Lumbee Tribe Swears In Paul Brooks as Tribal Chairman

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA - The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina inaugurated its fifth Tribal Chair shortly after the Tribal Election Board certified the tribal election from Tuesday, November 17. Chairman Paul Brooks was certified by the Lumbee Elections Board on 5 pm Monday, November 21, and was administered the Oath of Office by the Chief Justice of the Lumbee Supreme Court, the Honorable Gary Locklear.

Chairman Paul Brooks takes the Oath of Office

“I am thankful for my supporters, and love all the members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.”

said Chairman Brooks.

"I look forward to working with the staff and Tribal Council to see that tribal members receive the services they qualify for and need." Chairman Brooks further stated, "This position is about service, not about self-serving. We are a smart people, and if we all remember that we are servants in our own right, then together we can make a difference."

Chairman Brooks will complete the remaining term of former Chairman Purnell Swett, who resigned in May, 2011, due to health reasons. In the interim, Sharon Hunt served as chair since May and chose not run for the seat. Chairman Brooks will serve as Chairman until January, 2013.

Chairman Brooks comes to the tribe with a list of accomplishments that include: leading the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs as chairman, as well as being a previous school board member, treasurer of the Golden Leaf Foundation and a successful businessman in the health-related industry.

Based in Pembroke, the Tribe has membership of 55,000.

posted November 22, 2011 6:00 am est