"It�s too soon to uncork the champagne, but this is progress. A bill that would grant recognition to the Lumbee tribe has advanced from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to the full Senate.

A quest older than any living Lumbee has once again come close to full federal recognition. This is about more than respect � getting the same treatment as any other American Indian tribe. It is also about the benefits that come with recognition, worth an estimated $77 million a year to the tribe�s 55,000 members. Most of that money would flow into Robeson County, where most of the members live. It would have a profound impact on education, health care and economic development there � an impact that would spread beyond the tribe�s members as the money moves through the economy and multiplies.

This drive for recognition has a long, complex and frustrating history. The tribe won the right to its name but nothing else 50 years ago. The Lumbee Act of 1956 recognized the tribe as American Indian, but denied most federal services that most tribes receive."

Get the Story:
Our View: Lumbee quest for recognition moves ahead, but success may stay elusive (The Fayetteville Observer 8/6

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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