Miss Lumbee 2008-2009
Ashley Haywood

Parents: Barbara and Steven Rumsey

Happy Holidays!

 May this season be filled with joy and delight for you and those you love!

Dear Friends,

The holidays are officially upon us and Christmastime is near.  The Christmas season is a time to renew old friendships and acquaintances and update them on everything that has occurred during the year.   People everywhere are hustling and rushing for their last minute Christmas gifts, but please keep in mind the greatest gift that was given to us on that glorious day- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and may that miracle of Bethlehem inspire you.

I just wanted to update everyone on my latest appearances.  To inform you on how diligently I have been working to represent the Lumbee Tribe to its fullest.  For the past several months I have traveled many distances throughout North Carolina and other surrounding states making appearances and informing others of our Lumbee Culture and promoting my platform Fit 4 Life.  I have truly recognized that holding the title of Miss Lumbee isn’t just about a crown.  There’s a lot of hard work involved behind the scenes that many are unaware of.   I have really tried to surpass the duties of the Miss Lumbee title by going over and beyond of what is expected of me as an Ambassador.  

This title has changed my life and opened my eyes in so many aspects.  For example there have been on many occasions that I have seen children both native and non-native so eager to learn about our culture and even the little one’s wanting to learn the different styles of native dance; that just brings joy to my heart!  We as a people are very privileged to have a wealth of resources at our fingertips such as: UNC-Pembroke (the first Native American college), museum’s, the beautiful scenic Lumber River (from which we derived our name), seasonal pow wows, the Boys and Girls Club’s (which help mold our children down the right path while learning our culture), Lumbee Homecoming (where many Lumbee people come home to unite with relatives and friends every year), plus many more.   Sometimes I feel we as Native people take for granted what we really have and fail to remember how fortunate we are.   But our younger generation may suffer if we do not pass on our history, culture, and traditions. 

Just in the month of November alone, I journeyed across Robeson and surrounding counties while encountering over 15,000 children and youth.  Through my travels I was saddened to meet several children from the Lumbee Tribe that couldn’t tell me what the word Lumbee means.  To them it was just a name or a label.  We must call action and educate our young people and let them know who they are and how our history has evolved.  They need to know our legends from the beginning until now.  I have also noticed that some of our children have the perception that they are not “Real Indians” because of what they read and see on television and therefore believe the negative stereotypes that have been portrayed of our people.  As I have said once before, “Our youth is our future and the elders are our guide.” Through these words you may seek guidance from our ancestors and fulfill the goal in educating our youth for a better tomorrow. 

Since the beginning of my reign I promised you that I would work diligently on promoting our culture and my platform Fit 4 Life while representing the Lumbee Nation with honor, pride, and respect.  I can truly say I have done just that!  So far I’ve have been given the wonderful opportunity of sharing these things with others; in doing so I have made over 100 appearances touching thousands of lives within these last few months.   I was given the honor of being the Head Lady Dancer at both the 34th Annual Baltimore American Indian Center and 37th Annual Lumbee Fall Powwow.  On August 30, 2008 I held the 1st Annual Obesity Awareness Day & Family Expo; at the event I gave a $1,100 Scholarship through my foundation Fit 4 Life to Danika Locklear a nursing student at Sand Hills Community College.  I also raised enough funds to be able to distribute over $1,000 worth of health & wellness items to the youth who attended the event.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet and speak with Senator Elizabeth Dole, Congressman Mike McIntyre and Governor Beverly Purdue about the issues surrounding Federal Recognition. 

