Governor Josh Stein has welcomed the recent passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act by the U.S. Congress and its signing into law by President Trump, which grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe.
“The history of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina long predates the history of the State of North Carolina itself,” Governor Stein stated. “The state has long recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Full federal recognition will allow members access to the federal health care, education, housing, child care, and disaster relief benefits afforded other federally recognized tribes. These benefits will in turn create economic opportunities for the Tribe and the surrounding community. I applaud this long-delayed recognition, which will reap benefits for the Lumbee and North Carolina.”
Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza, head of the Administration Department that includes the Commission of Indian Affairs, commented on this development: “We celebrate with the Lumbee people in this long-awaited federal recognition that both acknowledges their history and provides access to much-needed resources for tribal members.”
Greg Bryant, Chair of the NC Commission of Indian Affairs, noted: “Generations of Lumbee have been waiting decades for this day. Words cannot adequately capture how meaningful and impactful this formal federal recognition is for our Lumbee tribal members, yes, but also for all the other native tribal members who call North Carolina home.”
Pamela B. Cashwell, Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources and a person of Lumbee heritage herself, added: “Full federal recognition will boost economic opportunity in southeastern North Carolina and cement the legacy of a tribe that has made so many important contributions to our state and nation. I am excited for the future both as someone of Lumbee heritage and as the cabinet Secretary overseeing the North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission.”
North Carolina is home to more than 130,000 American Indians; over 40% are members of the Lumbee Tribe. With more than 56,000 members, it is both North Carolina’s largest tribe and also holds that distinction east of the Mississippi River.
Since 1974 there have been multiple legislative efforts to grant full federal status to the tribe; bills passed nine times in the House but failed previously in Senate votes. Earlier this year Governor Stein sent a letter urging Senate leadership—including John Thune and Chuck Schumer—to pass legislation recognizing these rights for Lumbees. The NC Commission of Indian Affairs has supported such recognition since its founding over fifty years ago.
With full federal status now achieved under law, tribal leaders say they can apply directly for grants from agencies such as Bureau of Indian Affairs or Bureau of Indian Education or receive services from programs like Indian Health Service. These expanded resources cover areas including disaster aid response, educational support services, management projects related to natural resources or broadband internet expansion—as well as broader improvements expected across local communities statewide.
