Indianz.Com > News > Michell Hicks: Republican lawmaker owes an apology to tribal nations
Senator Tillis Owes Tribal Nations an Apology
Monday, November 25, 2024
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Last week, Senator Thom Tillis launched an emotional tirade on the Senate floor, targeting hundreds of tribal leaders and respected Native organizations with baseless accusations. He labeled them liars and corrupt racists and accused them of oppressing others — all because they opposed his push to short-circuit the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ evidence-based tribal recognition process through congressional fiat.
At issue is Sen. Tillis’ bill [S.1364] to federally recognize Lumbee, a group based in his home state of North Carolina, which has falsely claimed multiple, shifting identities as a Native American tribe.
The reckless rhetoric Sen. Tillis hurled at his bill’s opponents ignored the genuine, sovereignty-based concerns raised by organizations such as the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association, the Coalition of Large Tribes, the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. These organizations understand the dangers of granting legislative recognition to a group that, according to expert analysis of Lumbee’s own documents, cannot even specify, let alone demonstrate, which historical tribal nation they descend from. This has never happened in United States history, and to do so now would have far-reaching and damaging consequences for every federally recognized tribe in America.
Michell Hicks is the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a federally recognized tribe located in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Related Stories

Search
Filed Under
Tags
More Headlines
Ernie Stevens: Protecting tribal sovereignty in a new political era
Rhonda LeValdo and Gaylene Crouser: Not In Our Honor
AUDIO: Legislative Hearing on H.R.410, H.R.412, H.R.504 & H.R. 741
Native America Calling: Native in the Spotlight with Tatanka Means
VIDEO: ‘Thank you for your leadership’: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
VIDEO: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Organizational Business Meeting
Alaska Beacon: Trump administration faces lawsuit over tribal gaming facility
Native America Calling: Medicaid’s next chapter in Indian Country
H.R.43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act
H.R.42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act
H.R.226, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs holds first hearing
Native America Calling: Rising home insurance rates put more Native Americans at risk
Citizen of Navajo Nation tapped for Indian Affairs post
Native America Calling: Native Bookshelf with Ann-Helén Laestadius
More Headlines
Rhonda LeValdo and Gaylene Crouser: Not In Our Honor
AUDIO: Legislative Hearing on H.R.410, H.R.412, H.R.504 & H.R. 741
Native America Calling: Native in the Spotlight with Tatanka Means
VIDEO: ‘Thank you for your leadership’: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
VIDEO: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Organizational Business Meeting
Alaska Beacon: Trump administration faces lawsuit over tribal gaming facility
Native America Calling: Medicaid’s next chapter in Indian Country
H.R.43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act
H.R.42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act
H.R.226, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs holds first hearing
Native America Calling: Rising home insurance rates put more Native Americans at risk
Citizen of Navajo Nation tapped for Indian Affairs post
Native America Calling: Native Bookshelf with Ann-Helén Laestadius
More Headlines