Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act, introduced by Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina’s 9th district. The bill aims to grant federal recognition and protections to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
“House passage of this critical legislation brings us one step closer to securing full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe,” said Rep. Hudson. “I am proud to have led this effort and will continue to fight until the Lumbee people get the recognition they rightfully deserve.”
The Lumbee Tribe has been recognized by North Carolina since 1885 and began seeking federal recognition in 1888. Despite their longstanding cultural presence in the state, efforts for federal acknowledgment have faced challenges.
Since 1988, over 30 legislative attempts have been made in Congress to secure federal recognition for the tribe, including multiple introductions by Rep. Hudson. Bipartisan support has allowed similar bills to pass through the House six times, with recent approvals in November 2020 and November 2021.
