Lumbee

Lumbee
source
Group	Lumbee
Population	approximately 55,000 enrolled tribal members
Regions	North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Languages	English
Related	Cherokee Nation, Tuscarora, Catawba

Lumbee. The Lumbee are a Native American tribe primarily located in North Carolina, with a significant presence in Robeson County. They have a distinct cultural identity shaped by their history and interactions with other tribes, such as the Cherokee Nation and Tuscarora. The Lumbee have been involved in various historical events, including the American Civil War and the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which affected tribes like the Catawba and Seminole.

Introduction

The Lumbee tribe has a rich and complex history, with roots tracing back to the Tuscarora War and interactions with European-American settlers, including those from England and Scotland. Their name is derived from the Lumber River, which runs through Robeson County and has been home to the tribe for centuries. The Lumbee have been recognized by the State of North Carolina since 1885 and have been seeking full federal recognition from the United States Congress since the 1980s, with support from organizations like the National Congress of American Indians and Native American Rights Fund. This recognition would place them alongside other federally recognized tribes, such as the Navajo Nation and Cherokee Nation.

History

The history of the Lumbee is closely tied to that of other Native American tribes in the region, including the Tuscarora and Catawba, as well as significant events like the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The Lumbee were also affected by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation of many Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears. The Lumbee played a significant role in the American Civil War, with many members fighting for the Union Army alongside soldiers from Ohio and New York. The tribe's history is also marked by interactions with notable figures, such as Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln, and events like the Battle of Gettysburg and the Siege of Vicksburg.

Culture

Lumbee culture is a unique blend of Native American traditions and European-American influences, reflecting their history of interaction with tribes like the Cherokee Nation and Catawba, as well as settlers from England and Scotland. The Lumbee are known for their expertise in fishing and hunting, which are reflected in their traditional art and crafts, similar to those of the Inuit and other Native American tribes. They also have a strong tradition of music and dance, including the powwow, which is shared with tribes like the Navajo Nation and Seminole. The Lumbee have been influenced by various Christian denominations, including the Baptist Church and Methodist Church, and have also maintained their traditional spiritual practices, similar to those of the Native American Church.

Tribal Recognition

The Lumbee have been recognized by the State of North Carolina since 1885 but have not yet received full federal recognition from the United States Congress. This recognition would grant them the same status as other federally recognized tribes, such as the Cherokee Nation and Navajo Nation, and provide access to federal benefits and services, including those offered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service. The Lumbee have been seeking federal recognition since the 1980s, with support from organizations like the National Congress of American Indians and Native American Rights Fund, and have been involved in efforts like the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 and the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994.

Notable Lumbee

Several notable individuals are of Lumbee descent, including Malinda Maynor Lowery, a historian and professor at UNC Chapel Hill, and Brooke Simpson, a singer who competed on The Voice. Other notable Lumbee include Wilma Mankiller, a community developer and Tulsa resident, and Vine Deloria Jr., a historian and professor at University of Colorado. The Lumbee have also been associated with significant events and institutions, such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Smithsonian Institution, and have been recognized for their contributions to Native American culture and history, including awards from the National Museum of the American Indian and Native American Journalists Association. The tribe's history and culture have been documented by scholars like Theda Perdue and Michael Dorris, and have been featured in works like The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven and Ceremony.