The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has been pushing for federal recognition more than 100 years. During the last year’s presidential election, both major candidates supported the Lumbee Tribe’s effort for federal recognition.
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will receive testimony on S.1364, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Recognition Act. If enacted, the Act would grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe on North Carolina and would make its tribal citizen eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized tribes. Lumbee tribal citizens residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina are deemed to be within the delivery area for such services.\
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) on April 26, 2021.
In addition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Recognition Act, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hear testimony on H.R.1975, the Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021, H.R.2088, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, and H.R.4881, the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 2:30 p.m. – Eastern Time
WHAT: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) to lead Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Legislative Hearing.
WITNESSES:
- The Honorable Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC
- The Honorable Harvey Goodwin, Jr., Chairman, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Pembroke, N.C.
- The Honorable Robert Smith, Chairman, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala, Calif.
- The Honorable Richard Sneed, Principal Chief, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, N.C.
- The Honorable Peter Yucupicio, Chairman, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, Ariz.
HOW TO JOIN: Access the live stream here.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
The Winter Solstice Begins a Season of Storytelling and Ceremony
Winter Officially Kicks Off Saturday: Are You Ready?
Cheyenne River Youth Project Celebrates 2024 Highlights, Prepares for 2025
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
