Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery Signs Historic Indian Child Welfare Act Legislation— Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery has signed the “Lumbee Indian Child Welfare Act"
Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery Signs Historic Indian Child Welfare Act Legislation
Pembroke, NC (October 9, 2026) — Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery has signed the “Lumbee Indian Child Welfare Act”, which aims to protect the best interest of Lumbee Children and the rights of Lumbee families. On September 17, 2026, the Lumbee Tribal Council unanimously passed the Legislation.
This historic legislation affirms the Tribe’s commitment to ensure that Lumbee children remain connected, whenever safe and appropriate to their parents, siblings, extended family, tribal community, cultural identity, traditions, history, and homeland.
Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery said the legislation is probably the most significant ordinance he has signed. “As a father, I believe every Lumbee child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and knowing who they are and where they belong,” said Lowery. “Signing the Lumbee Indian Child Welfare Act is a deeply meaningful step toward protecting our children and preserving the family bonds and cultural connections that help carry them through life. Our children are a blessing from the Creator, and we have a sacred responsibility to stand beside them and their families.”
Enacted in 1978 by Congress, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) responded to the crisis of the forced removal of Native children from their families and communities at alarming rates of 25%–35%, with 85% being placed outside their families, even when relatives or Tribal members were available to care for them.
Tribal Council Speaker Alex Baker said by passing the Lumbee Indian Child Welfare Act, the Tribal Council has taken an important step to protect Lumbee children, strengthen our families, and affirm our sovereign responsibility to future generations. “Our children are not just cases in a system, they are Lumbee children, connected to a People, a homeland, a culture, and a family story that must be protected,” said Baker. “This law says clearly that the Lumbee Tribe will stand for our children, support our families, and do its part to make sure our People remain connected for generations to come.”
Tribal Council Representative Jody Bullard (District 4) serves as Chairperson for the Lumbee Tribal Council Health and Human Services Committee, which put forth the legislation. “Forming an ICWA Committee was an important step to keep our future generations culturally alive,” said Bullard. “The Lumbee Tribal Council took a step forward to protect our children and preserve family connections.”
Since approving the “Lumbee Indian Child Welfare Act”, the Lumbee Tribe hosted a Qualified Expert Witness training this month which welcomed more than 50 social workers, counselors, attorneys, community members and community stakeholders who can play a role in supporting some of the Lumbee Tribe’s most vulnerable children.
The Lumbee Tribe is also hosting a Foster Family Information Fair on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in partnership with Healthy Blue Care. There is an urgent need for loving foster homes in the Lumbee Community. Since receiving full Federal Recognition, the Lumbee Tribe ICWA Department has received more than 500 notifications nationwide involving Lumbee children who are in Foster Care.
