Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
January 23, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose & Policy: Endorse full Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, acknowledging their historical significance and enduring connection to the Lumbee River and surrounding lands.
- Historical Context:
- The tribe was recognized by the State of North Carolina in 1885.
- In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Lumbee Act, which recognized the tribe but denied full Federal benefits.
- Today, the tribe numbers over 55,000 members, making it the largest east of the Mississippi and the ninth-largest in the nation.
- Legislative Background: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act in 2024 (311-96 vote) to grant full recognition, though it was not considered by the Senate.
- Directive for Recognition Plan:
- The Secretary of the Interior must, within 90 days, review all applicable authorities regarding tribal recognition.
- Consultation with Lumbee Tribe leadership and submission of a plan to the President on achieving full Federal recognition through legislation or other mechanisms.
- The plan must analyze pathways including congressional action, judicial decisions, or procedures outlined in 25 C.F.R. Part 83.
- Publication Requirement: The memorandum is to be published in the Federal Register.
Risks & Considerations
- The federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe could lead to increased attention and resources directed towards Native American studies and related fields. This may create opportunities for Vanderbilt University to expand its research and academic programs in these areas.
- There is a potential risk of increased competition for federal funding as the Lumbee Tribe gains access to federal benefits. This could impact the availability of grants and resources for other programs and institutions.
- The recognition process may involve legal and regulatory complexities that could set precedents affecting other tribes and institutions involved in Native American affairs. Vanderbilt may need to stay informed about these developments to anticipate any broader implications.
- Vanderbilt’s existing partnerships with Native American communities and organizations may need to be reassessed to align with the new federal recognition status of the Lumbee Tribe.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Anthropology and American Studies Program may see increased interest and demand for courses related to Native American history, culture, and policy.
- The Office of Community Engagement could explore new partnerships and initiatives with the Lumbee Tribe, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
- Vanderbilt Law School might consider offering specialized courses or clinics focused on Native American law and policy, given the legal complexities involved in federal recognition processes.
Financial Impact
- The allocation of federal benefits to the Lumbee Tribe could influence the distribution of federal funds, potentially affecting grant opportunities for research and development in Native American studies.
- Vanderbilt may have opportunities to secure funding for collaborative projects with the Lumbee Tribe, particularly in areas related to cultural preservation, education, and community development.
- Changes in federal policy regarding Native American tribes could impact the financial landscape for institutions engaged in related research and advocacy, necessitating strategic adjustments in funding approaches.
Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum presents moderate risks and opportunities involving compliance and potential collaborations with Native American communities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Anthropology should consider conducting research on the cultural and historical significance of the Lumbee Tribe. This could enhance the university’s academic contributions to indigenous studies and provide valuable insights into the tribe’s heritage and its implications for federal recognition.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition process. Understanding the legislative and administrative pathways could inform Vanderbilt’s engagement strategies with indigenous communities and federal agencies.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School could explore the legal aspects of tribal recognition and the implications of the Lumbee Fairness Act. This could provide opportunities for legal scholarship and advocacy related to indigenous rights and federal recognition processes.
Opportunities
- The recognition of the Lumbee Tribe presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Native American Studies to expand its programs and partnerships with indigenous communities. By engaging with the Lumbee Tribe, the center can enhance its research and outreach efforts, contributing to the broader discourse on indigenous rights and recognition.
- Vanderbilt can leverage this development to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion by developing targeted educational and support programs for Native American students, particularly those from the Lumbee Tribe.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures related to indigenous studies and engagement with Native American communities.)
Timeline for Implementation
Within 90 days of January 23, 2025: The Secretary of the Interior is directed to submit a recognition plan for the Lumbee Tribe.
Relevance Score: 2
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of the Interior: The memorandum directs the Secretary of the Interior to review all applicable authorities, consult with the Lumbee Tribe leadership, and submit a plan for achieving full Federal recognition, making this agency the primary executor of the directive.
- Office of the Federal Register: Though not mentioned by name, this office is implicitly involved as the memorandum must be published in the Federal Register, ensuring public accessibility of the directive.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 government agencies are directly impacted by the directive.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of the Interior – Responsible for reviewing applicable authorities, consulting with the Lumbee Tribe leadership, submitting a plan to the President for full Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, and publishing the memorandum in the Federal Register.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directive directly affects a Cabinet-level official with broad responsibilities in implementing the policy.)