After a struggle lasting 137 years, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has achieved full federal recognition. This monumental event occurred recently in Washington, D.C., where tribal leaders, including Chairman John L. Lowery, gathered to celebrate this historic milestone. The federal acknowledgment was officially granted when President Trump signed the Lumbee Fairness Act as part of a larger military spending bill.
Significance of Federal Recognition for the Lumbee Tribe
The Lumbee Tribe, comprising approximately 55,000 members, is located in southeastern North Carolina, across Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties. This recognition opens doors to critical federal resources previously unavailable to them—such as funding for housing, education, and health care.
Health Care Benefits
Among the most significant benefits of federal recognition is access to Indian Health Services. Lowery emphasized this point, highlighting how many tribe members currently lack health insurance or face exorbitant health care costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the federal government would allocate nearly $250 million over the next four years to provide health benefits to Lumbee members through this service.
Historical Context
The Lumbee Tribe first petitioned for federal recognition in 1888 but only received partial acknowledgment in 1956. This full recognition designates them as the 575th federally recognized tribe in the United States. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein remarked that this milestone would facilitate access to federal resources and create economic opportunities for the tribe and surrounding communities.
Political Support and Opposition
The bipartisan support for the Lumbee Fairness Act played a crucial role in securing recognition. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina praised the bill, stating that it corrects a long-standing historical injustice. Opponents, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, expressed concerns that the Lumbee did not follow proper federal procedures for recognition.
The Path Ahead for the Lumbee Tribe
With their new status, the Lumbee Tribe stands to gain greater self-governance and control over economic development. The Bureau of Indian Affairs now has the authority to take land into trust for the tribe’s benefit, enhancing their ability to make decisions that impact their future.
As the Lumbee Tribe moves forward, their leaders and members rejoice in this long-awaited federal recognition, a victory seen as honoring their ancestors and a step toward a brighter future.
