The Indian Cultural Center in Pembroke was once a proud tribal icon in North Carolina. Families and visitors gathered on its expansive lawns and swam in its pool and pond. For decades, its annual homecoming Powwow and outdoor production of “Strike at the Wind” were popular tourist attractions.
Likewise, the Riverside Golf Course, once the only course in the state open to American Indian players, was the pride of the community. Both, however, have fallen on hard times.
Owned by the state but managed locally, some of the facilities on the 400-acre property have decayed to the point that they cannot be used safely. Indeed, the golf course will close until further notice, effective Friday.
Before any decisions about the property are made, the NC Commission of Indian Affairs and the NC Department of Administration is seeking input from those affected by the condition of the property.
A Listening and Learning Session regarding the use and purpose of the NC Indian Cultural Center and Riverside Golf Course has been scheduled to provide an opportunity for tribal and community leaders, citizens, local and state officials and other interested parties to provide comments regarding the property.
The session will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3; speaker registration will begin at 6 p.m. The session will be held at Carolina Commerce & Technology Center (ComTech Center Park), 115 Livermore Drive, Pembroke. I’ll be there to hear what folks have to say.
Written remarks also may be submitted for the record either at the meeting or by email to Indian.Affairs@doa.nc.gov. Comments on this topic will be accepted through 5 p.m. March 25. For additional information, please contact Kimberly Hammonds at 919-807-4440 or kimberly.hammonds@doa.nc.gov.