Indian Time
Gregory A. Richardson
Fall 2012
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Message from the Director Continued on page 2
In November, a delegation of
tribal leaders left North Carolina
to attend a historic meeting
in Sacramento California. The
delegation attended the National
Congress of American Indian
Annual Convention (NCAI). What
made this convention historically
significant was the fact that it was
a Constitutional Convention for
the NCAI.
The delegation of tribal leaders
included representative of the
Haliwa-Saponi, Coharie, Lumbee,
Sappony and Waccamaw-Siouan
tribes and myself. A delegation
of 25 leaders from North Carolina
met with NCAI and tribal leaders
from across the nation to ward
off an a modern day injustice for
state recognized tribes. During
the Constitutional Convention the
leadership from North Carolina
was able to convince NCAI that it
should continue the tradition of
allowing state recognized tribes
to hold membership in NCAI.
There were nine constitutional
amendments placed before the
constitutional convention and
the amendment to exclude state
recognized tribes from holding
membership in NCAI was the first
amendment considered by the
convention. The membership of
NCAI voted in favor of keeping
state recognized tribes as
members, by approximately two
thirds majority of the members
present at the convention.
The president of the Delaware
Nation of Oklahoma, a federally
recognized tribe, authored the
constitutional amendment and
lobbied NCAI for its passage.
However, the lobbying efforts
of the Delaware Nation were
unsuccessful.
The purpose of NCAI is to
serve as a unified voice for
American Indians across the
United States according to its
charter. The NCAI was founded
in 1944 and is the oldest and
largest organization dedicated to
representing tribal governments
and communities’ interests
nationally. In its earliest years
Remembering A Modern Day American Indian Warrior
This issue of Indian Time is dedicated to the
life and memory of the late U.S. Marine Lance
Corporal Christopher Phoenix-Jacob Levy of the
Lumbee Tribe.
November 2012 American Indian Heritage Month
will be proclaimed in Levy’s honor.
On December 10, 2011, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal
Christopher Phoenix-Jacob Levy, 21, of the Lumbee
Tribe died in an attack during his second tour of duty
in Afghanistan. Levy was a machine gunner and
infantry rifleman who had previously helped train
Kenyan soldiers. In high school, Levy was an active
member of the Junior ROTC program and the wrestling
and cross-country teams. Levy was greatly involved
in his culture; dancing at powwows and with the One
Spirit Dance Group were among his many hobbies. We
thank Levy for his bravery and heroism.
Indian Time Fall 2012
2
American Indian Veterans: Our Soldiers, Warriors, and Protectors
According to the 2010 census, there are 5.3 million
American Indian and Alaska Natives in the United
States. Among them, there are currently 156,515
veterans. Native Americans have one of the highest
records of service per capita than any other ethnic
group. Just think of how many reside here in North
Carolina. This does not come as a surprise. American
Indians have been defending this country before they
were granted citizenship and the
right to vote. Many natives feel
that it is their duty to safeguard
and defend the land. It is a part
of their culture and heritage.
There has not been one battle
without a native warrior present.
On many accounts when comparing the
languages of many tribes across the United States,
the translation for soldier, warrior, and protector
are the same word. Fellow tribal members refer to
veterans as heroes. Aside from putting themselves in
harm’s way for the better good of our people, these
veterans have vowed to serve our country to the best
of their ability as role models for our families and the
larger society. We honor American Indian men and
women veterans for doing just that.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard
are the five branches of the Armed Forces who work
together to defend our freedom. They facilitate
movement of troops, equipment, food, and medical
supplies. The NC Department of Administration/
Division of Veteran Affairs
support our veterans by offering
rehabilitation, education assistance
programs, loan guarantee
programs, life insurance policies,
burial assistance, and an array of
other services. For a complete list
of these opportunities or to apply for benefits, visit
www.doa.nc.gov/vets or call 919-807-4250. There
you can find a directory of Veteran’s Service Officers
per county that can provide assistance to veterans.
For further information, we found the Lumbee
Tribe’s website, www.lumbeetribe.com, to be very
informative.
To the veterans: We thank you
for your dedication and hard work
expensed on our behalf to insure
protection over our nation. We
recognize you for your contribution.
the NCAI battled to protect the
rights of Alaskan natives, ending
voting discrimination, created
the Indian Claims Commission
(established in 1946), promoted
the right for independent counsel
without federal government
interference or control, stopped
termination legislation to end
tribal governance, and pushed for
greater Indian participation in the
federal government’s decision-making
processes. By passing
broad resolutions, the founders
mapped a political strategy
that appealed to many Indians.
Also, by steering a moderate
course, the NCAI leadership
decreased the risk of distancing
the reservation Indians from the
urban and other rural Indians.
The NCAI played a significant
role in late-twentieth-century
Indian affairs. Its emphasis on
treaty rights, tribal sovereignty,
and identity issues had no equals
in earlier intertribal efforts.
The NCAI was less preoccupied
than previous twentieth-century
Indian intertribal movements
with the benefits of Indian
assimilation and more concerned
with the group rights of Indians
and with interests within tribal
communities. In practice, NCAI
offered tribes legal aid information
and lobbied for Indian interests
before the courts, Congress, and
the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Its
leaders used the conventional
weapons of politics to promote
the interests of Indian people.
