Correction: Indianz.Com incorrectly removed the Eastern Band to Louisiana. The tribe is based in North Carolina. We apologize for this virtual Trail of Tears.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is close to federal recognition, Chairman Jimmy Goins said.

Goins emerged positive after meeting with Sen. Richard Burr (R-North Carolina), a new member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He said Burr will get the bill passed by the committee.

The tribe is supported by Sen. Liz Dole (R-North Carolina), whose first action as senator was to introduce the Lumbee recognition act. On the House side, Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina), is leading the effort.

The Lumbees are opposed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina, and the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. The Cherokees are relying on Rep. Charles Taylor (R-North Carolina), the powerful chairman of the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee, for help.

Get the Story:
Goins: Recognition hopes better than ever (The Robesonian 10/25)

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

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