The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina celebrated significant progress on Thursday, as President Donald Trump signed a memorandum aimed at advancing the tribe's long-sought goal of federal recognition. Just days after starting his second term, Trump took action encouraging the Department of the Interior to support and promote federal acknowledgment of the Lumbee Tribe, which has been fighting for this recognition for over 100 years.
During the signing, Trump expressed his affinity for the Lumbee, stating, "I love the Lumbee Tribe, so this is their first big step, right? They were with me all the way, they were great, North Carolina Lumbee Tribe." His words have energized the Lumbee community, which consists of more than 60,000 members, who have long felt overlooked and misidentified as not being “real Indians” by some outside observers.
James Locklear, the editor and chief of Native Visions Magazine and a tribe member, was ecstatic upon hearing the news. “I was on my way to the gym, and my wife said, hey, Trump just signed the Lumbee bill. I'm like, whoa. Didn’t expect to hear about it,” Locklear shared. “There’s a lot of buzz here; people are excited.”
The memorandum states, "Considering the Lumbee Tribe's historical and modern significance, it is the policy of the United States to support the full Federal recognition, including the authority to receive full Federal benefits, of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina." Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery expressed gratitude for Trump's action, emphasizing its importance as it aligns with the promises made during Trump's campaign.
On the legislative front, North Carolina lawmakers quickly seized upon the momentum generated by Trump's memorandum. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis expressed their appreciation for the President's continued support, with Budd stating, "I would like to thank President Trump for keeping his promise to the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe who have waited decades for federal recognition." He underscored the need for Congress to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to legally affirm this recognition.
North Carolina officially recognized the Lumbee Tribe in 1885, and they have made applications for full federal recognition since 1888. Despite this, they have been denied the federal benefits other tribes receive. The New Year brought with it plans for the Lumbee Fairness Act's reintroduction, indicating bipartisan support, which is key to its advancement through Congress.
Trump's action now gives the Department of the Interior 90 days to devise and present to the president a plan aimed at ensuring the tribe's recognition through legislative paths or other means available to them, including the potential for judicial action.
Yet, not all reactions to the memorandum have been positive. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has expressed concern about the potential rapid recognition of the Lumbee Tribe. Principal Chief Michell Hicks articulated the need for rigorous historical and genealogical checks, stating, "Recognition is a powerful act with far-reaching consequences, and it must be based on objective evaluations of provable historical and genealogical evidence to protect the integrity of tribal nationhood."
Hicks noted previous claims made by Lumbee leaders, emphasizing the necessity of following established procedures to preserve tribal integrity and sovereignty. They advocate for the rigorous standards of the Office of Federal Acknowledgment (OFA) to evaluate any claims made by the Lumbee Tribe about their ancestry.
Despite the opposition, the excitement is palpable among the Lumbee. Locklear stated, "So many people out there say you’re not real Indians, not real Native Americans. Well doggonit, we are. We have been for a long time. We know who we are. We knew who our ancestors were." This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, bringing hope for lasting change after decades of yearning for recognition.
With Trump's memorandum marked by historical significance, it is also seen as possibly paving the way to rectify decades of neglect faced by the Lumbee Tribe. Now the immediate efforts will focus on ensuring Congress acts decisively to transform this memorandum’s promises from paper to actionable rights and benefits.
While the path to full recognition remains uncertain, for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Trump's action signals the administration's acknowledgment of their rightful place within the broader narrative of Native American history. The hope is high for this initiative—to finally secure for the Lumbee the official status they have sought for generations.