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Senate panel holds hearing on Lumbee recognition
Thursday, September 18, 2003

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Wednesday held a hearing to address federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R) and Reps. Mike McIntyre (D) and Eni Faleomavaega (D-Am.Samoa) testified in favor of a bill that would outright recognize the tribe. Dole has introduced the Senate version, which has no co-sponsors, and McIntyre has introduced the House version, which has 225 co-sponsors.

Aurene Martin, the principal deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, didn't express a strong view for or against recognition. She testified that the Bush administration has concerns about land-into-trust, jurisdiction and verification of the tribe's large, almost 50,000, membership.

Lumbee chairman Milton Hunt, lawyer and tribal member Arlinda Locklear and professor Jack Campisi said the tribe was deserving of federal status. They noted the tribe's efforts to gain recognition, which date back more than a century. Locklear said the Department of Interior has always been a stumbling block.

Tim Martin testified for the United South and Eastern Tribes, which represents 24 tribes from Maine to Florida. He said that USET generally opposes legislative recognition of tribes, even though some of USET's members received Congressional acknowledgment.

Get the Story:
Lumbees hope for success on recognition (The Fayetteville Observer 9/18

Relevant Documents:
Testimony, Witness List (September 17, 2003)

Get Lumbee Bills:
S.420 | H.R.898

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

Related Stories:
Lumbee delegation pushing for federal recognition (9/15)
Senate panel to hold hearing on Lumbee recognition (09/04)
School board supports recognition of Lumbee Tribe (08/12)
Senate panel to hold hearing on Lumbee recognition (8/4)
Lumbee Tribe hopes for resolution of status (3/19)
Lumbee tribal members debate extent of territory (3/7)
Opinion: Approve recognition of Lumbee Tribe (2/27)
Group says Lumbee recognition means casino (2/26)
Sen. Dole backs Lumbee recognition bill (02/19)
Lumbee Tribe seeks support fot federal status (2/18)
Lumbee recognition bill to be delayed (01/09)
Lumbee Tribe hopes for recognition (11/27)

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