NC’s Lumbee Tribe receives full federal recognition
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has officially received full federal recognition following passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included the Lumbee Fairness Act and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Thursday.
State Rep. John Lowery, R-Robeson, who is also the chairman of the tribe, called recognition long deserved.
“This is not the end — it is a new beginning. With recognition comes new opportunity: for economic growth, improved health care and education, and a stronger voice for our Tribe in shaping the future of Indian Country,” he wrote. “To our ancestors who began this fight, and to every Lumbee child today — this victory is for you.”
US Rep. David Rouzer, R-NC7, who introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act earlier this year, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for the accomplishment.
“Passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act affords the Lumbee people the full benefits and services long afforded to other federally recognized tribes. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to make this a reality,” said Rouzer. “This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Chairman John Lowery and the strong support of President Trump. The Lumbee voice has been heard, and their commitment and perseverance has brought us to this historic moment.”
In January, Trump signed a memorandum directing the secretary of the interior to submit a plan to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition.
“For nearly 50 years, the Lumbee Tribe has fought for the same rights and benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives,” said US Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC. “Today, with the passage of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, this long fight is over, and the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe will begin the process of receiving the benefits they deserve.”
US Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, noted the long road the Lumbee Tribe took to full federal recognition.
“For 137 years, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina fought for the full federal recognition they were promised, and today that promise has finally been fulfilled,” said Tillis. “President Donald Trump pledged to get this done, and he kept that promise. By signing the Lumbee Fairness Act into law, a historic injustice has been corrected, and the Lumbee people can finally access the full federal benefits they have long earned and deserve.”
When asked about the process during a Wednesday press conference, Tillis criticized the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for spending decades blocking the Lumbee and labeled them as a “casino cartel.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein highlighted the benefits the Lumbee Tribe will soon have access to.
“The history of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina long predates the history of the State of North Carolina itself,” said Stein. “The state has long recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Full federal recognition will allow members access to the federal health care, education, housing, child care, and disaster relief benefits afforded other federally recognized tribes. These benefits will in turn create economic opportunities for the Tribe and the surrounding community. I applaud this long-delayed recognition, which will reap benefits for the Lumbee and North Carolina.”
“NC’s Lumbee Tribe receives full federal recognition” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.
