Lumbee Tribe secures federal recognition through defense bill

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina secured federal recognition Wednesday after Congress approved legislation as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, according to the Associated Press. The state-recognized tribe has sought federal recognition for generations, and previous stand-alone legislation had stalled in Congress. The measure passed the Senate Wednesday afternoon and now awaits the president’s signature.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery celebrated the vote alongside tribal members in North Carolina and in Washington, D.C. “We have been second-class Natives and we will never be that again,” Lowery was quoted as saying. Federal recognition will allow the tribe to access federal resources, including Indian Health Service programs, and to place land into trust.