Time for tribal leaders to

work together for progress

To the Editor,

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Tribal Administration and Tribal Council have expressed for 2013 a desire to be collaborative. Meetings I have attended lead me to be optimistic about this happening. I think that all are weary from 2012’s battles and that the two branches seek to come together to better serve Lumbee people. New faces on Tribal Council bring optimism and demonstrate a greater sense of accountability not only to their districts, but to all Lumbee people.

I have written many words about the dysfunction of our tribal government. In the spirit and act of collaboration, I lay my pen and paper aside with the optimism that they will not be needed. My writing will be less frequent while I act to build, strengthen and improve our tribal government and all communities of Robeson County.

I am sure that those who are “troubled” when I write are glad to hear this. To those folk I say that I have not thrown away my pen and paper. The people who are troubled generally create the trouble and if they cut down on this, then I cut down on the volume of ink I use.

Over many months I have put many words in the air, and been blessed that they woke people up. Now that the Lumbee and Robeson County are awake, it’s time to get up and get moving. If you are reading this, then I challenge in 2013 to take a single step to improve the environment of your home, school, church, tribe, job, region, state, nation and world. If we all take one step then it will be easier for us to come together as a people.

To the Lumbee people, I remind you that being tribal means we listen, respect, and embrace each other. Let us also recognize that our shared existence is dependent upon each individual being committed to the whole. To Robeson County, I ask that we rekindle the energy that forged and sustained our communities and that we elect and follow leaders who value people more than self.

2013 will come and pass. Let’s write upon it’ history that each of us had a positive impact on the world around us. If we are present to see what is happening in our tribal government rather than to hear about it, I guarantee we will change it.

Eric R. Locklear

Pembroke