President Donald Trump announced full support of the Lumbee Recognition Act, a U.S. Senate bill that would give the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition.
If passed, the recognition would allow the tribe access to millions in community benefits and could ultimately allow the tribe to build a casino project in the state – though such a project would face a long approval process.
The tribe has sought federal recognition for more than 130 years and received limited recognition from the federal government in 1956. That partial recognition, however, blocked the tribe of about 55,000 members in Pembroke in Southeastern North Carolina, from receiving benefits for education, health care and economic development that are available to other federally recognized tribes.
If fully recognized, the tribe hopes to open a casino in Robeson County, and economically depressed area of the state.
“For more than a century, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has sought Federal recognition, but has been met with indifference and red tape,” Trump said in a press release. “After consultation with Senator Thom Tillis, Representative Dan Bishop, and other Members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, I am announcing my full support for S.1368, the Lumbee Recognition Act, which would make qualifying members of the Lumbee Tribe eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized tribes.
The announcement is a boost for the Lumbee community, said Harvey Godwin, the elected chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
“We’re all super excited.” Godwin told the Fayetteville Observer. “It’s a great day to be Lumbee, and I don’t say that lightly. I don’t say that every single day. But today is especially a great day.”
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has also announced his support for Lumbee recognition legislation.
The tribe’s plan for a casino, however, faces opposition from the Cherokee Indian tribe in the western part of the state. The Cherokee operate a casino in the state’s western mountains.
Also, while the Senate’s recognition bill allows for a casino, the companion bill in the House of Representatives does not specify approval for a project. The Lumbee nation would also have to approve a plan in a referendum.