Not strictly confined to national
issues, it also fought campaigns
on the local and regional level.
I want to take this opportunity
to thank all of the tribes who
sent delegates and other
representatives to the 2012
NCAI Convention in Sacramento
and provided a voice for state
recognized and off reservation
Indians!
Message from the Director Continued from page 1
American Indian Veterans Continued on page 3
Indian Time
Murzie Mills
Bruce Jones
Wesley Golden Maynor
Fall 2012
3
Murzie Mills, 86, is a World War II Veteran of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe who
served his country from July 19, 1943 to March 3, 1945. While fighting
for his country in Germany, Murzie was wounded. Doctors were unable
to remove the bullet from his back due to its location being so close to
his spine; therefore the bullet remains in Murzie’s back today. For his
distinguished service, Murzie received the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.
Murzie spent much of his lifetime in Philadelphia, PA before venturing to his
home now in Hollister, NC. Murzie is married to Daisy Mills; together they
have 5 children. Aside from the service Murzie has done for our country, he
has provided many services to the Haliwa-Saponi community. Murzie along
with his wife opened the Mills Outlet Store, where they ran a barber shop
and fabric store. Fellow tribal member Maxzella Mills Richardson says she
remembers them selling small Coca-Cola that were kept in an old wooden
box. “They were so cold that they had chips of ice in them”, Maxzella said.
Murzie was instrumental in starting Essex Church of God in one of the back
rooms of his store in the early 1970s. Murzie was one of the first individuals
from his tribe to obtain land in Essex. Murzie is known for his warm and fun
personality.
Bruce Jones, 83, is a Korean War veteran of the Lumbee Tribe. In 1949,
soon after graduating high school, Bruce enlisted in the Army’s 82nd Airborne
stationed at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC were he completed jump school
and became a paratrooper. Later, Bruce used his GI Bill to obtain a double
major in science and math from Pembroke State University. Continuing his
education, Bruce received a graduate degree in science from George Peabody
College, which is now known as Vanderbilt. Bruce went on to be a teacher
and principal for many years in Robeson County where he dedicated his life to
the service of Indian people. Bruce was the founding Chairman of the Lumbee
Regional Development Association and owner of his own appliance business in
Hillsborough. Bruce served the state and federal government through many
different roles: Director of the Commission of Indian Affairs from 1976-1994,
President of the Governor’s Interstate Indian Council for numerous terms,
and the Deputy Director of Manpower Employment and Training under the
US Dept. of Labor, where he advocated for literacy programs. Bruce owes his
success to the experience and training he has received in the military.
Wesley Golden Maynor, 86, of the Coharie Tribe, was born on July 22, 1926
to the late Marshall Maynor and Alberta Emanuel. On January 28, 1948 he
married Frances Goodman. They has 5 boys and one daughter. At the age of
18, Mr. Maynor was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 21, 1944, 43rd
Infantry Division as a rifleman. He served in the Philippines where he fought
against the Japanese for 17 days on the front line. While serving a tour of duty
from 12/21/1944 until 11/21/1946 in World War II, Mr. Maynor fought in two
battles while on active duty and received 2 bronze stars.
Each year he is honored by his local church, Shiloh PH Church, as a
spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Maynor currently resides at
Golden Years Nursing Home, Falcon, NC where he continues to speak about
his experiences during the war and is very proud to call himself an American
citizen.
American Indian Veterans Continued from page 2
American Indian Veterans Continued on page 4
Indian Time
The North Carolina History Museum will be hosting an array of events to celebrate Indian Heritage
Month. Go and venture on a journey through American Indian history. The list of specialty events is
as follows:
November 14 History Á La Carte: Triracial Moviegoing
12:10-1pm Hear about Jim Crow-era moviegoing in Robeson County, where theaters imposed three-way
segregation of audience members.
November 16 American Indian Heritage Education Day for School Groups
9am-3pm Grades k-12 led by teacher or other adult - children 5-13 ($6), children 14 and older and
adults ($8). There is one free adult admission per 10 students. To register,
call 919-807-7993.
November 17 American Indian Heritage Celebration
11am-4pm Come celebrate American Indian history and culture in our state! See traditional and
contemporary artists at work, watch dancers and drummers, listen to storytellers,
participate in hands-on workshops and craft activities, hear historians discuss their latest
findings, and learn about North Carolina’s American Indian population—the largest of any
state east of the Mississippi River.
The museum will be hosting “American Indian Discovery Tours” throughout the month. To book a tour, call
919-807-7950. For more information about any of these events, please visit ncmuseumofhistory.org or call
(919)807-7900.
Fall 2012
Calvin “Cal” Jones Jeffries, Lt. Colonel U.S. Air Force (Ret.), passed away
at his home on March 1, 2012, of natural causes at the age of 76. He served
valiantly for 28 years as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He
was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (3), and Air Force
Commendation Medal (2), during his two combat tours in the Vietnam
War. After retirement from the Air Force, he served as Chief of Operations
and later Chief of Human Services in the N.C. Division of Emergency
Management. During his retirement years, Cal enjoyed managing his 350
acre farm in Northern Alamance County, hunting, and restoring old tractors.
