The main difference between the Tuscarora of North Carolina and the tribe in New York, on paper at least, is that the Tuscarora Nation of New York is recognized on a federal level. Despite this marked difference in identity, the real struggle for the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina has been to distinguish themselves from the Lumbee Tribe. When asked about the cultural identity of the Lumbee both Schiffert and Locklear admit only vague notions of who they are, and Locklear seems to claim his father’s beliefs that many of them were Tuscarora who gave into colonial pressure. Chief Leon Locklear who also lives as part of the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina in Maxton, says he put forward a petition to the Division of Indian Affairs that seeks to gain state recognition. An official at the Division of Indian Affairs says the petition is under review, and would not be specific as to whether they would be granted a seat on the commission. As of now there are eight tribes that make up the commission at the division. They put forward initiatives for Indian health, housing, and education. However, when I asked Millard Locklear about the recognition, he told me it’s not important. "There’s no piece of paper that can tell me who I am, I already know who I am, so I mean, if somebody wants to use that as a recognition that’s on them. I mean it would be a good step for them but there’s no government that can tell me who I am."Get the Story:
Native Americans in ENC Honor Heritage and Ancestors (Public Radio East 4/15)
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