A Century in the Making: The Lumbee Tribe’s 137-Year Fight for Federal Recognition

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A Century in the Making: The Lumbee Tribe’s 137-Year Fight for Federal Recognition

Imagine waiting 137 years for something that was always yours. That’s how long the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has fought for federal recognition—a journey that began before the lightbulb was even invented and is now inching closer to the finish line. On a historic day in Washington, the Senate cast a vote that could finally turn decades of hope into reality. But why has this fight taken so long? And what does federal recognition truly mean for the Lumbee people?

This isn’t just a story about politics. It’s about identity, justice, and the quiet resilience of a community that refused to be erased. Let’s dive into the heart of this 137-year battle, what it means today, and why it matters far beyond the borders of North Carolina.

Why Federal Recognition Matters: More Than Just a Title

At first glance, federal recognition might sound like a bureaucratic checkbox. But for the Lumbee Tribe, it’s the difference between being seen and being invisible. Officially recognized tribes gain access to critical resources—healthcare, education funding, housing assistance, and legal protections—that non-recognized tribes are often denied. It’s not about handouts; it’s about righting a historical wrong.

Think of it like a family being denied their inheritance for generations. The Lumbee have always been a tribe, but without federal recognition, they’ve been locked out of the support systems that other tribes rely on. For example, the Indian Health Service (IHS) provides healthcare to federally recognized tribes, but the Lumbee have had to build their own clinics and programs with limited resources. Recognition would finally open doors that have been closed for over a century.

But it’s not just about resources. Federal recognition is also about sovereignty—the right to self-govern and preserve their culture on their own terms. For the Lumbee, this means the freedom to protect their language, traditions, and land without interference. It’s about being acknowledged as a distinct people with a rich history that predates the United States itself.

The Long Road: A 137-Year Fight for Justice

The Early Years: A Tribe Denied

The Lumbee’s story begins long before the U.S. government even existed. The tribe’s roots trace back to the 1700s in what is now Robeson County, North Carolina. They are descendants of the Cheraw, a Siouan-speaking people, and other Indigenous groups who intermarried with European settlers and free Black communities. This unique heritage made them targets of discrimination and exclusion.

In 1885, the state of North Carolina officially recognized the Lumbee as a tribe, but the federal government refused to follow suit. Why? Part of the issue was the Lumbee’s mixed ancestry. At a time when racial purity was (wrongly) used to determine tribal identity, the Lumbee didn’t fit the government’s narrow definition of “Indian.” It was a classic case of bureaucracy ignoring the lived reality of a people.

The 20th Century: Close Calls and Broken Promises

The Lumbee’s fight for federal recognition gained momentum in the 20th century, but progress was slow and fraught with setbacks. In 1956, Congress passed the Lumbee Act, which acknowledged the tribe’s existence but stopped short of full federal recognition. It was a bittersweet victory—like being handed a key that doesn’t quite fit the lock.

For decades, the Lumbee continued to push for full recognition. They lobbied Congress, gathered evidence of their tribal identity, and built alliances with other tribes and lawmakers. But every time they got close, something would derail their efforts. In the 1980s and 1990s, bills to grant full recognition stalled in Congress, often due to political infighting or opposition from other tribes who feared competition for limited resources.

One of the most heartbreaking setbacks came in 2010, when a bill to grant the Lumbee full recognition passed the House but died in the Senate. It was a gut punch for the tribe, but they refused to give up. As Lumbee Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Jr. put it, “We’ve been here for 13,000 years. We’re not going anywhere.”

The Turning Point: A Senate Vote That Could Change Everything

Fast forward to today. After years of relentless advocacy, the Lumbee Tribe is closer than ever to achieving their dream. In a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, the Senate recently voted to advance a bill that would grant the Lumbee full federal recognition. The vote was a historic milestone, but the fight isn’t over yet. The bill still needs to pass the full Senate and be signed into law by the president.

So why now? What’s different this time? For one, the Lumbee have built a powerful coalition of supporters, including North Carolina’s senators, Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, as well as House members like Rep. Dan Bishop. They’ve also gained the backing of other tribes, who recognize that the Lumbee’s fight is part of a larger struggle for Indigenous rights.

But perhaps the biggest factor is the growing awareness of Indigenous issues in the U.S. Movements like #LandBack and the fight against pipelines like Dakota Access have put tribal sovereignty in the spotlight. The Lumbee’s story is no longer just a footnote in history—it’s a living example of resilience and justice.

What’s Next? The Final Hurdles to Federal Recognition

The Senate’s recent vote is a huge step forward, but the Lumbee still face a few more hurdles before they can celebrate. Here’s what needs to happen next:

  • Full Senate Approval: The bill must pass a full vote in the Senate. While the recent vote was encouraging, there’s no guarantee it will make it through without opposition. Some lawmakers may still have concerns about the cost of recognition or its impact on other tribes.
  • House Approval: If the Senate passes the bill, it will head to the House of Representatives. The Lumbee have strong support in the House, but they’ll need to ensure the bill doesn’t get bogged down in committee or face last-minute amendments.
  • Presidential Signature: Finally, the bill will need to be signed into law by the president. Given the bipartisan support for the Lumbee, this step is likely to be a formality—but in today’s political climate, nothing is certain.