As an outstanding member of the community, and prominent member of the
Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Mr. Jeffries continued to donate his
time and expertise to ensure the Tribe’s success.
4
November is Indian Heritage Month
November is American Indian & Alaska Native
Heritage Month. The President of the United States
and Governor of North Carolina designate the
month of November as Indian Heritage Month, by
Proclamation. Heritage Month is a time to celebrate
the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories
and to acknowledge the important contributions of
Native people in our state. Heritage Month is also an
opportune time to educate the general public about
tribes and raise general awareness about their unique
challenges. Native people have worked through
struggles to conquer challenges both in the past and
the present.
American Indian Veterans Continued from page 3
Indian Time
Greg Richardson
Executive Director
Fall 2012
5
Remembering Those That Have Passed On
Over the past year, our native
community has been impacted by
the loss of many members that
have greatly impacted our tribes
here in North Carolina. Heavy
hearts have had a particularly
strong toll on the Haliwa-Saponi
Tribal Community who recently
loss two outstanding women: one
young and one old.
Faith Danielle Hedgepeth,
19, a member of the Haliwa-
Saponi tribe passed away on
September 7, 2012 at her off-campus
apartment. The tragedy
of this unexpected news echoed
everywhere throughout Indian
Country. Faith was a graduate of
Warren County High School and
was currently attending UNC-Chapel
Hill. Faith was a participant
of the Educational Talent Search
Program and was greatly involved
in our native culture. Dancing
in powwows and preforming in
the “For Him” drama team at
Mount Bethel Baptist Church were
among her many activities. Faith’s
superior academics resulted in
her being awarded the prestigious
Gates Millennium Scholarship
and she had her sights set on
becoming a pediatrician once she
completed her studies. Faith was
known as being a “chipper” and
a happy spirited person who had
a smile that would light up your
day. For this, Faith will always be
remembered.
A scholarship fund entitled the
“Faith Hedgepeth Memorial
Fund” has been made in Faith’s
honor at BB&T in Roanoke
Rapids, North Carolina.
However, you may make a
donation to the memorial funds
at any BB&T Branch Office. The
account is under the name of
Connie Hedgepeth and is titled,
“Faith Hedgepeth Memorial
Fund”. BB&T associates will
locate the account name,
number and accept deposits at
any BB&T branch office.
The NC Commission of Indian
Affairs would like to take this
opportunity to commend Governor
Beverly Perdue for allocating
$10,000 in reward funds for the
Faith Hedgepeth murder case.
The reward funds will be awarded
to the person or persons who
provide information leading to
the arrest and conviction of the
individual responsible for this
crime. The Governor’s reward
funds increases the total reward
to $39,000. Anyone with
information about the case
should contact the Chapel Hill
Police Department at
919- 614-6363 or Crime
Stoppers at 919-942-7515.
Mrs. Lorine Hedgepeth
Anstead, 84, passed away on
October 1, 2012. Mrs. Lorine was
married to Mr. James Anstead
and resided in the Hollister
community. As a well-respected
Indian Elder, she touched many
lives though her kind words
and actions, not only in her
Haliwa-Saponi community, but
native communities across North
Carolina. Mrs. Lorine was actively
involved in the Haliwa-Saponi
Senior Citizens Club, serving as
Miss Haliwa-Saponi Senior Indian
Princess. In addition to delivering
meals to the senior citizens daily,
she enjoyed basket weaving,
crafting, and gardening. Mrs.
Lorine was a member of Mount
Bethel Baptist Church, sang in
the Senior Choir, and was actively
involved in Women on Missions.
Mrs. Lorine will forever be a
princess of the Haliwa-Saponi
Tribe and will be remembered
for her diligence, hard work, and
dedication to the tribe.
The Governor’s Interstate Indian Council
(GIIC) held its annual convention in
conjunction with the National Congress
of American Indians (NCAI) convention.
The 63rd annual GIIC Conference was
held Oct. 21-22 and the 69th NCAI
Annual Convention was held on October
21-26th in Sacramento, Calif. The
events will be followed with the national
observance of November as Native
American Heritage Month.
Gov. Bev Perdue appointed Greg
Richardson, Executive Director of the
N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, to
serve as North Carolina’s delegate to
Governor’s Interstate Indian Council
(GIIC). In order for Greg to vote
on convention matters, a letter was
required from the Governor. “It is
a privilege to represent our state
at this annual gathering, which will
address topics of interest and concern
Governors Interstate Indian Council and National Congress of
American Indians Annual Conventions Attended
Indian Council and Conventions Continued on page 6
Indian Time Fall 2012
6
Scholarships Available To Eligible Children Of N.C. War Veterans
The N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) reminds eligible students to apply for college scholarships
available to children of North Carolina war veterans. “In appreciation for the service and sacrifices of North
Carolina’s war veterans, these scholarships are provided to help to defray the ever-increasing costs of higher
education,” said Tim Wipperman, Assistant Secretary for Veterans Affairs. “The express purpose of the funds is
to provide scholastic support to help children of certain disabled, deceased, combat or POW/MIA veterans.”
