Lumbee Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins says that if the tribe’s constitution allowed he would like to serve another three-year term as the tribe’s leader.

“It is very rewarding, but at times can also be very frustrating,” Goins said. “However, at the end of the day you know you are helping your people. That’s what it is all about.”

The tribal chairperson and seven seats on the tribe’s 21-member council are up for grabs this year when the tribe’s annual election is held on Nov. 17.

Council candidates must have lived in their district for at least one year, while candidates for tribal chairman must have lived in the tribal territory — Hoke, Cumberland, Scotland and Robeson counties — for at least one year.

Monday marked the beginning of the candidate filing period for anyone interested in becoming chairman or filling one of the seven council seats. The filing period continues until Sept. 11.

Candidates can file at the tribal office, 707 Union Chapel Road, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays during the filing period. The filing fee is $300 for tribal chairperson and $150 for tribal council.

Those seeking office must be enrolled members of the Lumbee Tribe and have no felony record. Candidates for tribal council must be at least 21 years old, while candidates for tribal chairman must be at least 35 years old.