north carolina lumbee tribe

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina: A Long-Awaited Step Towards Federal Recognition

The Struggle for Recognition

Deep within the southeastern region of North Carolina lies the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the nation. For decades, the Lumbee have been fighting for federal recognition, a status that would grant them access to essential benefits and services provided by the government to Native American tribes. In recent years, the Lumbee have made significant strides towards achieving this goal, thanks in part to the efforts of President Donald J. Trump, who directed his administration to advance Lumbee Tribe recognition.

Recent Updates: A New Era of Recognition

In January 2025, President Trump announced a new initiative aimed at advancing federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe. This decision marked a significant turning point in the tribe's long-standing struggle for recognition. According to a fact sheet released by the White House, the administration's goal is to "provide the Lumbee Tribe with the respect, dignity, and federal benefits they deserve" (The White House, 2025). This move has been met with enthusiasm from the Lumbee community, who see it as a major step towards self-determination and economic development.

A year prior, in January 2024, the White House issued a presidential action, Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, which highlighted the administration's commitment to advancing Lumbee Tribe recognition (The White House, 2024). This action was followed by a news report from WRAL.com, which stated that the wait for recognition was almost over, thanks to Trump's efforts (WRAL.com, 2024). These developments have sparked renewed hope among the Lumbee, who have been advocating for recognition for decades.

Contextual Background: A History of Struggle

The Lumbee Tribe's struggle for recognition dates back to the 1950s, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Lumbee Act, recognizing the Lumbee as an Indian tribe but denying them federal benefits (The White House, 1956). Despite this setback, the Lumbee continued to fight for recognition, with many self-identifying as Cherokee Indians. However, the three recognized Cherokee tribes denied Lumbee affiliation, leading to a long-standing debate over the tribe's identity and legitimacy.

Historical records show that the Lumbee ancestors were recognized as Indian in 1885 by the State of North Carolina, and genetic research has confirmed that the community is predominantly of African and European descent, with a minority of Native American genetic ancestry (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Wikipedia). Despite these complexities, the Lumbee have maintained a strong sense of identity and culture, with Pembroke, North Carolina serving as the economic, cultural, and political center of the tribe.

Immediate Effects: A New Era of Opportunity

The recent developments in the Lumbee Tribe's struggle for recognition have significant implications for the community and the nation as a whole. With federal recognition, the Lumbee will gain access to essential benefits and services, including healthcare, education, and economic development opportunities. This will enable the tribe to build on its entrepreneurial spirit and focus on education, as described on their official website (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina).

The Lumbee Tribe's recognition also has broader implications for the Native American community. It sets a precedent for other tribes seeking federal recognition and highlights the importance of self-determination and economic development. As one Lumbee leader noted, "Recognition is not just a matter of identity; it's about access to resources, opportunities, and a better future for our people" (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina).

Future Outlook: A Brighter Tomorrow

As the Lumbee Tribe moves forward in its pursuit of federal recognition, there are several potential outcomes to consider. On one hand, the tribe may face resistance from those who oppose recognition or question the tribe's legitimacy. On the other hand, the tribe may continue to build momentum, leveraging its entrepreneurial spirit and focus on education to drive economic development and self-sufficiency.

One thing is clear: the Lumbee Tribe's struggle for recognition is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. As the tribe continues to advocate for its rights and interests, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity, promoting economic development, and upholding the principles of self-determination and federal recognition.

Conclusion

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina's journey towards federal recognition is a complex and multifaceted story, marked by decades of struggle and perseverance. With President Trump's recent initiative, the tribe has taken a significant step towards achieving its goal, and the nation is watching with interest. As the Lumbee continue to build momentum towards recognition, they serve as a shining example of the power of determination and the importance of preserving cultural identity and promoting economic development.

References

Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. (n.d.). History and Culture. Retrieved from https://lumbee-tribe-of-nc.com/history-and-culture/

Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. (n.d.). History and Culture Backup. Retrieved from https://lumbee-tribe-of-nc.com/history-and-culture-backup/

Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://lumbee-tribe-of-nc.com/

The White House. (1956). Public Law 84-570, 70 Stat. 254. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-directs-administration-to-advance-lumbee-tribe-recognition/

The White House. (2024). Presidential Action: Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/federal-recognition-of-the-lumbee-tribe-of-north-carolina/

The White House. (2025). Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Directs Administration to Advance Lumbee Tribe Recognition. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-directs-administration-to-advance-lumbee-tribe-recognition/

WRAL.com. (2024). Long wait almost over? Trump pushes for federal recognition of Lumbee Tribe. Retrieved from https://www.wral.com/story/long-wait-almost-over-trump-pushes-for-federal-recognition-of-lumbee-tribe/21824211/