If all goes well, the Lumbee could finally achieve federal recognition by the end of the year. But even if the bill passes, the work won’t be over. Recognition is just the first step in a long journey to rebuild and strengthen their community. The Lumbee will need to navigate the complexities of federal funding, tribal governance, and cultural preservation—all while ensuring that their unique identity isn’t diluted by bureaucracy.

Why This Fight Matters for All of Us

The Lumbee’s story isn’t just about one tribe. It’s about the broader struggle for Indigenous rights in the United States. For too long, Native communities have been marginalized, ignored, or outright erased by the federal government. The Lumbee’s fight is a reminder that justice delayed is not justice denied—and that resilience can outlast even the longest odds.

But this story is also about something deeper: the power of identity. The Lumbee have spent 137 years proving who they are, not just to the government, but to themselves. Their fight is a testament to the idea that identity isn’t something that can be granted or denied by a piece of paper. It’s something you carry with you, no matter what.

As we watch the final chapters of this fight unfold, it’s worth asking: What can we learn from the Lumbee? Their story teaches us about patience, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for what’s right—even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s a lesson that resonates far beyond the borders of North Carolina.

How You Can Support the Lumbee Tribe

You don’t need to be a lawmaker or a tribal leader to make a difference. Here are a few ways you can support the Lumbee Tribe and other Indigenous communities:

  • Educate Yourself: Learn about the Lumbee’s history, culture, and ongoing struggles. Knowledge is the first step toward allyship. Check out resources like the Lumbee Tribe’s official website or documentaries like “The Last Real Indians.”
  • Amplify Their Voices: Share the Lumbee’s story on social media, in conversations with friends, or in your local community. The more people know about their fight, the harder it becomes to ignore.
  • Support Indigenous Businesses: Many Indigenous communities, including the Lumbee, rely on small businesses for economic survival. Look for Indigenous-owned businesses to support, whether it’s art, food, or services.
  • Advocate for Change: Contact your representatives and urge them to support the Lumbee Recognition Act. Even a simple email or phone call can make a difference.
  • Donate to Indigenous Causes: Organizations like the Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Education Association work to support tribes across the country. Your donation can help fund legal battles, education programs, and cultural preservation efforts.

The Future of the Lumbee Tribe: What Comes After Recognition?

If the Lumbee achieve federal recognition, it will be a momentous victory—but it’s just the beginning. Recognition opens the door to new opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. Here’s what the future might hold for the Lumbee Tribe:

Rebuilding and Strengthening the Community

With federal recognition, the Lumbee will gain access to resources that can help address long-standing issues like poverty, healthcare disparities, and education gaps. For example, they’ll be able to expand their tribal health clinics, which currently serve thousands of patients with limited funding. They’ll also have the opportunity to apply for grants to preserve their language, which is currently at risk of disappearing.

But rebuilding a community after 137 years of neglect won’t be easy. The Lumbee will need to navigate complex federal programs, ensure that resources are distributed fairly, and avoid the pitfalls of bureaucracy. It’s a daunting task, but one they’re more than capable of handling.

Preserving Culture in a Changing World

For the Lumbee, federal recognition is also about preserving their culture for future generations. Their unique heritage—rooted in Indigenous, African, and European traditions—is a source of pride and resilience. With recognition, they’ll have more opportunities to teach their language, share their stories, and celebrate their traditions without fear of erasure.

But cultural preservation isn’t just about looking backward. It’s also about adapting to the modern world. The Lumbee are already using technology to document their history, teach their language, and connect with other Indigenous communities. Recognition will give them the resources to take these efforts to the next level.

Setting a Precedent for Other Tribes

The Lumbee’s fight for recognition could have ripple effects for other tribes still struggling for federal acknowledgment. There are currently over 200 non-federally recognized tribes in the U.S., many of which face similar challenges. If the Lumbee succeed, it could pave the way for other tribes to achieve recognition and access the resources they need to thrive.

But it’s not just about recognition. The Lumbee’s story is a reminder that Indigenous rights are human rights. Their fight is part of a larger movement to address the legacy of colonialism, racism, and systemic injustice that has shaped the United States. By supporting the Lumbee, we’re supporting a future where all Indigenous communities can live with dignity, sovereignty, and respect.

Final Thoughts: A Moment to Celebrate—and a Call to Action

The Lumbee Tribe’s 137-year fight for federal recognition is a story of resilience, perseverance, and hope. It’s a reminder that justice doesn’t always come quickly—but when it does, it’s worth the wait. As the Senate’s recent vote shows, the Lumbee are closer than ever to achieving their dream. But the fight isn’t over yet, and they need our support to cross the finish line.

So what can you do? Start by learning more about the Lumbee and their story. Share their journey with others. Advocate for their cause. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of a community that refuses to give up.

Because in the end, the Lumbee’s fight isn’t just about recognition. It’s about the right to exist, to thrive, and to be seen. And that’s a fight worth joining.

Let’s stand with the Lumbee Tribe as they write the next chapter of their story. Share this article, educate yourself, and lend your voice to their cause. The finish line is in sight—let’s help them cross it.

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