LUMBERTON, N.C. (AP) – The Lumbee Tribe has inaugurated its first woman tribal leader.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Wednesday that Sharon Hunt was formally welcomed to her new post with a performance by the tribe's Southern Sun drum group and a swearing-in ceremony at the Southern Spirit Community Center in Robeson County.

Hunt was vice chairwoman of the tribe when former chairman Purnell Swett stepped down in May citing health reasons.

Hunt says she wants to create stronger ties with other tribes, address issues of substandard housing among tribe members, and restore confidence in the tribal government.

A report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development earlier this year found that the tribe did not comply with standards for a $115,000 housing fund grant.

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