Lumbee Legend - Chairman John Lowery
John L. Lowery was born and raised in Robeson County and is a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Rooted deeply in his community and culture, he has dedicated his life to public service and the advancement of his people.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and American Indian studies from University of North Carolina at Pembroke, followed by a master’s degree in public administration from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Following his education, Mr. Lowery began his career as a civics teacher in the Public Schools of Robeson County, where he inspired young people to understand government, leadership, and civic responsibility. He later went on to serve in leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, working to expand economic opportunity and job creation throughout the Sandhills and other rural regions of the state.
In 2022, Mr. Lowery was sworn in as Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, becoming the seventh person to hold that office in the Tribe’s history. Under his leadership, the Tribe has seen transformative progress, including major initiatives to build new housing, expand educational and agricultural programs, and secure record levels of funding for cultural preservation, economic development, and community infrastructure. His work has consistently focused on strengthening families, creating opportunities, and honoring the rich heritage of the Lumbee people.
His vision for leadership has always emphasized unity and shared responsibility. As he stated during his campaign:
“My vision is to move the Lumbee Tribe forward with a focus on community and
economic development, health and wellness, protecting our natural resources, and
understanding our role as a sovereign nation… My goal is to ensure that we all benefit from that knowledge, commitment, and effort.”
In 2025, Mr. Lowery was appointed to serve in the North Carolina House of
Representatives for the 47th House District, representing the people of Robeson
County. He replaced his brother, Jarrod Lowery, in the General Assembly.
That same year marked a historic milestone under his leadership: the passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act on December 17, 2025. This landmark achievement resulted in the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina becoming the nation’s 575th federally recognized tribe—an accomplishment of profound significance for generations of Lumbee people.
Whether serving at the state level or leading his Tribe, Representative and Chairman Lowery is guided by a simple yet powerful mission: to ensure that the voices of our people are heard, respected, and our future is secure for generations to come.