NASP Welcomes Our Lumbee Relatives – The Struggle for Recognition and Unity Among Our Tribes

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, with a community of about 55,000 members, has been engaged in a long-standing battle for federal recognition. Despite being formally recognized by North Carolina in 1885, they have faced continuous challenges in gaining full federal recognition, granting them access to crucial benefits for education, health care, and economic development. This nonpartisan issue has been highlighted in recent years with significant political support, including from major parties who have expressed support for the Lumbee Recognition Act. 

A National Nonprofit vs. State-Recognized Tribes

A major Native American national organization has been facing divisive issues regarding the inclusion of state-recognized tribes. Proposed constitutional amendments within the organization aim to restrict voting rights and membership to those from federally recognized tribes, relegating state-recognized tribes to associate member status without voting rights. This move has sparked controversy, as it challenges the principles of unity and advocacy against marginalization that the organization was founded upon – to resist federal government pressure for termination. Proponents of the amendments view state recognition as a threat to tribal sovereignty. At the same time, opponents argue that excluding state-recognized tribes would weaken their membership and go against its historical stance of supporting all tribes, regardless of their federal recognition status. This debate is detailed in an article from Native News Online.

The Importance of Unity and Support

The situation of the Lumbee Tribe and the debates within the national organization underscores the complexities and challenges faced by state-recognized tribes in the United States. It highlights the need for unity and support among all Native American tribes, regardless of their recognition status. We, Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation (NASP), advocate for tribes like the Lumbee Nation, emphasizing the importance of standing together in the fight for recognition, rights, and heritage preservation.

The journey toward federal recognition for tribes like the Lumbee is more than a legal battle; it’s a fight for identity, rights, and respect. The debates within large organizations reflect more profound issues of inclusivity and representation within the Native American community. It is essential for all tribes, federally and state-recognized, to unite in our shared goals and struggles, ensuring that no tribe is left behind or forgotten in the pursuit of sovereignty and preservation.