Lumbee Tribe Celebrates Federal Recognition with Series of Events Throughout 2026

The Lumbee Tribe plans to host events across 2026. They'll mark their full federal recognition. A big celebration will happen on May 16 at UNC Pembroke. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery announced the series during his weekly video update.

Feb. 5 kicks things off. The tribe will partner with LRDA at the monthly "The People's Table" gathering. Gospel groups will perform at the LRDA complex.

Gov. Josh Stein hosts an invite-only event Feb. 24 at the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh. Then comes March 28 with a Wild Game Festival, Community Powwow, and social gathering at the Center. A bonfire and traditional social dances run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

May 1 brings the first annual Gene Locklear Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament. Golfers and athletic celebrities will come together, raising money for youth scholarships.

May 16 serves as the main celebration that runs all day. Friends from across the nation will arrive. Vendors, food, entertainment, and presentations fill the schedule. Fireworks close out the night.

"We are looking forward to a year-long celebration, and we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to engage and enjoy these different events," Lowery said in his video update, according to The Robesonian.

Summer brings the fourth annual Lumbee Gala. The date hasn't been decided yet. Later in the year, the Dance of the Harvest Moon Powwow arrives, along with the Fall Festival, Fish Fry, and a 5K. Dec. 18 wraps up the year.

The Lumbee Tribe is also working to restore the Cheraw Siouan language through the Lumbee Language Revitalization Initiative. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Harlan Chavis started work in mid-2025 with a committee of tribal historians, scholars and educators. The team has gathered language resources from historical documents, some dating back to 1588.