Trump’s Lumbee Recognition Initiative: What It Means for Other Native Tribes and Their Concerns

President Trump recently took steps toward recognizing the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a promise he made during his campaigns. This move has raised eyebrows among other Native American tribes, who worry about the implications of a different process being used for the Lumbees.

In the early days of his second term, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of the Interior to develop a plan for federal recognition of the Lumbees. Typically, tribes must meet certain criteria to gain this recognition. They need to show they’ve existed since before the United States was founded, have a consistent identity as Native since at least 1900, operate independently, and provide genealogies proving their Native ancestry.

The Lumbee Tribe claims to be a blend of various tribes, including Siouan, Algonquian, and Iroquoian speakers, with records dating back to 1725. Though they have over 55,000 members in North Carolina and state-level recognition, they remain unrecognized federally. Lumbee Chairman John L. Lowery expressed pride in the Tribe’s long-standing presence and looks forward to potential formal recognition.

Historically, the Lumbees have struggled for full recognition since a law in 1956 prohibited the U.S. from establishing a federal relationship with them. This restriction has denied them funds for healthcare, education, and economic development. Senator Ted Budd, representing North Carolina, emphasized that Lumbee members deserve the same rights as other tribes.

Previously, the Lumbees attempted various legislative pathways for recognition, often facing backlash from other Native tribes. Now, the approach through the Interior Department bypasses the traditional evaluation process set up in 1978, which recognized over 500 tribes nationwide.

This raises concerns for some tribal leaders. Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians stressed the importance of a thorough process for recognition. He fears this new method might erode existing pathways, allowing groups without clear tribal histories to claim recognition.

Similarly, Chief Brad KillsCrow of the Delaware Tribe of Indians pointed out that ignoring the established process could undermine the legitimacy of efforts by other tribes seeking recognition. He expressed concern about the financial implications, noting an estimate by the Congressional Budget Office that it could cost over $350 million to recognize the Lumbee Tribe.

The drive for Lumbee recognition appears tied to political motivations. In the past, Trump frequently assured North Carolinians of federal acknowledgment for the Lumbees. Significantly, Robeson County, where the Lumbees are based, showed high support for Trump in recent elections, creating a possible intersection between Native recognition and political capital.

However, this strategy risks sidelining the voices of Native communities in future elections. Hicks suggested that the recognition process be left to the Office of Federal Acknowledgment, allowing experts to determine the best course forward.

In conclusion, the push for Lumbee recognition raises essential questions regarding the integrity of tribal acknowledgment processes and the potential repercussions for other tribes. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics and Native rights in America today.



Source link