Lumbee Inspired by Tribal State Presentation by Chairman John Lowery

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery delivers a forceful report on the state of the tribe to a packed house Monday at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lumbee Tribe. David Kennard | The Robesonian

PEMBROKE — Lumbee Tribe Chairman John Lowery devoted much of his presentation Monday to addressing the tribe’s request for full federal recognition.

He said the tribe was in a good situation and praised the efforts of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, sponsor of the Lumbee Fairness Act.

“He’s done everything he can for us,” Lowery said. “He’s worked hard for us. And I’m not just saying that because. I’m telling you when a man reaches out to tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska. When a man reaches out to Nevada, Idaho, places where he doesn’t even have to worry about campaigning, places where he doesn’t even have to vote for him, he’s reaching out to these individuals, individual tribes, individual tribal leaders, to find out what their position is on the Lumbee deal. And to make sure they agree with us. He’s done things like that and he continues to do things like that. So he works hard.”

Lowery also praised U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, saying he “has stepped up and is helping. And on the House side, we have Rep. Hudson, Rep. Rouzer; almost our entire state delegation is behind us now.”

Lowery said the tribe also works closely with other elected officials in Washington, D.C.

“So we’re working on this project, we’re making progress, we’re going to places we’ve never been before,” Lowery said. “Doors have been opened for us that we’ve never been able to go through before.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Find a full report on Lowery’s presentation in Wednesday’s Robesonian.