The Fight for Federal Recognition

 

Since we are such a huge tribe, why is it that we do not receive the benefits that other tribes receive? This is something that I have often wondered. 

Though our tribe is recognized as a Native American tribe by the state of North Carolina, we do not receive federal benefits like other tribes such as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, or the Sioux Tribe of North Dakota. 

The Lumbee Tribe has 55,000 members who reside mostly in Robeson, Hoke, Scotland and Cumberland County. Our tribe is the biggest tribe east of the Mississippi River, and the ninth largest tribe in the nation. We have been striving for federal recognition since 1888. That's kind of a big deal, so why is it that we have been practically shunned from gaining any federal benefits? 

Bill after bill has been sent to Congress, our tribal members getting their hopes up each time, just for another let down. Broken promises from politicians, the bill never passing the Senate, whatever it may be, our efforts have been unsuccessful. 

Many of our tribal members believe strongly that the reason that our efforts fall short is because the Cherokee Indians are concerned that by us being federally recognized, we would cut into their federal benefits. The Cherokee Tribal Chief Richard Sneed has testified against our federal recognition several times, stating that "federal recognition of a tribe this size would have a financial impact on every federally recognized tribe." 

Although I can understand where the Cherokee are coming from, I strongly believe that there should be more brought into consideration, not just the monetary aspects. Former Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Jr. made some advances for our tribe, and I look forward to seeing what advances current Chairman John Lowery will make for us.