Remembering a Symbol of /American Indian Rjeritage
For some people, the path to a brighter future means never forgetting one’s past. Ray
Littleturtle believed that, and his lifelong role as a vocal advocate for his beloved Lumbee
Tribe, and for fair treatment and respect of all tribal cultures, today means that countless
American Indian youth in North Carolina actively choose to celebrate their culture.
We all were deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Littleturtle’s passing on Jan. 10 at age 72 after
an extended illness. I have always viewed him as a cultural icon, having first become aware
of his role as a tribal activist when I was a child. It was an honor to work with him during
his tenure as a member of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs. A textbook traditionalist,
he chaired the Culture and Religion Committee.
Mr. Littleturtle’s thoughtful deliberations and respect for protocol were evident in every
meeting, as was his commitment to righting wrongs and celebrating cultural values. He
typically wore traditional regalia at Powwows, tribal functions and Commission meetings,
and especially during school visits intended to help youth gain a better appreciation of
American Indian culture and values.
BIAN TIME
Winter 2011
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This Issue of Indian "J" Ime Is dedicated to tbe life and legacy of Mr- Ray [jttleturtle.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
His rich legacy will live on in so many places - from the stone steps of the N.C. Museum of History, where he helped to
develop the first American Indian Heritage Month Celebration 15 years ago (it is now the museum’s largest annual event),
to the prison cells where American Indian inmates complained that they were denied the right to express their religion
and culture. He also was passionate about the protection of American Indian burial sites in the state. He did not believe
that Indian burial remains should be stored in boxes in museums or on shelves by archaeologists, but instead respectfully
reinterred and not exposed to testing for research purposes.
On behalf of the Commission, we pray that Mr. Littleturtle’s own final rest returns him to the
valley of unburdened joy, where he may find peace in knowing that he has done so much to
improve the well-being of North Carolina’s American Indian community.
Gregory A. Richardson
Listening Session »3c^eduled for Input on Lise and f* urpose
о
fN-Clnd Ian (Cultural (Renter, Riverside GolfC ourse
The N.C. Commission of Indian
Affairs and the N.C. Department of
Administration will conduct a Listening
and Learning Session regarding the use
and purpose of the N.C. Indian Cultural
Center and Riverside Golf Course from
6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3. The session will be
held at Carolina Commerce & Technology
Center (ComTech Center Park), 1 15
Livermore Drive, Pembroke.
The purpose of the Listening and Learning
Session is to provide an opportunity for
tribal and community leaders, citizens,
local and state officials and other interested
parties to make comments regarding the
400-acre N.C. Indian Cultural Center
property, including the golf course,
which is located in Robeson County. The
grounds, now in disrepair, formerly were
used by families and visitors for summer
recreation and to attend Powwows and the
outdoor drama “Strike at the Wind.”
The State will close until further notice the
Riverside Golf Course, effective 12 noon
Friday. The decision to temporarily shut
down the golf course was made for public
safety concerns, since its facilities do not
meet state building code standards and
have been repeatedly vandalized.
Public comments will be limited to three
minutes per speaker. Speaker registration
will be held from 6-6:30 p.m., with the
public comment period beginning at 6:30
p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.
Written remarks also may be submitted for
the record either at the meeting or by email
to Indian.Affairs@doa.nc.gov. Comments
on this topic will be accepted through 5
p.m. March 25.
For additional information, contact
Kimberly Hammonds at 919-807-4440 or
kimberly.hammonds@doa.nc.gov.
