Summary

Summary of Executive Order on Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

Purpose

• The memorandum aims to acknowledge the historical and contemporary significance of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, also known as the People of the Dark Water.
• It recognizes the tribe's historical roots and the need for federal acknowledgement to access federal benefits.

Background

• The Lumbee Tribe has over 55,000 members, making it the largest tribe east of the Mississippi and the ninth-largest in the U.S.
• The tribe was recognized by the state of North Carolina in 1885 and by the federal government through the Lumbee Act in 1956, which, however, did not grant federal benefits.
• The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act in 2024 to grant full federal recognition, but it was not acted upon in the Senate.

Actions Taken

1. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to:

• Review all relevant authorities regarding tribal recognition within 90 days.
• Collaborate with Lumbee leadership to create a plan for obtaining full federal recognition and benefits.
• Explore various legal pathways for recognition, including congressional action and judicial proceedings.

2. The directive includes publishing this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Expected Impact

• The actions aim to lead to full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe, enabling access to federal benefits and support.
• The plan is expected to provide a structured approach to achieving these objectives through legislative and legal channels.