The annual application deadline is March 1. Scholarships may be used at schools located in North Carolina
which are (1) state-owned institutions of higher education, community colleges and technical institutes or (2)
privately-owned, non-profit colleges and universities.
There are several classes of scholarship eligibility. Interested students should contact their local Veterans
Service Office by visiting http://www.doa.nc.gov/vets/locations/.
To qualify, the applicant must be domiciled and a resident of North Carolina at the time of application.
Additionally:
a. The Veteran parent was a legal resident of North Carolina at time of said veteran’s entrance into that
period of service in the armed forces during which eligibility is established; or
b. The applicant of an eligible veteran is the natural child or adopted child prior to age 15, who was born in
North Carolina and has been a resident of North Carolina continuously since birth.; and
c. The applicant must be under age 25 at the time of application.
Most scholarships provide free tuition, certain fees and a reasonable room and board allowance in State-owned
institutions and $4,500 per academic year in private institutions. In addition, a limited number of scholarships
provide free tuition and certain fees in State-owned institutions and $1,500 per academic year in private
institutions. For more information, or to submit an application, contact your local Veterans Service Office.
to members of North Carolina’s tribes and urban
associations,” said Richardson, who is marking his
third term on the Council.
At the NCAI Annual Convention he encouraged each
tribe to send delegates to the 2012 NCAI Convention
and to work hard during the convention to get
other tribal leaders and delegates to keep the NCAI
membership open to state-recognized tribes.
The purpose of the GIIC and NCAI conferences is
to provide a national forum through which issues
of concern for Indian tribes and state governments
are addressed. One agenda item considered was
whether to amend its Constitution and restrict its
membership to federally recognized Indians only.
Greg requested all of our tribes pay attention to this
issue; write letters to Jefferson Keel, President of
NCAI encouraging him not to exclude state recognized
Indians from the NCAI. The majority of the state’s
recognized tribes attended the conference and North
Carolina was well represented. Larry Townsend is the
Area Vice-President for NCAI.
Indian Council and Conventions Continued from page 5
Indian Time
Greg Richardson, Executive Director (left), discusses
policy with Director of Public Policy Corye Dunn and
Summer Intern Ashley Payne.
National Indian Parent Information Center Board Members
(From left to right) Christine Bruno (Board Chair), Shirley
Tuzroyluke, Carol Edmo, Renee Roman Nose. Back row
from left to right: Clifton Bruno, Judy Wiley (Director),
Mavis Bad Cob Wilcox, Sadie Brewington Barbour,
Rosemarie Johnson, Kayla Bowers.
Not pictured: Brian Goggin, Ed Edmo, Sandra McIlhenny
Fall 2012
Community Development Program Supports
Disability Rights of North Carolina’s Fifth Birthday
North Carolina is home to 122,000 American Indians
and 12% are native people which fall in the status of
persons with some type of disability according to the
2010 census fact finder. We have collaborated with
agencies that specialize in this area. We share our
resources in order to keep our tribal leadership and
tribal communities informed. We are committed to the
safety and well-being of all of the American Indian
population. Together we can make a difference.
On June 21, 2012, Greg Richardson and Sadie
Barbour (DRNC Board Member) attended the five
year birthday celebration of Disability Rights North
Carolina.
Disability Rights North Carolina is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization with offices in Raleigh and
Asheville. Its team of attorneys, advocates, paralegals
and support staff provide advocacy and legal services
at no charge for people with disabilities across
North Carolina. It is the state’s federally mandated
protection and advocacy system. Disability Rights North Carolina is charged with protecting the rights
of children and adults with disabilities living in North
Carolina. They can be contacted at Toll-Free:
1-877-235-4210 TTY: 1-888-268-5535 e-mail:
info@disabilityrightsnc.org
The Commission’s Community Development
Program is working closely with The National Parent
Information Center Board (NIPIC) which is funded
through the US Department of Education. They serve
Native American parents who have children/young
adults with disabilities, ages 0-26. NIPIC provide
workshops on the Special Education Process and
Parent Leadership. Trainings are free.
In August of 2012 we received an award from NIPIC
in honor and appreciation for inspiration, generosity,
faithfulness, and devotion to Native American families
who have children with disabilities during their annual
board retreat in Portland Oregan.
Please contact The National Indian Parent Information
Center if you would like to plan training in your
community at 1-855-720-2910 or
indian.info@nipic.org
7
Indian Time
Dowey and Rita Owle of the Eastern Band
of Cherokee came back to the “Village” this
year as guest artists.
Senora Lynch stands with her work,
holding her prize ribbon proudly.
Fall 2012
8
American Indians were well
represented at the N.C.
State Fair in the Village
of Yesteryear. The Village
of Yesteryear is where
many talented and well
distinguished artists come
to demonstrate, display,
and sell their artwork. The
arts include a sizable array
of tradition American Indian
art amongst other paintings,
photography, blown glass,
painted eggshells, etc. The
Eastern Band of Cherokee,
Haliwa-Saponi, and Osage
Tribes were represented.
