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'River Spirits:'
A collection by Lumbee writers published
 "River
Spirits" is the first-ever collection of Lumbee writings published
by UNC Pembroke's Native American Resource
Center. Forty-nine Lumbee authors contributed a variety of work,
both fact and fiction, that overflows with the tribe's proud past and
hopes for the future.
The book provides
a window into the Lumbee culture, says Editor Stan Knick, director of
UNC Pembroke's Native American Resource Center.
"The collection
of writings here is not the result of a literary competition, but instead
an exploration of what is meaningful, of what is valued, in Lumbee culture."
Dr. Knick said. "Because the meanings and values of things are
at the heart of all human culture."
Dr. Knick said he
tried to be as inclusive as possible in the selection process.
"There was
such a variety of writing that was submitted, and I think that reflects
something about the Lumbee culture," Knick said.
The book includes
the only known poem by the late Lumbee historian Adolph L. Dial, who
co-authored a history of the Lumbee, "The Only Land I Know."
Several poems by
the late poet and historian Lew Barton were also included.
"Although
deceased, I knew they were a part of the body of writing of the Lumbee,"
Dr. Knick said.
Works from a new
generation of Lumbee authors included, Delano Cummings, author of "Moon
Dash Warrior" and "River Dreams."
This is the first
book published by the Native American Resource Center to come complete
with an ISBN number.
"Hopefully
other publications will follow," Knick said. "I'd like to
work on the second volume of my weekly newspaper column 'Along the Trail:
A Reader About Native Americans.'"
Dr. Knick has gotten
that better view of the Lumbee tribe during his 17 years at UNC Pembroke
and is an honorary member of the Lumbee Tribe.
"Nobody outside
of a culture can ever really get all the way inside," Knick said.
"All you can do is get a better view and that is what this book
is about."
Each work in "River
Spirits" is a reflection of centuries of tradition passed down
through generations and that tradition continues to shape the Lumbee
identity.
Most of the funding
for the book came from private donors, especially Anne Lowry Sistrunk,
her husband, Don C. Sistrunk, and her mother, Mrs. Earl C. Lowry.
The 174-page collection
is available through the Native American Resource Center by calling
910.521.6282 or email nativemuseum@uncp.edu.
Sheri D. Sides
is a senior Mass Communications major from Laurinburg.
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