January 23, 2025 Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

Summary:

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, historically referred to as the People of the Dark Water, consists of descendants from various tribal nations, including the Hatteras, Tuscarora, and Cheraw. The Lumbee people have lived along the Lumbee River and surrounding lands for centuries, enduring war, disease, and other challenges. In 1885, North Carolina recognized the Lumbee as an Indian tribe. In 1956, the Lumbee Act recognized them as the Lumbee Indians but denied them federal benefits. The Lumbee Tribe currently has over 55,000 members, making it the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth-largest in the U.S.

In 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act (H.R. 1101), with a vote of 311-96, which aimed to grant the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition. However, this bill was not considered by the Senate during the 118th Congress. Similar bills have passed the House several times.

The U.S. government recognizes the historical and modern significance of the Lumbee Tribe and supports their full federal recognition, which would include the right to receive full federal benefits.

To assist in achieving full federal recognition, the Secretary of the Interior has been tasked with reviewing applicable authorities and consulting with the Lumbee leadership. Within 90 days, the Secretary is to submit a plan to the President, outlining legal pathways such as Congressional action, judicial measures, or procedures for federal acknowledgment (25 C.F.R. Part 83). The Secretary is also required to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/federal-recognition-of-the-lumbee-tribe-of-north-carolina/

Writer's Note: Summary made with the use of AI tools for editing and quick processing, facts checked against the order before publishing.