Lumbee facts for kids
Official logo of the
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 60,000 registered | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (  North Carolina,  South Carolina,  Virginia,  Tennessee) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, American Indian English |
|
| Religion | |
| Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Tuscarora, Coharie, Waccamaw Siouan, Catawba |
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is a large Native American tribe. Most of its members live in southeastern North Carolina. They are the biggest state-recognized tribe in North Carolina. They are also the largest state-recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River. The Lumbee are named after the Lumbee River. This river flows through Robeson County, where many Lumbee people live. Pembroke, North Carolina is an important center for the tribe. It is their economic, cultural, and political hub.
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Who Are the Lumbee People?
The Lumbee Tribe has about 55,000 members. Most of them live in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland counties. The Lumbee are the ninth largest non-federally recognized tribe in the United States. This means they are recognized by their state but not by the national government in the same way as some other tribes.
Where Lumbee People Live
A large number of Lumbee people live in and around Pembroke, North Carolina. According to a 2000 report, 89% of the people in Pembroke identify as Lumbee. Also, 40% of Robeson County's population identifies as Lumbee. This shows how important the Lumbee community is in this area.
How the Lumbee Tribe Is Recognized
The Lumbee Tribe has been recognized by the state of North Carolina since 1885. This means the state officially sees them as a Native American tribe. They are one of eight state-recognized tribes in North Carolina.
National Recognition Efforts
In 1956, the United States Congress recognized the Lumbee Tribe as a Native American tribe. However, this recognition came with special conditions. These conditions meant they did not get the same benefits as other federally recognized tribes. The Lumbee Tribe continues to work towards full federal recognition. This would give them the same rights and services as other tribes recognized by the U.S. government.
Lumbee Participation in Organizations
The Lumbee Tribe is active in many ways. They work with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs at the state level. They also take part in national groups. These include the National Congress of American Indians and the National Indian Education Association. These groups help Native American tribes across the country.