Dowey and Rita Owle of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee
came back to the “Village” this year as guest artists.
Dowey learned his carving skills from his grandfather
and has been displaying his art at the state fair since
he was in the 8th grade, totaling over 40 years.
Dowey is well-known for carving bears, dogs, owls,
buffaloes, quails, and many other animals out of all
kinds of wood. Dowey was honored in 1987 with the
Craftsman of the Year Award and has been granted
lifetime membership to the Village of Yesteryear.
Tribal Representation at the N.C. State Fair
“You have to study
the art”, Dowey said,
contributing his success
to concentrating and
enjoying making the
carvings. His wife Rita,
who is known for her
beadwork, sits along
his side and enjoys
educating the public
about native culture.
Also representing the
Eastern Band of the
Cherokee for the first
time was mother and
daughter duo, Dean and
Dorine Reed. Dean is a self-taught
potter and Dorine is
a beader.
Senora Lynch won the Craftsman of the Year Award
in 2008 and received the 2012-1st place Village of
Yesteryear Educational Booth of the Year Award.
Senora is a world-renowned potter working with red
and white clay making turtles, frogs, lizards, bowls,
plaques, and much more. She has been displaying
her pottery at the fair for 10 years. Pieces of Senora’s
pottery are displayed at the Smithsonian of American
Indian, the N.C. Museum of History, and have
traveled with the Olympics. Senora learned
to make pottery from the elder women of her
tribe at the old Haliwa Indian School. Senora
adorns her pottery with designs symbolic to the
stories of her Haliwa-Saponi people. “I always
strive to be better than I already am”, Senora
said. Senora and her husband Dalton make an
effort to inform others about all of the tribes in
North Carolina.
Chris and Cindy Bowman of the Osage Tribe,
who reside in Raleigh, NC displayed their
beadwork and cloth accessories.
All of these artists have made us proud
representing the American Indians in North
Carolina!
Indian Time
(From left to right) Greg Jacobs, Tribal Administrator, Coharie
Indian Tribe, Arlette Loud Hawk, Storyteller and Activist,
Oglala Sioux Indian Tribe, Sadie Barbour, Community
Development Specialist, N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs,
Russell Blacksmith, Chief and Attorney, Oglala Sioux Indian
Tribe and Greg Richardson, Executive Director,
N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs.
Belinda Brewington Parker
Fall 2012
9
Art Therapy Project
The Art Therapy project was is an initiative of the
NC Commission of Indian Affairs and was initiated
in 2006 as collaboration between the Commission,
the Coharie Indian Tribe and George Washington
University. Leading the initiative was Dr. Elizabeth
Warson, Assistant Professor Graduate Art Therapy
Program, with George Washington University. The
program involved the following components:
• Healing Pathways: Art Therapy for American
Indian Cancer Survivors which provided
a means for stress reduction through the
application of Art Therapy.
• The exploration of American Indian
adolescent needs through community
driven art study and practice. Coharie Tribal
youth who attended Mid Way High Schools
participated in the Art Therapy initiative. Art
therapy was used to encourage and enhance
the education of the students.
• Dr. Warson uses her experience with the Coharie Students and tribal members to write several
publications which highlight North Carolina tribes and the Commissions Art Therapy initiative.
Chief and Attorney Russell Blacksmith of the Oglala Sioux Indian Tribe and his mother Arlette Loud Hawk, who
is a storyteller and activist, were both in attendance at the meeting on October 3, 2012. They live on the Pine
Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and are direct decedents of those who fought for the United States
in the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Chief Blacksmith is a defense attorney for the Oglala Sioux Indian Tribe with
a degree in Tribal Law and Treaties and specializes in criminal procedures. Approximately 50 tribal leaders and
tribal staff participated in the Art Therapy Program.
Belinda Brewington Parker of Clinton wishes to thank
the WIA Section 166, American Indian Workforce
Program, Elk Richardson, Director and Sue Faircloth,
American Indian Workforce Development Case
Manager for the opportunity to participate in the
Commission’s Classroom Training Program. Belinda
received her Associate in Applied Science in Criminal
Justice Technology from Sampson Community College
in Clinton, North Carolina.
Belinda was employed with the Clinton Police
Department as an office assistant in February,
2012. She is responsible for keying in citations
and forwarding paperwork to the court house. She
also accepts and assigns warrants in the North
Former Workforce Investment Act Participant Achieves Success
Carolina Warrant Repository
(NCAWARE). She is in charge
of keeping hot files validated
that consist of items such as
wanted persons, vehicles,
guns, registration plates and
persons that are reported
missing. Belinda says she
enjoys her job at the Clinton
Police Department and every
day is full of new and exciting
tasks. Thanks to the WIA
Program, Belinda has an
excellent opportunity.
