American Indian Heritage Month | November 2021 - Lumbee Veterans: Telling Our Stories

Summary

This video highlights the Lumbee tribe's rich history of military service and their deep respect for veterans. Chairman Harvey Goblin Jr. shares stories of their ancestors' bravery, including participation in wars from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. The video emphasizes the tribe's ongoing support for veterans through programs like scholarships and the HUD-VASH housing initiative. It also showcases cultural practices, including a war dance and a song honoring the Battle of Hayes Pond. The Lumbee tribe continues to honor their warriors’ sacrifices and pass down their legacy to future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Lumbee Tribe has a long history of resilience and military service, with ancestors serving since the Revolutionary War.
• 😀 Lumbee people have lived along the Lumbee River in southeastern North Carolina for hundreds of years, a region with significant military history.
• 😀 American Indians, including the Lumbee, have had the highest rate of military service per capita compared to other populations in the U.S.
• 😀 The Lumbee Tribe's military involvement includes participation in major conflicts like World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent Middle Eastern conflicts.
• 😀 The Lumbee's service to the U.S. military was shaped by historical injustices, such as the 1835 North Carolina constitutional amendment barring them from enlisting.
• 😀 The 1958 Battle of Hayes Pond, in which Lumbee veterans and community members confronted a Ku Klux Klan rally, is a significant historical event for the tribe.
• 😀 In 2017, Lumbee youth participated in the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen veterans.
• 😀 The Lumbee Tribe honors their warriors through ceremonies, including traditional war dances that reflect their history and culture.
• 😀 The Lumbee Warriors, an organization formed in 2005, supports veterans, provides community outreach, and offers scholarships for veterans' children and grandchildren.
• 😀 The tribe offers essential services for veterans, such as the HUD-VASH program, which helps prevent homelessness and provides housing options for veterans in need.
• 😀 The development of Warriors Way, a veterans community through the HUD-VASH program, aims to provide stable housing and supportive services to veterans, continuing the legacy of honoring service and sacrifice.

Q & A

Who is Harvey Goblin Jr. and what role does he play in the Lumbee Tribe?

Harvey Goblin Jr. is the chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He is speaking in the transcript to share the stories of his people, the Lumbee, and highlight their history and contributions during American Indian Heritage Month.

What is the significance of the Lumbee Tribe's location?

The Lumbee Tribe is located along the Lumbee River in southeastern North Carolina, about 40 miles from the largest U.S. military installation. The area is home to the largest Indian population on the East Coast, linking the Lumbee people to both military and cultural history.

How has the Lumbee Tribe contributed to U.S. military service?

The Lumbee Tribe, like many Native American tribes, has a long history of military service, with their ancestors serving in U.S. conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War. They have the highest rate of military service per capita of any population in the United States.

What historical event does the transcript highlight regarding the Lumbee people and the Ku Klux Klan in 1958?

In 1958, Lumbee veterans and other community members stood up against a Ku Klux Klan rally near Hayes Pond in Robeson County. They successfully defended their people and ran the Klan out of the area, an event that made national headlines.

What is the importance of the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for Lumbee youth?

The wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier in 2017 was a significant moment for Lumbee youth, teaching them about the commitment, ethics, and honor of military service. It allowed them to honor their elders and veterans who sacrificed for freedom.

What is the role of Lumbee Warriors, and how does it serve veterans?

The Lumbee Warriors, formed in 2005, support veterans by providing resources and information about services available to them. They hold monthly meetings, offer support for veterans, and provide scholarships for the children and grandchildren of veterans.

What is the significance of the HUD-VASH program for Lumbee veterans?

The HUD-VASH program, a partnership between Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs, helps provide housing for homeless American Indian veterans or those at risk of homelessness. The Lumbee Tribe participates by providing vouchers and supporting veterans with employment and housing opportunities.

How did the Lumbee Tribe support veterans in their educational goals?

The Lumbee Tribe helps veterans by providing scholarships to the children and grandchildren of veterans. One notable scholarship program, in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), is working to establish a $100,000 scholarship fund.

What is 'Warriors Way,' and how does it benefit Lumbee veterans?

'Warriors Way' is a veterans community being developed by the Lumbee Tribe. It will provide housing for veterans through the HUD-VASH program, with homes specifically set aside for veterans, offering them a supportive living environment and employment options.

Why does the Lumbee Tribe place such importance on honoring their warriors?

The Lumbee Tribe holds their warriors in high regard, respecting their sacrifice for the people. Honoring their veterans, through storytelling, ceremonies, and programs like 'Warriors Way,' ensures that the legacy of service and sacrifice is passed down to future generations.