet Saturday
The Tribal Council of the I.umbce
Tribe will meet on Saturday. December
1S. at 10 a m. in the tribal office at
the Dream Makers Mini Mall on the
Union Chapel Road in Pembroke
Tribal members are encouraged to
attend
Dance Class
p.m. All ages are welcome, however,
younger children must be accompanied
by an adult.
For more information contact
NCICC at (910) 521-2433.
GED Classes
Parents and individuals 18 years or
older who are interested in receiving
their Diploma or GED should call the
Parent-Student Center with the Public
Schools of Robeson County at 7378615.
between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
weekdays for information. Contact
person; Renee Hammonds.
Classes will begin in January of
2002