Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

Former chairman of the Lumbee Tribal Government Jimmy Goins was killed in a single car accident Sunday, June 7, 2015. Goins was travelling on North Carolina Highway 71 when his vehicle veered off the road, hit a highway sign, turned over, and hit a tree, before coming to a halt upside down. The crash occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Before the accident, there was speculation that Goins would run once again for chairman of the Lumbee Tribal Government in 2015’s upcoming election. Goins, who had served in the position from 2004 until 2010, was involved in the Lumbee community in many ways. Goins was a member of the Lumbee Self-Determination Committee from 1998 to 2000. He was also a Lumbee Tribal Council member and the chairman of the tribe’s Federal Recognition Committee.

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 Goins administration, the current multi-million dollar Housing Complex was built. On top of that, he was vital in starting the tribal Boys and Girls clubs. He also owned an insurance business in Red Springs.

Goins passed away at the age of 66.