To the Editor,

A preliminary final 2015 on-site monitoring report issued by HUD to the Lumbee Tribe has received a lot of publicity recently. This publicity has targeted the Lumbee Tribal Council and $264,985.96 expended for 24 conferences. The full content of the report, however, has not been disclosed to the public in a truly transparent show of tribal governance.

The report also includes HUD findings and concerns around $2,989,219.30 being used by Lumbee Youth Services over a three-year period. HUD questions food services, travel, program development, contractual expenses, reimbursements, parking and per diem used by this program. HUD considers the use of these funds toward “non-related housing activities” as reducing the grantee ability “to assist low-income Indian families”.

The report also includes concerns and or findings about tribal administration spending $89,905.01 for operation and maintenance of 19 vehicles associated with Youth Services.

The report also includes concerns and or findings about Lumbee failing to publicize Indian preference as required when soliciting audit services.

The report questions 92 units at Eagles Nest housing complex, where 12 units were unoccupied and 52 units were occupied by non-Native families. On top of this issue, tenants were identified who were also determined to be non-HUD eligible tenants as prescribed by the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act.

If Lumbee Tribal Administration is to be transparent, then the public expects fullest disclosure in all areas. Let’s not target Tribal Council for abuse in a preliminary final report when we don’t tell the whole story about a Youth Services Program that is literally taking homes from eligible tribal members.

Eric R. Locklear

Fayetteville