President Donald Trump’s pursuit of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina fulfills a campaign promise but raises concerns among other Native tribes regarding the deviation from established recognition processes. In his second term, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of the Interior to devise a pathway for recognizing the Lumbees, who assert they have existed since 1725 and comprise over 55,000 members.
Federal recognition requires tribes to meet strict criteria, including historical documentation and proof of autonomy. While the Lumbee Tribe is recognized by North Carolina since the 1900s, they lack federal recognition due to the 1956 Lumbee Act, which prohibited the U.S. from establishing a formal relationship with them. This denies the tribe essential government funding for healthcare and education.
Supporters, including Sen. Ted Budd, argue that the Lumbees deserve the same rights as other tribes after decades of waiting. However, the approach taken by Trump’s administration raises alarms among Native leaders like Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. They worry that bypassing the Office of Federal Acknowledgment (OFA) — the process through which over 500 tribes have been recognized — undermines the integrity of tribal recognition.
Critics like Brad KillsCrow argue that this shortcuts the lengthy, thorough process that established tribes have historically navigated, potentially setting a dangerous precedent. Moreover, KillsCrow highlights financial concerns, projecting recognition could cost taxpayers over $350 million, which might divert funds from smaller tribes.
Tribal leaders express apprehension about political motivations influencing recognition processes, emphasizing that tribal sovereignty and identity should be handled through established channels rather than as a political issue. They call for adherence to the OFA process to preserve credibility and fairness for all tribal nations.
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