Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
1. Purpose
This brief summarizes the historical significance and recent legislative efforts pertaining to the federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, emphasizing its rights and benefits.
2. Key Actions And Directives
- Review Recognition Pathways: The Secretary of the Interior is directed to assess applicable authorities and propose methods for the Lumbee Tribe to achieve full Federal recognition.
- Publish Memorandum: The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to publish a memorandum in the Federal Register regarding the status and recognition of the Lumbee Tribe.
3. Important Points
- Historical Significance: The Lumbee Tribe, with roots from multiple tribal nations, highlights the diverse cultural heritage and struggles of indigenous peoples in Eastern America.
- State Recognition: Recognized as a tribe by North Carolina in 1885, contributing to its claim and identity as an indigenous community.
- Federal Legislative Recognition: The Lumbee Act in 1956 recognized the tribe but denied federal benefits, leaving a significant gap in support for its members.
- Current Membership: The Lumbee Tribe boasts over 55,000 members, making it the largest tribe east of the Mississippi, emphasizing its historical resilience.
- Recent Legislative Actions: The Lumbee Fairness Act, passed in 2024, seeks to correct historical inequities by securing full federal recognition, though it stalled in the Senate.
- U.S. Policy Support: Current U.S. policy advocates for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, aiming to address past federal oversight and benefit denial.
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