SE North Carolina News

Today, the United States House of Representatives approved H.R. 1101, known as the Lumbee Fairness Act. The legislation was introduced by Congressman David Rouzer from North Carolina's 7th District and passed with a vote of 311 to 96. This bill grants full federal recognition and protections to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

Congressman Rouzer expressed his satisfaction with the bill's passage, stating, "The Lumbee people are an integral part of our Southeastern North Carolina community. They are our neighbors and our friends. We attend church together. Our children go to school together. But for generations, the Lumbee Tribe has been denied full federal recognition and tribal sovereignty." He added that he is proud of the House's decision to ensure that the Lumbee people receive equal rights and benefits as other federally recognized tribes.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery also acknowledged the significance of this legislative milestone: "I want to thank Congressman Rouzer and all the co-sponsors of the Lumbee Fairness Act for ensuring its passage today in the United States House. Their hard work is to be applauded as they pushed this across the finish line before the House adjourns for Christmas break." Lowery emphasized that this is a crucial step toward rectifying past injustices associated with the 1956 Lumbee Act and urged continued efforts in Congress for Senate approval.

The Lumbee Tribe comprises approximately 55,000 members, making it one of the largest American-Indian tribes east of the Mississippi River and ninth-largest nationwide. The tribe primarily resides in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties in North Carolina.

While formally recognized by North Carolina in 1885, Congress recognized them as an Indian Tribe through the Lumbee Act in 1956 but did not grant federal services or benefits at that time. Since then, efforts have continued for complete federal recognition. Congressman Rouzer introduced H.R. 1101 on February 17, 2023; Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.