With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the brink of federal recognition. This long-sought acknowledgment has been pursued for generations, and the momentum increased notably after President Donald Trump voiced support for the tribe during his campaign. Lumbee Tribe member Charles Graham expressed the emotional significance of this development, highlighting their historical narrative and sovereignty.
Federal Resources and Recognition
Securing federal recognition will grant the Lumbee Tribe access to various federal resources. These include:
- Federal financial support including grants and funding.
- Healthcare benefits via the Indian Health Service.
- The ability to place land into trust.
A Long Journey to Recognition
Efforts for federal recognition have a complex history. Starting in the 1980s, the Lumbee Tribe initially sought acknowledgment through the Office of Federal Acknowledgment at the Interior Department. Their application faced setbacks due to a 1956 act that recognized the tribe but denied federal benefits. In 2016, the tribe was allowed to pursue recognition more actively.
Currently, there are 574 federally recognized tribal nations in the United States. Of these, only 18 have gained recognition through the Office of Federal Acknowledgment since its establishment in 1978. Many others have successfully obtained it through congressional legislation.
Community Celebration and Support
After receiving news of the Senate vote, over 200 Lumbee members gathered in Pembroke, North Carolina. They celebrated with cheers and applause as the bill seemingly progressed toward final congressional approval. The atmosphere was filled with joy, reinforced by traditional drum circles and communal chants.
Opposition and Controversy
Despite the jubilant celebrations, the path to recognition does not have unanimous support. Some tribal leaders and scholars view the Lumbee’s claims as lacking sufficient documentation. Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes voiced concerns that recognizing the Lumbee could undermine historical standards for tribal acknowledgment. He argued that the focus should remain on historical evidence rather than political motivations.
Political Dynamics and Advocacy
Political support for the Lumbee Tribe cuts across party lines. Both President Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris included federal recognition as part of their campaign promises. Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina introduced the bill aimed at achieving this goal, reflecting the tribe’s importance within the swing state’s political landscape.
Recently, Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery has been actively collaborating with congressional representatives. He even wrote to Trump, noting ancestral links to the president’s daughter, Tiffany Trump, as a means to reinforce their kinship and highlight the tribe’s need for federal recognition.
Impact of Federal Recognition
Once officially recognized, the Lumbee Tribe will emerge as one of the largest tribal nations in the U.S., comprising around 60,000 members. Initial estimates predict that providing necessary federal resources could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars within the first few years.
The Lumbee Tribe’s journey toward federal recognition marks a significant milestone for both its members and the broader Native American community. It also raises discussions about the complexities of tribal identity and the recognition process.
