According to the 1990 Census, 48,444 American Indians in the United States identified their tribe as Lumbee. Over 40,000 of these Indians live in Robeson and surrounding counties in southeastern North Carolina. The Lumbee are the ninth largest tribe in the country and the largest tribe east of the Mississippi.
The Lumbees take their name from the Lumbee River, known as the Lumber River today, which flows through their homeland. Most of the tribal members live in the valley of the Lumbee River in Robeson, Hoke, and Scotland counties of North Carolina.
The town of Pembroke is known as the center for commerce, education, and culture of the Lumbee tribe. It is located in the west-central part of Robeson County, about 12 miles from Lumberton. According to the 1990 Census, there were 2,241 people living in Pembroke and some 90 percent of the population is Indian.
The present day Lumbee tribe is descended from an Indian community composed largely of Cheraw Indians and related Siouan speaking people who were known to have inhabited the area of what is now Robeson County since European settlers first arrived in the early 1700's. Their presence has been documented by historical accounts and oral traditions. The Lumbees have continued to exist as a tribe despite conditions that threatened to destroy the fabric of the Indian community.
A Cheraw Indian community was first observed on Drowning Creek (Lumber River) in present day Robeson County in 1724. This community has been there ever since. The Lumbees have been recognized by the state of North Carolina as an Indian tribe since 1885. With this recognition, the state provided educational assistance and other services. In 1887, the state established an all Indian teachers training school for the Lumbees. This institution grew into a college, which today has an enrollment of about 3,000, and is now known today as the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. It is one of the sixteen institutions that make up the University of North Carolina system. The Congress of the United States in 1956 passed the Lumbee Act which officially recognized the Indians of Robeson and adjoining counties as the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina.
Education and Awards
High School
Attended Bethel High School, Hampton, Va. 1975-1978. Graduated with honors and was elected in Who's Who Among American High School Students 1976- 1977 and 1977-1978. This included only the top 5% of the nation's students which numbered 6,500,000 in 1976-1977.
Was enrolled in the Army R.O.T.C. program all 3 years and Junior year was promoted to the highest rank of Command Sargent Major and received a Citizenship Award my Jr. year. Senior year I was promoted to the highest rank of Colonel and received a automatic scholarship to The West Point Academy. Was voted by the R.O.T.C. program as The Best Athlete in 1978.
Sports
High School and College
Played football all 3 years and in 1976 we were State Champions and 2 years before the class of 1974 were State Champions. Voted Most Valuable Lineman in 1977. Was voted in All City Honors in 1976 and 1977. Many colleges had interest in me my senior year such as Duke, U.N.C., East Tennessee, U.VA., The Citadel, William and Mary, V.M.I., Univ. of Richmond, Univ. of Cincinnati, Va. Tech, Lafayette College, etc. These colleges offered opportunities for football as well as academic scholarships. I attended James Madison Univ. in Harrisonburg, Va. and played football for them. Also was part of the High School indoor and outdoor track team and in 1976 we were also State Champions and I received rewards throughout the 3 years on the team. Our school also in 1976 won the State Championship in wrestling which brought our school in 1976 The Rice's Trophy which is for the best athletic program in the state. Our senior class voted me as Most Popular in 1978; funny how things work out to be true.
Bodybuilding Career
In 1982 after competing in power lifting I entered my first bodybuilding contest which was Mr. Virginia Beach and I placed 2nd.
1983 1st place Mr Goldcoast.
1985 2nd place Citrus States.
1987 1st place First Coast Bodybuilding Championship
1988 1st place Mr. Gulf Coast
Was on national T.V. shows regarding bodybuilding and had the ability to go to the nationals which would qualify you for the Pro's but I decided not to.
Tatanka's Professional Career before Wrestling
1985-1990 worked for Bally's Health and Tennis Corp. Worked my way to Divisional Manager and managed a 70,000 sq. ft. club and became Bally's Top Producer writing $ 100,000 per month personally in memberships ( Million Dollar Producer) and being responsible for $ 400,000-500,000 per month for the club.
N.F.L. Career
In 1987 I received many try-outs for The National Football League; teams such as Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, etc. and decided to pursue the Miami Dolphins. Approximately 2,000 try-outs showed up and after all the cuts about 20 players were left and I was one of the 20. Dolphins offered me and my agent at the time a free agent contract with the availability to increase after the first year but I decided not to due to my present income at Bally's exceeded the N.F.L. contract.
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