The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is raising $200,000 for its federal recognition effort.

The tribe has already raised $120,000, Chairman Purnell Swett said. The money will be used to pay the AndersonTuell lobbying firm in Washington, D.C.

“These people have experience with Indian issues,” Swett told The Robesonian. “They know a lot of people and the people know them.”

Congress identified the Lumbees as "Indians" in 1956. But the law, which was passed during the termination era, said they weren't eligible for federal services.

Two other tribes that were the subject of similar acts of Congress have since been restored to federal recognition.

Get the Story:
Tribe opens recognition office (The Robesonian 9/6)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

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