"We don't pretend to know all that drives the Tuscarora Tribe to so vehemently oppose federal recognition for the Lumbee Indians, but we do understand a bottom line - from $77 million to $100 million a year.

That is the amount of money - roughly equivalent to all the dollars tourists leave behind each year in Robeson County - that the Tuscarora leadership would deny their neighbors and fellow American Indians, money that would enhance education, economic development and health care for about 50,000 Lumbees with a history of discrimination and having to settle for less.

But the Lumbees aren't the only ones who would benefit. All of us would, including Tuscaroras, because the money would fuel a stagnant local economy, creating jobs and opportunities."

Get the Story:
Edtorial: Tribal warfare (The Robesonian 8/28)

Hearing Info:
LEGISLATIVE HEARING on S. 660, the Lumbee Recognition Act (July 12, 2006)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.660 | H.R.21 | H.R.4171

Relevant Links:
Official Lumbee Tribe website - http://www.lumbeetribe.com
Lumbee Regional Development Association - http://www.lumbee.org

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