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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2003

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina shouldn't "circumvent" the Bureau of Indian Affairs' process for federal recognition, The Asheville Citizen-Times says in an editorial today.

The tribe is currently barred from applying for recognition through the BIA. So members of Congress have introduced a bill to restore full status to the tribe.

The paper says Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) should support a different bill. "Instead of short-circuiting the BIA process, Sen. Dole and Rep. McIntyre should sponsor legislation lifting the ban on Lumbee participation in that process," the paper writes.

The Citizen-Times is a paper in western North Carolina and often reports on stories affecting the Eastern Band of Cherokees. The Lumbees are mostly located in eastern North Carolina.

Get the Story:
Editorial: Lumbee should be allowed to make case that they are valid Native American group (The Asheville Citizen-Times 3/12)

Relevant Links:
Official Lumbee Tribe website - http://www.lumbeetribe.com

Related Stories:
Lumbee tribal members agree to limit territory (3/10)
Lumbee tribal members debate extent of territory (03/07)
Opinion: Approve recognition of Lumbee Tribe (2/27)
Group says Lumbee recognition means casino (2/26)
Sen. Dole backs Lumbee recognition bill (02/19)
Lumbee Tribe seeks support fot federal status (2/18)
Lumbee recognition bill to be delayed (01/09)
Lumbee Tribe hopes for recognition (11/27)