Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina holds celebration of federal recognition

Added: 2026-05-19

[00:00:00]With music, dances, speeches, and cheers, tonight the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina wrapped up a day-long celebration of its new federal recognition on the campus of UNC Pembroke.

[00:00:17]>> [music] [singing] >> For nearly 140 years, the tribe based in Robeson County finally gained federal recognition in December of last year.

[00:00:37]Tribal Chairman John Lowry said it's a moment that belongs [music] to every Lumbee ancestor who fought to preserve their identity, every leader who carried their story to Washington, and every tribal citizen who never [music] stopped believing that their time would come.

[00:00:51]Recognition is not a gift from Washington. Recognition does not create native people. Recognition acknowledges native people who have always existed.

[00:01:00]When one nation rises, all tribal nations rise.

[00:01:04]When one tribal community receives long overdue recognition, it remain it reminds America that indigenous people are still here, still sovereign, and still fighting for our future.

[00:01:14]US Senator Thom Tillis was a key player in the effort to secure full federal recognition for the tribe. At the ceremony, he said this was an effort in which Republicans and Democrats in Congress set aside their partisan positions and worked as a team. He had a new message for the tribe today.

[00:01:30]Make me proud by casting aside your petty differences and come together to create a great nation.

[00:01:37]Make me proud by making sure you reach behind and you bring forth every tribe that deserves the same respect that you now have. Make me proud by creating a story here that's unlike anyone that's ever followed recognition.

[00:01:52]One that provides economic opportunities unlike anything children born in this Lumbee nation have ever been able to experience before.

[00:02:01]The tribe will vote next month on a constitutional amendments that could pave the way for a casino on tribal land in Southeastern North Carolina.