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