Native American Experience 2008

The Native American Experience visits Robeson County, North Carolina, the home of the Lumbee tribe and the most ethnically diverse, rural county in the United States.  After the passing of NAFTA the area lost many of its most important work opportunities.

This is the crux of many of the problems in Robeson County, and, although we cannot build factories, students on the trip help the vibrant community there by learning more about the heritage of the Lumbee, providing assistance to various community organizations, and taking their new awareness with them after the trip is over.  We hope that those who go on the trip will come to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role of Native Americans in the history of this country, cross-cultural interactions, the unseen effects of economic policy, and the beauty of nature, while having an unforgettable spring break.

FAQs

Where is Robeson County?

Robeson County is located near the southernmost part of North Carolina on its border with South Carolina, a couple hours from Myrtle Beach.

Are the Native Americans a minority in that area?

Actually, 51% of the Native American population of the state of North Carolina lives in Robeson County, accounting for 39% of that county?s total population.

What are some of the activities we will be doing?

Some examples of activities are:

• Doing service work at River Way, a new community-based traditional learning center and recreation facility on the banks of the Lumbee River.  In the past we have helped clean out and remodel a shed, done general grounds cleaning work, painted interiors and exteriors of buildings, built a boardwalk, cleared land, and helped at a local school, among other tasks to help the community.
• Learn from, visit with, and partake in the trade of pottery with a Lumbee potter.
• Tour local ecological sites
• Meet with elders and leaders of community organizations
• Canoe among Cypress trees along the Lumbee River
• Experience Native American singing and drumming
• Learn about traditional medicinal practices

Are we going to visit a reservation?

No.  The Lumbee are not a federally recognized tribe, and thus do not have access to many of the services the Bureau of Indian Affairs offers other tribes, such as the creation of a reservation or a government to government relationship with the United States.  The Lumbee, however, have been recognized by the state of North Carolina since 1885.

When will we return from Robeson County?

We are tentatively scheduled to return the day before the end of Spring Break (Saturday, March 8).

How long has the Native American Experience been going on?

This year's trip is the 8^th Native American Experience Alternative Spring Break! 

How will we get to Robeson County?

We will be renting two minivans and driving there.  This is also a great way for people to get to now each other pretty quickly.

Can I bring academic work, etc. with me?

Feel free to bring books, etc.  There will be some free time during the break to work on such things if you with.  We are still in the process of creating the schedule, so we don't know how much free time we'll have.  Last year there were about 3 hours of free time each day during which you could do work, plus the van ride there and back.

Where will we be staying?

There is a local hostel where we will be staying.  Single-sex bathrooms, carpeted floors, fresh sheets and beds.  There is internet access in the hostel as well.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Molly Leblanc-Medieros at mkl42@georgetown.edu or David  Krone at dgk8@georgetown.edu.