Mattie Jean Fields (Lumbee), known as “Tie” by family and friends, is originally from Lumberton, North Carolina. She does not remember much about life in North Carolina as her family migrated to East Baltimore when she was young. In Baltimore, she recalls being the only American Indian student in her class at school. Her last job was with Baltimore Can Company and she worked there until she was 62 years old.

Today, Mattie resides in Glen Burnie and she is 77 years old. She enjoys Country Line Dancing and occasionally goes to the Elks Club. She plays Bingo weekly. She wants women to know that they don’t need men to support them, they can make their own way, as she did. Mattie’s advice is to just be yourself and love yourself. She says that if you do, you’ll make a good way for yourself.