Appalachian State University officials have unveiled a Lumbee Tribal Flag on campus to honor the members and heritage of the tribe.
The flag hangs in the Plemmons Student Union building, joining one honoring the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that was unveiled in 2017.
Seth Grooms is a Lumbee tribal member and an assistant professor of anthropology at App State. In a video of the unveiling, he says the flag symbolizes self-determination and perseverance.
“It also means that App State sees us," he says. "And when Lumbees see this flag, I hope you're full of pride in who you are, who your ancestors are. And while we honor our ancestors, and we remember our past, it's important for people to realize that we're a modern and dynamic community.”
University officials say about 150 people attended the unveiling.
The Lumbee Tribe is the largest tribe in North Carolina, with more than 55,000 members. They primarily live in southeastern North Carolina.