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Monday, September 15, 2003

Members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and their supporters will be in Washington, D.C., this week to lobby for federal recognition.

The focus of the week is a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on a bill that would recognize the tribe. Scheduled witnesses include chairman Milton Hunt, lawyer and tribal member Arlinda Locklear and Jack Campisi, a professor and consultant for the tribe. Sen. Liz Dole (R) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (D) will also speak on behalf of the bill.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees has opposed Lumbee recognition in the past but a representative is not set to testify. The Eastern Band is in favor of a bill that would require the Lumbees to seek recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Currently, the tribe is blocked from the BIA route.

One issue facing the Lumbees is gaming. Federal recognition would clear the way for a casino although tribal leaders say they aren't interested. But others in the community are worried. The state is home to one casino, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokees.

Get the Story:
Lumbees prepare to lobby (The Fayetteville Observer 9/15)
Gaming issue dogs recognition proponents (The Fayetteville Observer 9/15)

Get Lumbee Bills:
S.420 | H.R.898

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

Related Stories:
Senate panel to hold hearing on Lumbee recognition (09/04)
School board supports recognition of Lumbee Tribe (08/12)
Senate panel to hold hearing on Lumbee recognition (8/4)
Lumbee Tribe hopes for resolution of status (3/19)
Lumbee tribal members debate extent of territory (3/7)
Opinion: Approve recognition of Lumbee Tribe (2/27)
Group says Lumbee recognition means casino (2/26)
Sen. Dole backs Lumbee recognition bill (02/19)
Lumbee Tribe seeks support fot federal status (2/18)
Lumbee recognition bill to be delayed (01/09)
Lumbee Tribe hopes for recognition (11/27)

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