Lumbee Legend - Chairman James "Jimmy" Goins
Mr. James “Jimmy” Ernest Goins was born in 1948 and raised in Prospect, North Carolina. In 1965, Goins was a member of the Prospect High School basketball team which won the Indian Basketball Championship. Mr. Goins later served as an infantry squad leadership with the 504th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War – where he served two tours.
Mr. Goins served as the Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe for six years from 2004 until 2010. As Chairman, Mr. Goins actively led efforts to achieve federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.
Direct testimony before the Committee of Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 31, “Lumbee Recognition Act,” March 18, 2009. Mr. Goins stated “After graduating from Prospect School in 1966, I enlisted in the United States Army and was severely wounded in the rice paddies of Vietnam on December 31, 1969. The men in my squad called me “Chief” and gave me the job of walking point through the jungles. Like all Lumbee veterans, I am proud of my service to this country and I wear its medals with pride: the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal. My father, too, served this country in Word War II. Indeed, Lumbee people have served this country as far back as 1775 when we fought side by side with the colonists. The only war the Lumbees did not serve in was the Civil War. During that period of time, we engaged in our own war against the Confederacy.
Our connection to the land we call home and to each other is typical of Indian
people. We draw our strength from home, known to others as Robeson County.
Regardless of where a Lumbee may reside, home is always Robeson County. And when two Lumbees meet for the first time, the first question asked is who are your people, i.e., your family lines. All Lumbees know their family history three generations back and with a little discussion any two Lumbees can connect themselves either by direct kinship or marriage. These bonds – the ties to our land and each other – are the ties that have enabled us to survive as a tribe even without federal recognition.”
Throughout his life he had a large amount of influence over many areas of Lumbee politics. He helped draft the tribe’s constitution. Also, under his administration the current multi-million dollar Housing Complex was built as well as being actively involved in starting the tribal Boys and Girls clubs.
While he was absolutely dedicated to his people, his family was always his number one priority. Mr. Goins was married to Mrs. Diane and together they had three beautiful daughters: Rhonda, Jackie, and Jamie.
Mr. Goins has served as one of our strongest soldiers on and off the battlefield his entire life. His continuous dedication to Lumbee Nation will always serve as a beacon of light that will always guide us in the right direction.