The Fayetteville Observer continues its series on the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and its efforts to win federal recognition.

Tribal leaders say recognition will result in improved housing. The tribe received $10 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development last year, but that figure has been declining.

“The only way you can solve that problem is by bringing in more money," Chairman Jimmy Goins told the paper. "The money that we receive just keeps our nose above the water.”

The Tigua Tribe of Texas, whose federal status was in limbo before Congress corrected it, receives far fewer HUD funds. But tribal leaders say the money has improved conditions on their small reservation in El Paso.

“Believe me, we have done miracles with it,” Lt. Gov. Carlos Hisa told the paper.

Get the Story:
Lumbees struggle to provide housing (The Fayetteville Observer 3/10)
For the Tigua tribe, recognition has been the path to better housing (The Fayetteville Observer 3/10)

Lumbee Recognition Bill:
H.R.31

Related Stories:
Road to Recognition: Lumbee Tribe continues push (3/9)
Indian inmates fight over Lumbee recognition (2/24)
Lumbee Tribe recognition bill introduced again (01/15)