Lumbee Tribe Achieves Long-Awaited Federal Recognition After 137 Years
After a struggle spanning more than a century, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has finally achieved full federal recognition from the U.S. government. This milestone was marked on January 7, 2023, when President Donald Trump signed the Lumbee Fairness Act as part of a larger military spending package at the White House. The recognition grants the Lumbee access to essential federal resources, which include funding for education, health care, and economic development.
Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery expressed profound gratitude during a press conference following the signing, stating, “I’m so thankful today for everyone who has helped us along this way — everyone from our ancestors from the late 1880s all the way up to present day.” The Lumbee Tribe, which boasts a membership of approximately 55,000, primarily resides in the southeastern part of North Carolina, particularly in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties.
Impact of Federal Recognition
Full federal recognition significantly expands the benefits available to Lumbee Tribe members. Among the most vital resources is access to Indian Health Services, which can provide health care support for those without insurance or facing high costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that over four years, the federal government would allocate nearly $250 million in health benefits to Lumbee members through this service.
This recognition also enhances the tribe’s rights to self-governance. With this designation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is authorized to take land into trust for the benefit of the tribe, allowing for greater control over economic development and other crucial areas.
Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, commended the achievement, noting that it not only recognizes the Lumbee Tribe but also facilitates access to important federal benefits, which can spur economic opportunities for both the tribe and the surrounding community.
Historical Context and Controversy
The journey toward federal recognition began in 1888 when the Lumbee first petitioned Congress. Although they received partial recognition in 1956, it was not until this year that they achieved full status as the 575th federally recognized tribe in the United States.
Despite the celebration within the Lumbee community, not all local tribes have supported this recognition. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally recognized Native American tribe in North Carolina prior to this decision, opposed the Lumbee’s acknowledgment. They argued that the Lumbee bypassed essential federal eligibility procedures that require substantial historical evidence of Native heritage.
As stated by Lowery, “I know with every fiber of my being that our ancestors are smiling down on us today. After decades of waiting, praying, and fighting, our Tribe has finally crossed a barrier that once seemed impossible to overcome.”
Numerous tribes across the United States are still seeking federal acknowledgment, with the process often taking decades. According to the Office of Federal Acknowledgement, decisions are made based on criteria that include anthropological, genealogical, and historical evidence. The lengthy delays in recognition highlight the complexities involved in the federal acknowledgment process, which requires petitioners to demonstrate the existence of a distinct community since at least 1900.
The Lumbee’s achievement not only represents a significant victory for the tribe but also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many Native communities in their pursuit of recognition and rights.
