The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is upset with Sen. Kay Hagan (D) after she endorsed federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.

The Cherokees want the Lumbees to go through the administrative recognition process. They say the Lumbees aren't legitimate.

“I am disappointed that our friend Senator Kay Hagan has issued a letter supporting legislation that would recognize the Lumbee group as a tribe through the political process,” Eastern Cherokee Chief Michell Hicks said.

The Cherokees gained recognition through an act of Congress.

Get the Story:
Hagan supports recognition of Lumbees (The Asheville Citizen-Times 3/30)

Lumbee Recognition Bill:
H.R.31

Committee Hearing:
Full Committee Legislative Hearing On H.R. 31 And H.R. 1385 (March 18, 2009)

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Editorial: Lumbee Tribe deserves recognition (3/26)
Obama supports recognition for Lumbee Tribe (3/19)
Obama administration backs Lumbee recognition (3/18)
Audio: House hearing on federal recognition bills (3/18)
Witness list for hearing on recognition bills (3/17)
House Resources hearing on federal recognition bills (3/16)
Road to Recognition: Rival Lumbee bill introduced (3/11)
Bill to recognize Virginia tribes introduced in House (3/10)
Road to Recognition: Lumbee Tribe seeks housing (3/10)
Road to Recognition: Lumbee Tribe continues push (3/9)
Indian inmates fight over Lumbee recognition (2/24)
Lumbee Tribe recognition bill introduced again (01/15)