Indian Time Fall 2012
10
Honoring Lonnie Revels and Dr. Jim Jones
Wake Forest University will hold a
day of festivities to honor Former
Indian Commission Chairman and
long term Commission member
Lonnie Revels and Dr. Jim Jones,
the current member of the NC
Indian Health Board. Mr. Revels
and Dr. Jones were the first
American Indian students to
attend Wake Forest University.
Additionally, Mrs. Lucretia
Hicks, the founding President
of the American Indian Student
Association at Wake Forest
University will also be recognized
during this history making
event. The day of festivities will
be held November 28th, with a
private celebratory luncheon at
1pm at Graylyn International
Conference Center. Greg
Richardson, Executive Director of
the N.C. Commission of Indian
Affairs will give remarks during
the celebratory luncheon. The
following two events are free
and open to the public. At 3 pm, an
American Indian Themed Tour of
Wake Forest will take place beginning
at the Museum of Anthropology.
The day will close with a Cultural
Celebration beginning at 6 pm.
For additional information please
contact: Matt Williams, Assistant
Director of the Office of Diversity and
Inclusion at Wake Forest.
williamj@wfu.edu or 336-758-3824
Social Security Announces 1.7
Percent Benefit Increase for 2013
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 62 million Americans
will increase 1.7 percent in 2013, the Social Security
Administration announced today.
The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
will begin with benefits that more than 56 million
Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013.
Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI
beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2012.
Some other changes that take effect in January
of each year are based on the increase in average
wages. Based on that increase, the maximum
amount of earnings subject to the Social Security
tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $113,700
from $110,100. Of the estimated 163 million workers
who will pay Social Security taxes in 2013, nearly
10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the
increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2013, when
announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov.
For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase
may be partially or completely offset by increases in
Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides information on
explaining how the COLA is calculated. To read more,
please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
Healthy Eating Project
Healthy, Native North Carolinians
This is a two-year grant which was funded by the
Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust in 2011. The
purpose of the grant is to support a Healthy, Native
North Carolinians program, through the funding of
mini grants to Indian tribes and Associations. The
first phase of the program ended June 30, 2012 and
the second year funding started July 1, 2012, which
will end on June 30, 2013.
There are seven Tribes and four Urban Indian
organizations included in the project. Utilizing
the funds allocated under the program, the tribes
and organizations are required to develop and
implement community changes that are needed
to foster healthy eating and active living in Indian
communities.
The coordinator of this project, Kim Hammonds
partners with UNC-Chapel Hill and the American
Indian Center. The consultant is Sheila Fleishhacker.
The Healthy, Native North Carolinians project
is historic. This is the first time that the NC
Commission of Indian Affairs has received funding
from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and this
is the first project of the Commission to address
healthy eating among American Indians in the
state.
Indian Time Fall 2012
NCCIA Welcomes Its Appointed Members
11
The Commission welcomes its appointed tribal representatives. These individuals will serve
as ambassadors for their respective tribe or urban organization. They were sworn in at the
most recent Commission meeting on September 7, 2012. We thank them for their service
and look forward to working with them throughout their term.
• Walter David (W.D.) Baucom – Metrolina Native American Association
• Cassidy Hall – Meherrin Tribe
• Charlene Jacobs – Coharie Tribe
• Daniel Jones – Lumbee Tribe
• Brett Locklear – Triangle Native American Association
• Faline Locklear Dial – Appointed by Governor
• Roy Maynor – Cumberland County Association for Indian People
• Marvel Welch – Eastern Band of the Cherokee
• Charles “ Pete” Richardson – Haliwa-Saponi Tribe
North Carolina American Indian Insignia License Plate Funds
N.C. American Indian Scholarships
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has received $30,600.00 from Indian license
plate sales since October 2011. A portion of that money will be allocated for American Indian
scholarships. The first applications for scholarships will be awarded in the fall of 2013 by
the American Indian Fund, which is housed in the Triangle Community Foundation, Inc. The
American Indian insignia license plate was authorized by NC General Statute, G.S. 20-18.12. It
was initiated under the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs Legislative Agenda.
Mandatory Education
The N.C. State Ethics Commission provides
mandatory ethics and lobbying education for
public servants, legislators, legislative
employees, and ethics liaisons. Due to the
fact that the North Carolina Commission of Indian
Affairs is a Division of State Government, all
members of the Commission and the Executive
Director are required to participate in ethics
training and education.
Indian Time Fall 2012
12
Project Director Updates
The Commission welcomes David Grigsby as the
new Director of Section 8 Housing. David has been
with the Section 8 program since January 1995.
He replaces Melody Gates, who took a position as
Director of the Benson Housing Authority.
Elizabeth Qua Lynch has been brought on board as
a temp in order to keep the work flowing smoothly
while Section 8 is understaffed. Qua is a graduate
of Campbell University with a major in biology/
pre-professional. Qua was Miss Indian North
Carolina 2010-2011 and is a proud graduate of the
Commission’s Educational Talent Search program.
Qua brings a wealth of knowledge of the American
Section 8 Housing
Indian community as well as terrific office skills and is
a very welcome addition to the staff.
