Posted on: December 10, 2025, 08:16h.
Last updated on: December 10, 2025, 08:16h.
- NDAA provision could lead to full federal acknowledgment for the Lumbee Tribe.
- Such recognition might pave the way for additional tribal casino projects in North Carolina.
- Leaders of the Cherokee tribe oppose the Lumbee proposal, citing lineage concerns and potential competition.
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the verge of achieving federal recognition, a milestone that could enable the establishment of a casino in the southeastern region of the state.
A provision for granting recognition to the Lumbee Tribe is included in a crucial defense spending bill (NDAA), revealed by US lawmakers this past Sunday. Achieving federal recognition means a tribe is acknowledged as a sovereign entity, allowing access to federal programs, legal status, and rights, such as placing land into trust and operating casinos.
Prolonged Journey for Recognition
The Lumbee Tribe has been on a quest for this recognition for 130 years. Supporters, including President Donald Trump, are optimistic that the goal is finally feasible. However, it’s not yet finalized. Currently, the $901 billion NDAA is under congressional review, which leaves room for amendments and removals. A vote on this legislation is anticipated later this month.
For years, the Lumbee community has sought complete federal acknowledgment — and now, we are closer than ever to making it a reality,” stated US Rep. Mark Harris (R-Robeson County) on social media Monday. “We have utilized every available resource to secure recognition in this year’s NDAA.”
The Lumbee Tribe has expressed interest in developing a casino, especially highlighted in 2023 when a proposal for licensing four new commercial gaming establishments in North Carolina was put forward — one intended for the Lumbee — but ultimately did not garner enough support to pass.
Nevertheless, the tribe currently emphasizes the significance of recognition and full sovereignty rights rather than delving into specific gaming endeavors.
At present, North Carolina is home to three casinos — two owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and one by the Catawba Indian Nation.
Opposition from the Cherokee Tribe
The EBCI stands out as a primary opponent to Lumbee recognition. This tribe, along with others, contends that the Lumbee have not sufficiently proven a continuous lineage from a particular historic tribe, which is a crucial criterion for federal acknowledgment.
They argue that the Lumbee have historically claimed ancestry from multiple tribes, which they believe undermines the legitimacy of a defined lineage.
“We are profoundly disappointed and concerned to witness the incorporation of Lumbee recognition language into the National Defense Authorization Act,” remarked EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks in a statement. “A national defense bill is not the suitable forum for considering federal recognition, particularly for a group that has not fulfilled the historical and legal benchmarks required for sovereign tribal nations.”