Key Takeaways
- The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has received full federal recognition from the U.S. government after a 137-year struggle.
- The recognition opens the door to federal resources, including funding for housing, education, and healthcare.
- The tribe has 55,000 members and is located in the southeastern part of the state.
- Federal recognition also grants the tribe certain rights to self-governance and expands tribal control over economic development.
- The Lumbee Tribe is now the 575th federally recognized tribe in the United States.
Introduction to the Lumbee Tribe’s Struggle
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has finally achieved a major milestone in its 137-year struggle for full federal recognition. The tribe’s chairman, John L. Lowery, was present at the White House as President Trump signed the bill granting recognition to the tribe. The Lumbee Fairness Act was included in the $900 billion annual military spending package and extends acknowledgment to the tribe. This recognition is a significant achievement for the tribe, which has been fighting for this status since 1888.
History of the Lumbee Tribe’s Petition
The Lumbee Tribe first petitioned Congress for federal recognition in 1888, but only received partial recognition in 1956. The tribe has been waiting for decades for full recognition, which has finally been granted. The recognition process involves meeting certain criteria, including demonstrating a distinct community and existing as a community from 1900 until the present. The Office of Federal Acknowledgement website lists the seven-part criteria that define an Indian tribe under federal law, and petitioners may wait decades for a resolution. The Lumbee Tribe’s petition was sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who credited President Trump for the designation.
Benefits of Federal Recognition
The recognition opens the door to an expanse of federal resources for the tribe, including funding for housing, education, and healthcare. The tribe’s chairman, John L. Lowery, believes that the biggest benefit will be Indian Health Services, which will provide healthcare services to tribe members who do not have health insurance or have high healthcare costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the federal government would spend nearly $250 million in providing health benefits to Lumbee Tribe members over four years through the Indian Health Service. Federal recognition also grants the tribe certain rights to self-governance and expands tribal control over economic development.
Reaction to the Recognition
The recognition has been applauded by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, who said that full federal recognition will allow members access to federal healthcare, education, housing, childcare, and disaster relief benefits. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., also praised the recognition, saying that a historic injustice has been corrected and the Lumbee people can finally access the full federal benefits they have long earned and deserve. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which was the only federally recognized Native American tribe in North Carolina, opposed the recognition, citing that the Lumbee circumvented proper federal eligibility procedures.
Impact on the Tribe and Surrounding Community
The recognition is expected to have a significant impact on the tribe and the surrounding community. The tribe’s chairman, John L. Lowery, said that the recognition will create economic opportunities for the tribe and the surrounding community. The recognition will also provide access to federal funding for housing, education, and healthcare, which will improve the quality of life for tribe members. The tribe has 55,000 members and is located in the southeastern part of the state, and the recognition will have a positive impact on the local economy and community.
Conclusion
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s recognition is a significant achievement and a major milestone in its 137-year struggle. The recognition opens the door to federal resources, including funding for housing, education, and healthcare, and grants the tribe certain rights to self-governance and expands tribal control over economic development. The recognition is expected to have a significant impact on the tribe and the surrounding community, and the tribe’s chairman, John L. Lowery, believes that the biggest benefit will be Indian Health Services. The Lumbee Tribe is now the 575th federally recognized tribe in the United States, and this recognition is a testament to the tribe’s perseverance and determination.