Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery's Weekly Federal Recognition Update January 30 2026

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to announce that today, January 30, 2026, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina officially appears on the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ published list of Federally Recognized Tribes. This moment marks history for our people. I encourage everyone to pause and reflect on what this means, not just for us today, but for our ancestors who fought so long and so hard to bring us to this point. Their perseverance, faith, and determination carried us forward, and we honor them in this moment.

This milestone represents the first phase of implementing the Lumbee Fairness Act. While there is still important work ahead, I want to assure you that our team is moving forward diligently and deliberately as we take these next steps.

I know many of you tuned in last night as Lydia Locklear Canty and Amber Holland, co-founders of the Current Tribal Law and Policy firm, held a “Beyond Recognition” panel. During this panel, discussions focused on tribal health care programs, protection and promotion of our sovereignty, and the economic development opportunities that we will have with our federal recognition. The many future opportunities for our tribe are significant, and I am thrilled that Amber and Lydia put this event on for our community.

Recently, we met with the Department of the Interior and developed a clear plan to ensure we are fully complying with the enrollment requirements outlined in our Constitution. Our Federal Recognition Transition Team continues to work tirelessly to provide the BIA with the information needed to move us into the next phase of implementation.

I also want to share an important update regarding our children. As of December 18, 2025, the Indian Child Welfare Act became immediately effective for Lumbee children. This has become a significant part of our administration’s daily work.

Dr. Cherry Beasley, our Director of Health, has been designated as the Tribe’s ICWA contact, and I want to sincerely thank her for her leadership and service. Along with other members of the Federal Recognition Transition Team, she has been working closely with counties, attorneys, and courts to ensure ICWA is implemented properly. We are grateful for the many partners who have stepped forward to support this effort.

Finally, we have officially launched our year-long celebration of Lumbee Federal Recognition. With a wide and diverse lineup of events planned throughout the year, we hope to see every Lumbee citizen join us, whether at one event or many, as we celebrate this historic achievement together.

Thank you all for your continued support, your patience, and your pride in who we are as Lumbee people. This is our moment, and we move forward together in this Era of Possibility and Prosperity.

Click here to see video https://youtu.be/Aq5Y7P-9R5Y