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PEMBROKE, N.C. (WBTW) — Voters of the Lumbee Tribe cast ballots Tuesday on a proposed amendment that would allow for a casino in southeastern North Carolina.
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A majority of voters said no to the casino, a decision Tribal Chairman John Lowery says keeps things status quo. The vote was considered historic, with implications for economic development and tribal sovereignty.
“A majority of the Lumbee people have spoken, and they have said no to progress and have decided to stay with the status quo or simply staying with the way things are,” Lowery said in a Facebook post. “As a federally recognized Indian tribe, we had the opportunity, like so many of our brother and sister tribes, to exercise our sovereign rights to the fullest and generate billions of dollars to assist our tribal members and lift this entire region. This decision by the majority of Lumbee voters is historic and ensures we will not move forward with gaming. I will honor the wishes of the majority, and I will not bring this issue forward again over the remaining 18 months of my tenure.”
The amendment presented two distinct paths: Either opening the door for a casino or stopping the initiative. Both sides of the issue encourage tribal members to educate themselves on the amendment and vote their conscience, emphasizing the importance of participating in the process.
Rick Barton, an advocate for voting against the amendment, urged all tribal members to engage in the election. Barton stressed the Democratic nature of the tribal election.
“For everybody, whether you vote yes or no, to come out and be part of the process. Not only is this a tribal election. Remember, this is America. We believe in Democracy. Come vote your conscience. Come talk to the folks,” Barton said. “If you don’t ask somebody, if you don’t understand what this amendment’s about, I would say to vote no. If you understand what this amendment’s about, you will vote no.”
Conversely, John Oxendine, who advocated for a “yes” vote, views the amendment as crucial for the future and economic growth. Oxendine highlighted the potential economic benefits for the Lumbee people and surrounding communities in southeastern North Carolina.
“It’s for our future, our kids’, economic development things, I know that this will bring to our people, to our community. Not only for the Lumbee people, but for all people that live in our service area and outside,” Oxendine said. “This is just something that our community and our counties desperately need for just the economic benefit that it brings.”
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Opponents of the amendment argued that it could strip tribal members of a fundamental right. They point to the Lumbee Constitution, which states that the people have the right to vote on gaming matters. This amendment would’ve transferred that authority to the Tribal Council and chairman, which many consider a major impact on the tribe’s fundamental rights.
Oxendine disagreed with the assertion that voter rights would be diminished, stating that tribal members’ voices would continue to be heard through their Tribal Council representatives. He cited the ongoing vote as proof that the government listens to its people.
“Your voice will be heard. You have Tribal Council members that speak for you now. [Tuesday] is a prime example of how our voices are being heard. We are voting on it, and so this is big for people,” Oxendine said. “And [Tuesday] just let you know that our government does hear our voices, our government is listening to our people. But our government also needs to be our government. We need to let them run as a government. And what they do and what our constitution allows them to do.”
Lowery has voiced his support for the amendment, linking a “yes” vote to economic sovereignty for the Lumbee people. In a video message to tribal members, Lowery indicated that approval would lead to a tribal-owned gaming and entertainment operation.
The Lumbee Tribe received federal recognition last December, setting the stage for such discussions. Eligible voters must be at least 18 years of age and have been enrolled as a tribal member in their district for 30 days prior to the election.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WBTW. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WBTW staff before being published.
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