The new administration of President Barack Obama supports federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a top Bureau of Indian Affairs official said today.

During the campaign, Obama vowed to help the tribe win recognition. The BIA's testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee reflected that promise.

"The decision was made by the political leadership at Interior," said George Skibine, a career employee who is in charge of the BIA, of the administration's support for H.R.31.

"As a matter of equity and good conscience, it is time for the Lumbee Tribe to be recognized," Skibine testified.

The Bush administration did not support legislative recognition for the tribe.

Committee Hearing:
Full Committee Legislative Hearing On H.R. 31 And H.R. 1385 (March 18, 2009)

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