In a historic move, President Donald Trump has enacted the Lumbee Fairness Act, granting the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition.
This significant development comes after more than three decades of deliberation in Congress, culminating in President Trump's directive earlier this year for the Secretary of Interior to devise a strategy to secure federal acknowledgment for the tribe.
According to One America News, the Lumbee Tribe's quest for federal recognition dates back to the 1980s when their initial request was denied by the Office of Federal Acknowledgement within the Interior Department. The denial was based on a 1956 Congressional act that recognized the tribe but withheld federal benefits.
This decision was overturned in 2016, reigniting efforts to achieve full federal recognition. "Passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act affords the Lumbee people the full benefits and services long afforded to other federally recognized tribes. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to make this a reality," stated House Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.).
Despite the triumph for the Lumbee Tribe, opposition arose from other tribes, notably the Eastern Band of Cherokee, who expressed concerns over potential funding losses and questioned the Lumbee's eligibility due to inter-racial marriages. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) criticized the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, referring to them as a "casino cartel" for their stance against the Lumbee's federal recognition. "For 137 years, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina fought for the full federal recognition they were promised, and today that promise has finally been fulfilled," Tillis remarked.
President Trump's commitment to the Lumbee Tribe was a key promise during his 2024 campaign, a pledge he has now honored. "President Donald Trump pledged to get this done, and he kept that promise. By signing the Lumbee Fairness Act into law, a historic injustice has been corrected, and the Lumbee people can finally access the full federal benefits they have long earned and deserve," Tillis added. The Rapid Response X account echoed this sentiment, stating, "Many Presidents have promised to deliver full federal recognition to the great Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Only President Trump actually delivered."
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D-N.C.) highlighted the deep-rooted history of the Lumbee Tribe, noting that it predates the state's own history. "The state has long recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Full federal recognition will allow members access to the federal health care, education, housing, child care, and disaster relief benefits afforded other federally recognized tribes. These benefits will in turn create economic opportunities for the Tribe and the surrounding community. I applaud this long-delayed recognition, which will reap benefits for the Lumbee and North Carolina." The Lumbee Fairness Act marks a pivotal moment for the tribe, promising to enhance their access to essential services and foster economic growth within their community.
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