At this time Section 8 is not taking any new
applications. However, we will process new housing
applicants from the waiting list to replace program
participants who leave the program. There are
currently 1428 families on the waiting list. The
Section 8 Program provides rent assistance to
eligible families located in the counties of Columbus,
Granville, Halifax, Hoke, Sampson and Warren
Counties. The program is funded by the US
Department of housing and Urban Development
and has an annual budget of $3,883,200 for rental
subsidies.
Personnel Changes:
Positions lost this quarter due to the lack of continued funding:
• Teen Tobacco Use Prevention Program – Missy Brayboy, Director, and Kerry Bird, Program Coordinator,
(Raleigh based administrative staff) – We regrettably lost two very reliable employees on June 30.
• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program - Frances Norris (Raleigh Office) and Frances Mitchell (Bolton
Office) clerical support staff unfortunately left our staff as well.
Kimberly Hammonds, Diane Jordan, and Sadie Barbour have picked up their duties.
Section 8 Program
• New Housing Director: David Grigsby has been employeed as the new Director. He replaced Melody
Gates who resigned earlier to take a position with another Public Housing Agency.
• Housing Inspector Vacancy: We have employed Mr. Gary Lynch in this position. He was previously
employed in this position as a temporary employee for two years prior.
• Temporary Positions filled this quarter:
- Bill Williams, Grants Accountant – Bill is responsible for evaluating the Section 8 housing payment
procedures and will develop new payment procedures designed to improve efficiency and
accountability
- Elizabeth Qua Lynch, Intern - Lynch will provide office support for the Section 8 program and
perform general clerical support duties for the Commission.
Educational Talent Search:
• Consuela Richardson has been employed as an Educational Talent Search counselor for the counties of
Halifax, Warren, and Sampson.
Indian Time Fall 2012
13
Supporting Undergraduate Native Students (SUNS) Program
What Is The Supporting
Undergraduate Native
Students (Suns) Program?
The Supporting Undergraduate
Native Students (SUNS) Program
is a college educational access
and retention program sponsored
by the NC Commission of Indian
Affairs, Economic Development
Program.
The purpose of the SUNS program
is to identify qualified American
Indian students enrolled full-time
in a state accredited North
Carolina community college or
university and assist them in the
pursuit of their educational goals.
Students must meet 100% federal
poverty income guidelines to be
eligible to participate in the SUNS
Program.
Summary Of Services
The SUNS Program is designed
to provide financial assistance to
eligible American Indian students
based on income during the fall
and spring semesters only. We
assist approximately 50 students
each year in pursuit of their
educational goals.
Book Voucher Reimbursement
& Semester Completion
Incentive Payments
Financial assistance consists of
a book voucher reimbursement
payment for the fall and spring
semesters. In addition, students
will receive a semester completion
incentive payment for each
successfully completed semester.
Book voucher reimbursements will
be up to $500.00 per semester,
and the semester completion
incentive payments will be up to
$120.00 per semester.
Academic Excellence
Incentive Payments
Academic Excellence Incentive
payments will be presented
to the student/students with
the highest overall grade point
average. Students must comply
with all SUNS Program Guidelines
in order to be eligible to receive
this incentive. Amounts vary
depending on the number of
students eligible and the amount
of funding received.
Graduation Incentive
Bonus Payment
A Graduation Incentive Bonus
payment will be provided to all
seniors who successfully graduate
with a 2.0 or higher overall grade
point average. Amounts will
vary depending on the number of
students eligible.
Supportive Services
We have limited funds available
to assist eligible SUNS Program
participants with a one-time
financial assistance payment for
unexpected expenses such as
emergency childcare, car repair,
or other needed services, so they
may remain enrolled in a college
or university.
Annual Academic
Success Workshops
The SUNS Program sponsors two
Academic Success Workshops
annually. These required one-day
workshops provide SUNS Program
participants with an opportunity
to learn about a variety of topics
from special guest speakers.
Students have the opportunity
to network with other native
students from across the state
in a casual business atmosphere
while learning the skills necessary
to be successful.
The SUNS Program was created
to assist American Indian college
students in achieving their
educational goals. Whether
their goal is to complete an
occupational certificate, an
associate or bachelor degree, we
want to help them succeed and
achieve their dreams.
To receive an application, please
contact Kimberly Hammonds,
Economic Development Director
with the NC Commission of Indian
Affairs at 919-807-4440 or email
Kimberly.Hammonds@doa.nc.gov
Still Accepting Applications
Indian Time Fall 2012
Educational Talent Search Program
The Educational Talent Search Program gladly
welcomes the return of Consuela Richardson, a former
ETS student and counselor. Richardson will serve
students in Halifax, Sampson and Warren counties.
The Educational Talent Search Program is accepting
new student applications from students in grades
6 through 11 in each of their target schools. The
program is funded to serve specific schools in five
counties; Columbus, Halifax, Hoke, Sampson and
Warren. Students must meet eligibility criteria that
include first generation and low income. Applications
may be obtained from the Talent Search Counselors or
from the office by calling Latesha Middleton at
919-807-4450.
