A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE THE LUMBEE TRIBE OF NORTH CAROLINA ON BEING FORMALLY ADDED TO THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS' LIST OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES, THUS ENDING A STRUGGLE OF ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS.

 

Whereas, on January 30, 2026, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina was officially added to the Bureau of Indian Affairs' list of federally recognized tribes, following the passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Trump on December 18, 2025; and

 

Whereas, these actions ended a struggle that began in 1888 and continued for 137 years. The Lumbee Tribe's successful effort to achieve full recognition makes the tribe the 575^th group to be so recognized and grants Lumbee Tribe members access to federal services and benefits; and

 

Whereas, the tribe is currently in the first phase of implementing this recognition, with a transition team working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribe members plan to hold a year-long celebration in 2026 to mark this historic achievement; and

 

Whereas, the recognition provides access to federal funding for housing, healthcare, education, and other benefits, reversing a restrictive 1956 act that previously had recognized the tribe but denied them services. The new 2026 benefits also will create economic opportunities for the tribe and the surrounding community; and

 

Whereas, with more than 56,000 members, the Lumbee is the largest tribe in the state of North Carolina and the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River; and

 

Whereas, with great pleasure, the South Carolina House adds its collective voice to the chorus of congratulations flowing in to the members of the Lumbee Tribe at this successful conclusion of long years of effort and anticipation. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina on being formally added to the Bureau of Indian Affairs' list of federally recognized tribes, thus ending a struggle of one hundred thirty-seven years.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery on behalf of the Lumbee Tribe.

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