Critics of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are "selfish," The Wilmington Morning Star says in an editorial.

"They don't want to share the federal aid," the paper says. "And these days, they might not want to share any potential customers for gambling casinos."

The Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina testified against a bill to recognize the Lumbee Tribe. The Cherokees claim the Lumbees are of questionable legitimacy and should go through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to ask for recognition.

The United South and Eastern Tribes, an organization of 24 tribes, testified against the bill, saying the Lumbees should go through the BIA process. Several USET members, however, received recognition from Congress.

Get the Story:
Lumbees deserve full recognition (The Wilmington Morning Star 4/6)

Get Lumbee Bills:
Dole: S.420 | McIntyre: H.R.898 | Taylor: H.R.1408

Relevant Links:
Official Lumbee Tribe website - http://www.lumbeetribe.com
Lumbee Regional Development Association - http://www.lumbee.org

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Editorial: Lumbee recognition about fairness (4/5)
Clash over Lumbee recognition at House hearing (4/2)
House committee tackles Lumbee recognition bill (4/2)
House committee debating status of Lumbee Tribe (4/1)
House committee takes up recognition process (4/1)
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Supporters of Lumbee recognition bill expect fight (12/18)
Lumbee recognition bill delayed on Senate floor (12/03)
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Benefits of Lumbee recognition said to be many (9/22)
Lumbee Tribe makes case for federal recognition (09/18)
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Lumbee delegation pushing for federal recognition (9/15)
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