Talent Search counselors are spending a significant
amount of time recruiting new students and assisting
seniors with college applications, proofreading essays
and writing letters of recommendation. Additionally,
counselors are assisting junior and seniors register
for the SAT and ACT and are providing test fee
waivers to eligible seniors. Students in Warren and
Halifax counties have visited Nash Community College
and UNC Greensboro to meet with representatives
from Admissions and Financial Aid and also tour the
campuses.
Seniors are being encouraged to apply for admissions
early and to begin applying for scholarships and
financial aid as soon as their college applications are
complete. Staff is working individually with several
students who are applying for the Gates Millennium
Scholarship as the application process for GMS
awards is highly competitive and students are urged
to submit their application as early as possible.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 11:59 PM.
14
November 17 17th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration
NC Museum of History
5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, N.C.
Contact: 919-807-7979
December 7 N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs Quarterly Meeting
NCAE, 700 Salisbury St.
Raleigh, N.C.
Call: Greg Richardson 919-807-4440
December 14 Upcoming Commission Meeting
10:00am – 3:00pm
Place: North Carolina Association of Educators
700 Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27601
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events Continued on page 15
Indian Time Fall 2012
Relocation of Columbus County field office and staff
The Waccamaw-Siouan Indian Tribe has moved into their new Tribal Center at 7239 Old
Lake Road in Bolton, N.C.
General Accounting Office (GAO) Study-Report Issued April 12, 2012
The GAO report entitled Indian Issues: Federal Funding for Non-Federally Recognized
Tribes can be viewed online at: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-348.
2013
February 28 - March 2, 2013
38th Annual NC Indian Unity Conference: The 38th N.C. Indian Unity Conference
provides a forum to address health, education, social, cultural, political, spiritual,
and economic issues affecting the American Indian population of North Carolina. The
conference brings together national, state, local and tribal leaders to discuss concerns,
identify resources, and develop strategic solutions to advocate for and improve the well-being
of North Carolina’s first citizens.
Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons, Joseph S. Koury Convention Center
Greensboro, N.C.
February 28 Regular Commission Meeting – in Conjunction with the 2013 N.C. Indian Unity
March 23 UNC-Chapel Hill Powwow
April 6 N.C. State Powwow
April 19-21 Haliwa-Saponi Tribal Powwow
Calendar of Events Continued from page 14
15
Indian Time Fall 2012
Photography credits:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s online digital media library
http://images.fws.gov/
Jayce Williams
N.C. Department of Administration
Graphic Artist
Indian Time is published by the N.C. Commission of Indian
Affairs. The newsletter is designed to highlight activities
and issues of importance to the American Indian
people of North Carolina.
N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs
1317 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1317 (919) 807-4440
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Indian Representatives
Coharie Indian Tribe
Charlene Jacobs ~ Isabell Freeman-Elliott
Cumberland County Association for Indian People
Barbara Melvin ~ Roy Maynor
Eastern Band of Cherokee
Samuel J Lambert ~ Marvel Welch
Guilford Native American Association
Julia Martin Phipps ~ Ruth Revels
Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe
Jeffrey Anstead ~ C Pete Richardson
Lumbee Indian Tribe
Furnie Lambert ~ Larece Hunt ~ Daniel Jones
Meherrin Tribe
Chassidy Hall
Metrolina Native American Association
Walter David Baucom ~ Jesse Jacobs
Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation
Sharn M. Jeffries
Sappony Tribe
Dorothy Crowe
Triangle Native American Society
Brett A. Locklear
Waccamaw-Siouan Indian Tribe
Shirley Freeman ~ Elton Ray Jacobs
STATE OFFICIALS
N.C. Department of Administration
Moses Carey, Jr., Secretary • Designee: June W. Michaux
Employment Security Commission
Dempsey Benton, Assistant Secretary • Designee: Debra
Derr
N.C. Department of Environment & Natural
Resources
Dee Freeman, Secretary • Designee: Charles Malone
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Albert A. Delia, Acting, Secretary • Designee:
Maria Spaulding
N.C. Department of Labor
Cherie Berry, Commissioner • Designee: Tina Morris-
Anderson
APPOINTEES
President Pro Tem Appointee
Paul Brooks
Speaker of the House Appointee
Faline Locklear Dial
YOUTH EX OFFICIO
N.C. Native American Youth Organization
Jasmine Jacobs, Jeremy Locklear ~ Co-Chairs
N.C. Native American Council on Higher Education
Toni Henderson
COMMISSION OFFICERS
Paul Brooks, Chairman ~ Shirley Freeman, Vice Chairman
Faline Locklear Dial, Secretary/Treasurer
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Gregory A. Richardson, Executive Director
Ruth F Maitz, Administrative Secretary
PROGRAM DIRECTORS:
Sadie Barbour, Director, Community Development Program
David Grigsby, Director, Section 8 Housing Program
Kimberly Hammonds, Director, Economic Development/
Supporting Undergraduate Native Students Program
Mickey Locklear, Director, Educational Talent Search Program
Elk Richardson, Director, American Indian Workforce
Development Program
Ruth F Maitz and Elizabeth Qua Lynch, Newsletter Coordinators
The Indian Time is an online publication of the Commission of Indian Affairs, N.C. Department of Administration. 15