The Lumbee are the present-day descendants of the Cheraw Tribe and have continuously existed in and around Robeson County since the early part of the eighteenth century. (Note: A brief timeline of Lumbee history can be found by clicking here.) In 1885, the tribe was recognized as Indian by the State of North Carolina. The tribe has sought full federal recognition from the United States Government since 1888. In 1956, Congress passed the Lumbee Act, which recognized the tribe as Indian. However, the Act withheld the full benefits of federal recognition from the tribe. Efforts are currently underway to pass federal legislation that grants full recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The following sections detail the Lumbee Tribe's history, origins, religion, language, and education, as well as studies and efforts for federal recognition.

Origins >

Federal Recognition: The Lumbee Tribe's Hundred Year Quest (Requires Adobe Reader to open. To download the free software, click here.)

Lumbee Recognition Act (Introduced in Senate)[S.333.IS]

Lumbee Recognition Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.65.IH]