Leaders of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina aren't swaying from a controversial lobbying contract.

Critics have tried to get the tribe to cancel the agreement with Lewin International. But the council appears to have finalized the contract, which some believe will hurt the tribe's federal recognition bill because it makes reference to gaming.

The House passed the tribe's recognition bill last year but it included a prohibition on gaming. The Senate has not taken action.

In going with Lewin, the tribe ended its relationship with Arlinda Locklear, a tribal member and attorney who has lobbied for federal recognition for over 20 years. She worked for the tribe for free.

Get the Story:
Lumbee Tribe finalizes contract (The Fayetteville Observer 5/21)
Lumbees divided on new recognition effort (SCNow 5/21)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

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Editorial: Lumbee Tribe should reconsider lobbying contract (5/20)
Lumbee lobbying contract calls for no gambling restrictions (5/18)
Lumbee leaders host meeting to explain lobbying contract (5/11)
Opinion: Lumbee Tribe lobbying contract makes no sense (5/10)
Lumbee Tribe holds meeting to discuss lobbying contract (5/7)
Lumbee group urges chairman to kill recognition contract (4/27)
Editorial: Lumbee leaders gambling with recognition bid (4/19)
Lumbee council fails in vote to rescind lobbying contract (4/16)
Lumbee leaders threatened with recall over lobbying deal (4/13)
Lumbee group plans to discuss contract for recognition bid (4/8)
Editorial: Hope fading fast for Lumbee Tribe's recognition (03/22)
Lumbee Tribe ends relationship with longtime attorney (3/19)
New Lumbee chairman promises to push for recognition (1/15)
Lumbee Tribe chairman aims to boost credibility (11/18)
Lumbee Tribe moves closer to federal recognition (10/23)