The Lumbee have been recognized as an American Indian tribe by the State of North Carolina since 1885. In 1956, the U.S. Congress also recognized the Lumbee as an American Indian tribe but denied federal Indian benefits. That determination occurred during a repudiated period in federal Indian policy known as the “Termination Era.” The only two other tribes in U.S. history subject to similar acts of Congress have since been restored to full federal recognition. The 1956 law blocks the BIA from recognizing the Lumbee, which is why the Lumbee must petition Congress. 

We, the undersigned, stand united in our support of full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and we strongly urge Senators Burr and Hagan and Congressman McIntyre to take action that will finally move the Lumbee Recognition Act across the finish line THIS YEAR.