I’ve also been given the opportunity to be guest speaker on various occasions such as; Pembroke Chamber of Commerce, Health Keeperz, Youth Start, and etc. speaking about the importance of healthy lifestyles and my platform Fit 4 Life.  I participated in the 5th Annual Harmony Walk at UNC-Pembroke were students from all races and ethnic backgrounds came together to support Cultural Diversity, this was an incredible and inspiring event.  I spoke about how the Lumbee People developed the first Native American College and stressed the importance of overcoming prejudices and cultural barriers; “I envision an America where children and adults are free to pursue their aspirations without cultural barriers. I know it is possible.  We must start here within our community. Our national motto reminds us of this mission: to build a unified nation of peoples from many backgrounds and cultures; E Pluribus Unum – one from many”.  Other events that I had the privilege to attend our; The Lumbee Federal Recognition Candlelight Vigil, Pembroke Day, LRDA Senior Citizen dinner, HealthKeeperz, Miss Robeson County Fair Pageant, HICC Christmas Food Bank, Lumbee Tribe Elders Dinner, Linkhall, Lumberton Christmas Parade and many more.   

It truly has been an honor to stand up and take my place among the members of this great league as your Miss Lumbee.  During my journeys I have meet many different people from various backgrounds, who posses the same similarity; the enthusiasm and passion to learn about the Lumbee Culture.  This is a quality that I hope to see many posses for many years to come.  I hope everyone has a safe, happy and joyous Christmas.  I am so grateful to be in this position where I have the chance to promote such great causes.  My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has continued to support my efforts.  Merry Christmas! May all the joys of Christmas light up your heart!  May your life be enriched with Christ's blessing now and always!

Warmest wishes,

Ashley
Miss Lumbee 2008

1st Annual Obesity Awareness Day
Baltimore Powwow

APPEARANCE LIST

July:

4th: Rennert Parade, 8 am
4th: Robesonian Interview, 11am
4th: Coronation Ball Rehearsal, 12pm
4th: Sugar & Spice Wardrobe Fitting, 2pm
4th: Coronation Ball Dinner, 6pm
5th: Lumbee Homecoming Parade, 8am
5th: AISES Powwow, 12pm
5th: Performance at Sugar & Spice Fashion Show” We Care for You”, 3pm-5pm
5th: Performance at Live Outdoor Concert (LRDA), 6pm
5TH: 40TH Annual Anniversary Sky Show (LRDA), 9pm
8th: Native Visions Interview, 12pm
8th: Pine Needle Interview, 1pm
14th: Official signing of Miss Lumbee Contract, 12pm
17th: Chanel 47 Television Interview with Tribal Chairman, Jimmy Goins, 10am
20th: Air of Interview, From the Chairman’s Desk, 3:00pm
26th: Performance at “Caring Touch Home Health Care Family Day”, Donna & Charles Lowry
26th: 1st UNCP YEP Exhibition Powwow, 12am-5pm
26th: Performance at Little Miss NC All American Pageant, 5pm
27th: Appearance at Miss NC All American Pageant, 5pm
28th: Miss Lumbee Birthday
29th: Ambassador Meeting, 7pm
31th: Appearance at Pembroke’s Chamber of Commerce, “Business After Hours” 5pm-7pm

AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008
1st - Appearance at Princess of North Carolina
2nd - Appearance at “The Elders Bizarre Day at Soaring Eagle”, 7am
2nd - Appearance at Princess of North Carolina
3rd - Living Waters Church Family Day
4th - Occaneechi Benefit Golf Classic, Durham
5th - Performance at Pembroke’s National Night Out
9th - Judge Mullins Festival Pageant
16th - Judge Dazzling Dream Dolls Pageant, Dillon
17th -Speak at Day by Day Treatment Center, Selma
21st - Tribal Meeting, 6pm
22nd - 24th -Baltimore American Indian Center Powwow
30th - 1st Annual Obesity Awareness Day & Family Expo & Scholarship Hosted by Miss Lumbee
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SEPTEMBER

9th - Promote Platform at “Rise & Shine” to Chamber of Commerce, 7:30-9:00am

10th - Performance at “Pembroke Day”, 10am-2pm

12th - 13th - Annual Coharie Powwow, Clinton

18th - Appearance at UNCP for “Harmony Walk” charity event. 3pm

19th - 20th - Annual Guilford Association Powwow, Virginia

25th - Pembroke’s Chamber of Commerce MeetingAre you interested in scheduling a performa

Miss Lumbee Appearance Form

FIT for LIFE Scholarship Information

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