Lumbee tribe awaits Senate decision on full federal recognition

PEMBROKE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Lumbee Tribe is closer to gaining full federal recognition as the measure advances through Congress.

The U.S. Senate began voting Tuesday on a spending bill that includes language recognizing the Lumbee Tribe. The vote follows action in the U.S. House of Representatives, which approved the measure last Wednesday.

Dozens of tribal members gathered at the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club to watch the Senate vote live, marking what many described as a historic moment for the community.

The Lumbee Tribe, the largest tribe in North Carolina, was first recognized by Congress in 1955. However, that legislation did not grant the tribe access to federal benefits, leaving generations without resources typically available to federally recognized tribes.

Tribal leaders and members have pushed for decades to secure full federal recognition, arguing it would provide access to critical resources and formally acknowledge the tribe's sovereignty.

Teen Miss Lumbee Keely Deal said the effects of recognition would extend far beyond funding, benefiting future generations and honoring those who came before them.

"It's something more than funding for schooling, more money for Medicaid, reparations for my ancestors, the things that they fought for, and the act, the Lumbee Act of 1956, states that we are a native tribe, but denied any monetary gain. So getting fully federally recognized would mean more than just those monetary benefits. It's everything my ancestors fought for are getting reprised for today," Deal said.

The Lumbee Tribe released the following statement on behalf of Chairman John Lowery on Facebook:

"For years, I have said that one of my goals was to be the last Lumbee Chairman who had to come to Washington, D.C., to fight for recognition. That fight is reaching its conclusion, and I thank God for answering our prayers and strengthening us for this moment.

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"Now begins the next phase of Lumbee leadership. Future chairmen and Tribal Councils will walk the halls of Congress not asking for fairness, but deciding what comes next -- economic growth, land into trust, healthcare access, education, public safety, and real self-governance for our people. Recognition opens the door, sovereignty leads the way, and leadership determines what we build once it is open.

"This progress did not happen by chance. It happened because we were strategic, disciplined, and unwilling to accept delay as denial. We built relationships, we held our ground, and we demanded fairness under the law.

"The next phase is about implementation, accountability, and results. It is about ensuring that full federal recognition translates into stronger communities, greater opportunity, and a future where the Lumbee Tribe controls its own destiny. The work ahead is just as important as the fight behind us -- and we are ready."

If approved by the Senate, the measure would represent a major milestone for the Lumbee Tribe, and its more than 55,000 members across North Carolina and beyond. The measure would then go to President Donald Trump for his signature. Trump has long championed full federal recognition for the Lumbees.