Lumbee Tribe Nears Federal Recognition After Senate’s Passage of Defense Bill

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the verge of gaining federal recognition, following the Senate’s recent approval of the National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday. This milestone marks a significant moment for the tribe, which has sought such recognition for decades amid complex historical and genealogical claims.

The journey toward federal acknowledgment is not just a matter of identity but also has implications for resources and sovereignty, as the tribe seeks to gain access to critical federal funds and services. Recognition would elevate the Lumbee as one of the largest tribal nations in the U.S., impacting not only its 60,000 members but also the dynamics of federal tribal resources.

Key Developments

• The Senate approved the National Defense Authorization Act, assuring federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.
• The tribe has been pursuing this goal for over 30 years, gaining momentum following endorsements from President Trump.
• Federal recognition will provide the tribe with access to federal resources, including health services and grants.
• Opposition exists from some tribal leaders and historians, questioning the legitimacy of the Lumbee’s claims to federal recognition.
• Efforts to recognize the Lumbee have received bipartisan support, tied to political shifts in Robeson County, home to many tribe members.

Full Report

A Historic Moment for the Lumbee

Members of the Lumbee Tribe expressed profound emotion with the Senate’s vote, viewing it as a long-awaited acknowledgment of their identity and history. Charles Graham, a Lumbee member, articulated the tribe’s anticipation for a new chapter that would allow them to embrace their sovereignty and heritage with pride.

Resources and Benefits

Federal recognition would open doors to significant federal resources and funding. This includes access to grants, the Indian Health Service, and the ability to place land into trust—benefits that have eluded the tribe for generations. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that providing these resources will cost hundreds of millions of dollars in the early years.

Opposition and Concerns

Not all voices in Indian country are celebrating this potential recognition. Critics, including tribal leaders and historians, have raised concerns about the Lumbee Tribe’s historical claims, arguing that the process should require rigorous documentation. Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe, cautioned that congressional action should not substitute for the need for historical verification.

The authenticity of the Lumbee’s claims has been questioned, with some suggesting a history of shifting identity that lacks continuity. Opponents assert that legitimacy should stem from established historical documentation rather than political maneuvering.

Political Dynamics

The recognition of the Lumbee Tribe has garnered bipartisan support, highlighted by endorsements from both President Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris during the election season. The political landscape in Robeson County, which has leaned Republican in recent years, has added urgency to the recognition process, given the tribe’s significance as a voting bloc.

Trump previously issued an executive order directing the Interior Department to formulate a plan for Lumbee recognition. Following this directive, tribal leaders, including Chairman John Lowery, engaged with Congress and the Trump administration to ensure that the tribe’s aspirations were met.

Context & Previous Events

The Lumbee Tribe has sought federal recognition for decades, initially through the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. Previous attempts were thwarted by a 1956 congressional act recognizing the tribe while withholding federal benefits. A reversal in 2016 allowed the Lumbee to pursue recognition through Congress rather than administrative channels. With 574 federally recognized tribal nations in the U.S., the Lumbee would represent a notable addition if recognized.