After over a century since receiving recognition from the state of North Carolina as an Indian Tribe, the Lumbee appear to be on the cusp of full federal recognition.
The news came last week when President Donald Trump signed a memorandum declaring that it’s federal policy to support full recognition and benefits for the Lumbee while also directing the Secretary of the Interior to assist the Lumbee in that effort.
The memo makes good on a promise Trump made back in September of last year on the campaign trail.
“Today, I’m officially announcing that, if I am elected in November, I will sign legislation granting the great Lumbee Tribe federal recognition that it deserves,” he said then.
North Carolina recognized the Lumbee as a tribe in 1885 and the United States provided a partial recognition in 1956. Since then, the Lumbee have ardently sought full federal recognition; however, The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has opposed that effort at every turn.
In a statement, Principal Chief Michell Hicks echoed so much of what he’s said before when arguing against Lumbee recognition. In that statement, Hicks notes that federal recognition is a serious thing with “far-reaching consequences.”
Hicks further stated that Trump’s order to the Secretary of the Interior does not in itself provide recognition, nor does it override the process the Eastern Band has frequently claimed the Lumbee should go through to secure recognition. While those who support recognition for the Lumbee want to see that happen through an act of congress, EBCI leadership has always argued that recognition must come through the Office of Federal Acknowledgement’s process, which applies a more rigorous standard.
Last year, Sen. Thom Tillis, a staunch ally of the Lumbee who maintains an icy relationship with the Eastern Band, introduced the Lumbee Fairness act, which would amend the current Lumbee Act to provide full federal benefits to the tribe.
In his statement, Hicks also addresses the Lumbee’s claims of being a tribal nation head on.
“The Lumbees have a history of shifting claims, including claiming Cherokee ancestry and other historical tribes,” he said in the statement. “Experts have repeatedly found that their claims cannot be verified through historical or genealogical evidence. Any process for evaluating Lumbee’s claims must be rooted in objective standards and a thorough, evidence-based review. Self-identification and sincere belief in Indian ancestry, while meaningful on a personal level, cannot mean tribal nationhood and sovereignty.”
Ultimately, Hicks urges the Department of the Interior to ensure that due diligence is given when considering the Lumbees’ arguments for federal recognition. Shortly after Hicks put out his statement, tribal leadership — including the office of the Chief, office of the Vice Chief and Tribal Council — put out a similar statement that spoke directly to enrolled members. That statement says that while the fight against Lumbee recognition has gone on for decades, the Eastern Band won’t give up.
“We may be entering a new phase of this fight, but it is far from over and much work remains to be done. We will always work and fight on your behalf, but your voice matters too and your involvement can make an enormous impact,” that statement reads.
The statement encourages members to reach out to elected state and federal representatives.
“Let them know how harmful it is when groups with no historical or cultural foundation, like the Lumbee, seek federal recognition,” the statement reads. “Many decision-makers and members of the public don’t understand the importance of sovereignty, or the harm caused by false claims. Use your voice to set the record straight. Federal recognition is the result of centuries of perseverance, sacrifice and survival.”
“We’ve weathered challenges before, and we’ve always come out stronger. This will be no different,” the statement continues. “We’re here, united, and we’ll continue fighting for our people and our future.”