The Lumbee tribe of North Carolina have been fighting for Federal recognition since 1956. The tribe have supporters such as U.S Representative Mike McIntyre, Senator Elizabeth Dole and Senator Richard Burr in Congress but there are many Congressmen who are against federal recognition, stating they there is no real evidence documented about the existence of the Lumbees. Anyone who knows anything about North Carolina's history know that the Lumbee people has been around since the 17oos.
Continuously bills have been created and attempted to be passed in Congress but always seems to be vetoed. The H.R.898, a bill to extend full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe has been passed in the House and currently in the Senate. ( to see the actual bill click here) The bill that has been proposed as an extension of H.R 334 which is composed of a lot of historical and political information concerning the tribe. The H.R.898 would grant the tribe a reservation, educational and health-care benefits. The funding of the Lumbee tribe would be increased allowing the tribe to increase the knowledge of the tribe to both members and non-members. It would also help bring Robeson county out of its poor economic status.
Federal Recognition of the Lumbee tribe has many supporters while at the same time people who feel that the Lumbee does not deserve it. However, I support the bill for recognition it would ultimately change the communities in Robeson County.
To learn more about the lumbee tribe( Click Here)
4 comments:
April-
I didn't really know anything about the issue the Lumbee tribe is facing until visiting your site. I really enjoyed looking through your blog and reading the posts you've made so far. Your writing is clear and your points are specific. I also love that you chose an issue that relates to you personally.
fred, Thanks for reading my blog and allowing me to see that the point that I am trying to make in creating this blog is working. I hope that you continue to read my blogs to learn more information about the Lumbee tribe.
It is hard to believe that people don't agree to recognize the Lumbee tribe. It seems very selfish that they wouldn't want the Lumbees recognized because they think it will take away from their funding. It is interesting to read about this on your blog and I think you do a good job explaining both sides. The fact that it is something that you are personally connected with helps you reflect on the topic.
This is Jeffrey.
April, this is a very interesting subject that I think most people have not really considered before. Most people seem to take for granted that all Native American tribes are recognized and have reparations paid to them. It seems selfish that some tribes would rather ignore another tribes' existence in order to get more money for themselves. I realize that the recognition would change the economic status of the members of the Lumbee tribe and could help the economic status of the communities in which the tribe members live.
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