Former President Donald Trump announced during a rally in Wilmington that he would work towards granting full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina if re-elected. The Lumbee Tribe, currently only partially recognized by the federal government, has been fighting for full recognition since the 1880s.
With a population of approximately 63,000 enrolled members in Pembroke, Robeson County, the Lumbee Tribe has become a significant voting bloc in North Carolina. Recent election cycles have shown a shift in political leanings among Lumbee voters, with a trend towards supporting Republicans.
The Republican National Committee opened a community outreach center in Pembroke in 2022, targeting Native American outreach in the region. This strategic move has proven successful, with Robeson County flipping from Democratic control to Republican in recent elections.
The issue of full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe is politically contested due to the potential benefits it would bring, including access to resources from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health System. Additionally, full recognition could enable the tribe to establish a local casino infrastructure, similar to other federally recognized tribes in North Carolina.
Trump’s support for Lumbee recognition is seen as a significant step towards justice and increased economic opportunities for the tribe. With the potential for a second Trump administration, the Lumbee Tribe may have a strong ally in their fight for full federal recognition.
Source
Photo credit www.carolinajournal.com
