American Indian Women of Proud Nations

Dr. Linda Oxendine carried the legacy of education and the wisdom of her ancestors to generations of students. Like a precious grandmother, she shared the stories and the memories in a way that captivated everyone who took time to listen. We are thankful!

It is with great sadness that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Linda E. Oxendine. Dr. Linda journeyed from this life on Monday, December 8, 2025. Dr. Linda will be remembered for her gentle nature as she welcomed everyone as if they were family. She was a knowledge keeper of our Lumbee history and culture. With her guiding way, she was also a nurturer for generations of students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke; she was professor emeritus and Chair of the Department of American Indian Studies (AIS) from 1989 until her retirement in 2006. She taught part-time in AIS for several years, even after her retirement. In 1967, she was also one of the first American Indian women to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Linda also served as the Director and Curator of the Native American Resource Center (now the Museum of the Southeast American Indian) from 1982 to 1986. She educated a generation of students and tribal members on Lumbee ways and our history as well as other American Indian topics. For some students, her classes changed the path and trajectory of their future and dreams. She is and will be missed. We are forever thankful for all her gifts to the Lumbee People as well as other American Indian Nations and the United States.

To read her full obituary visit https://www.revelsfh.com/obituary/DrLinda-Oxendine?fbclid=IwY2xjawOpaUVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeBeqUz-9dpZA3v3Y6V62n-0t-eeVmQEsGEYCaRvkunFbzuyvpq48_0Bp9ses_aem_qkFB-zwXrmj_kjJCMZSpHQ

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mrs. Maxine Locklear Amos, who passed from this life last week and her services are today. Mrs. Maxine served as our 2014 Elder in Residence at our American Indian Women of Proud Nations Conference at UNC Pembroke. She was a joy to talk with, a wealth of knowledge about our community and university and she loved paying blessings forward and helping her fellow man along this journey. Mrs. Maxine will be missed.

Core conference committee member Janice Jones Schroeder (Lumbee) and The 2014 Lumbee Elder in Residence Maxine Locklear Amos.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our original Board Members. Mr. Frank Winfree touched so many lives with his gentle spirit and genuine kindness. He was truly one of a kind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who loved him. Mr. Frank will be missed.

American Indian Women of Proud Nations will be forever grateful for his unwavering support. We find peace knowing he is reunited with the love of his life, our Founder, Mrs. Rosa.

Obituary for Robert Franklin Winfree Sr. | Revels Funeral Home Share memories & support the family

FREE CONFERENCE!

This free event is open to the public. The conference will also include storytelling, arts & crafts, giveaways, food, and much more. GONA will be on January 30 - 31 from 11:30 am - 7 pm and February 1, 2025 from 10 am - 3 pm.

Registration is still available for the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) Conference on Thursday, January 30, Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1, 2025. The (FREE) 3-day GONA Conference provides our communities with the opportunity to discuss substance abuse and the issue surrounding it. It also aims to assist with the journey to heal and transform while providing a road map to reestablish a safe, supportive, and nurturing community to thrive in.

You may register online or if you need assistance via phone. If you register for one day, you may attend all 3 days.

To register, please scan the QR code or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1119244072149?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you need assistance with registration call, 910.775.2543 ext 103 for additional assistance.

It’s Official – The Spirit of Old Main Scholarship Application is NOW OPEN!

Attention all American Indian high school students in North Carolina: this is your chance to join BraveNation with a FULL RIDE to UNC Pembroke! That’s right—the Spirit of Old Main Scholarship covers all unmet financial needs for four years, making your dream of a college education totally within reach.

This prestigious merit-based scholarship is awarded to competitive American Indian students who are ready to shine at UNCP.

📝 How to Apply:
Complete the application through BraveAssist or head over to the Spirit of Old Main Scholarship website for all the details, including eligibility requirements and submission info.

📧 Got questions?
Reach out to the Spirit of Old Main Scholarship Coordinator, James Rudd, at [email protected].

This is your time to soar—don’t miss this incredible opportunity!

Spirit of Old Main Scholarship Website: https://shorturl.at/yGZUs

Brave Assist: https://uncp.academicworks.com/

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Program Manager, Tribal

The position is based in Northern Wisconsin and is currently a remote role with 25% of time dedicated to travel. There may be instances in which on-site visits and travel are required.

Check it out. Please spread to word!

Program Manager, Tribal - Elevate Program Manager, Tribal The Program Manager, Tribal is responsible for managing projects to implement decarbonization planning and retrofits within Tribal communities in coordination with internal Elevate staff and external partners. This role supports Elevate’s strategic goals to decarbonize buil...

This year’s conference will be in Orlando, Florida, from March 30 through April 2, 2025. 🎉

We are grateful for the outpour of support as our conference grows. To ensure that attendees are comfortable and supported, we must set a capacity limit on the conference, and we are filling up fast.

Register today: https://nicwa-clone.flywheelsites.com/conference/

Native American? Native? Indigenous? ⁠
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Because terminology for Indigenous people is complex, personal, and nuanced, it is crucial to center Indigenous voices when learning how to respectfully reference Native nations and Indigenous communities. This includes understanding the differences between names Indigenous people claim for themselves, and the ones given to them by a broader culture. ⁠
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Visit our blog to learn more about Indigenous terminology ➡️ nativephilanthropy.org/blog/2020/11/24/indigenous-identity-more-than-something-else
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Are you a community researcher, scholar, or artist in need of access to a world-class collection of Native American arts and related staff and resources to support your work? Apply now for one of our recently established fellowship programs!

The second annual application cycle for the museum's Native American Collections Fellowship and Native Arts Fellowship is open now through January 31, 2025. These programs support community researchers, scholars, and artists to pursue research projects that utilize the collections and resources of the National Museum of the American Indian. For more details, please visit https://s.si.edu/4bYeRnP. Interested applicants can attend a free info session to learn about the fellowship and application process.

Native Arts Fellowship
December 18, 3-4 PM
Register: https://s.si.edu/3BlYuUy

Native American Collections Fellowship
December 19, 1-2 PM
Register: https://s.si.edu/4g4RqLk

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Brown University transfers ownership of a portion of its land to Pokanoket Indian Tribe The Pokanoket Nation said the encampment was aimed at reclaiming the tribe's ancestral home in Bristol, which contains spiritually important sites