Senators seek Lumbee recognition

Submitted by bkrueger on October 1, 2009 - 12:56pm.
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U.S. Sens. Richard Burr, a Republican, and Kay Hagan, a Democrat, have introduced the Lumbee Recognition Act to provide full federal recognition to the Lumbee tribe based in Robeson County along Interstate 95.

The Lumbee have for years tried to earn federal recognition through congressional action, but have repeatedly fallen short, reports Barb Barrett. The Lumbee earned state recognition in 1885.

Federal recognition would allow the Lumbee access to federal housing and education benefits. Federally recognized tribes also earn the right to build casinos on their tribal land. But the Lumbee have in the past agreed to forgo that right in return for recognition.

Among the bill’s opponents in the past have been U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat who represents the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in western North Carolina.

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Re: Senators seek Lumbee recognition

Submitted by StatesRights on October 2, 2009 - 9:02am.

While I don't really have a dog in this fight I would like to point out to the last poster that saying "yes" DOES take something away from others, if it opens up a whole new group to get preferential treatment in Federally funded programs, including college space/money.

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Re: Senators seek Lumbee recognition

Submitted by yarghy on October 1, 2009 - 10:51pm.

This group of decent people deserves the rights of other native American groups. Saying "No" to them rejects the best of America's hard-working, decent folks. Saying "yes" takes nothing from anyone. Native Americans are among the best of out best, and the Lumbee are Native Americans of the first order. Reject anyone like the Lumbee and you reject the greatest strengths and widsdom of our land.

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Re: Senators seek Lumbee recognition

Submitted by dlhertzberg on October 1, 2009 - 9:27pm.

I thought the whole point behind being Lumbee was not being recognized?

Are these time wasting, elected officials, going to reopen the trail of tears for official business also?

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Re: Senators seek Lumbee recognition

Submitted by PercyKution on October 1, 2009 - 6:49pm.

The reason the legislation has not passed for over 50 years is that nobody can figure out just exactly what a "Lumbee" Indian is. And still can't.

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