NC inauguration ceremony held for Lumbee chairman

LUMBERTON, N.C. (AP) – The new Lumbee Tribal chairman has promised to pursue full, official recognition from the federal government.

The Fayetteville Observer reported that Purnell Swett was sworn in Thursday in a ceremony that about 500 people attended at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center in Lumberton.

Swett replaces Jimmy Goins, who served six years as the leader of the 50,000-person tribe. Goins was barred by the tribe’s term limits from seeking re-election.

Swett promised to address elder care, education, housing and federal recognition. He urged tribal members, who have a history of infighting, to work out their differences and stick together.

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Information from: The Fayetteville Observer,
http://www.fayobserver.com