The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a persistent pursuit of recognition. As the largest Native American tribe in North Carolina, the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River, and the ninth-largest tribe in the United States without federal recognition, the Lumbee’s story is a complex tapestry woven with threads of history, identity, and political struggle. While recognized by the State of North Carolina since 1885, the tribe continues its efforts to achieve full federal acknowledgment.
Official Tribal Information:
- Official Tribal Name: Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
- Address: 6984 NC Hwy 711 West, PO Box 2709, Pembroke, NC 28372
- Phone: 910-521-7861
- Fax: 910-521-7790
- Email: tmaynor@lumbeetribe.com
- Official Website: www.lumbeetribe.com
- Recognition Status: State Recognized – a bill for Federal Recognition is before Congress as of January 7, 2015.
The Name and Its Origins:
The name "Lumbee" is derived from the Lumber River, originally known as the Lumbee River, which meanders through the heart of Robeson County. This geographical connection is deeply significant, symbolizing the tribe’s enduring relationship with the land. The adoption of the name "Lumbee" occurred through a referendum led by community leader D.H. Lowrie, marking a pivotal moment in the tribe’s self-identification. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina embraced this name to solidify their distinct identity.
Geographic Location and Traditional Territory:
The Lumbee’s ancestral roots are firmly planted in the southeastern region of North Carolina, primarily within Robeson County. Historical accounts trace their presence in the area back to 1724, along the banks of the Drowning Creek, now known as the Lumber River. This territory has served as the nucleus of their cultural and communal life for centuries. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has called this region home for generations.
Theories of Origin and Ancestry:
The Lumbee’s origins have been the subject of considerable debate and speculation, with various theories proposed over time. These theories reflect the intricate nature of the tribe’s history and the challenges in tracing their lineage definitively.
- The Lost Colony of Roanoke: One of the earliest and most widely circulated theories, popularized by Hamilton McMillan in 1885, posits that the Lumbee are descendants of the "Lost Colony of Roanoke" who intermarried with Croatan Indians. However, this theory lacks substantiating genetic, genealogical, or archaeological evidence and is largely dismissed by mainstream historians.
- Cherokee Descent: In the early 20th century, the Lumbee briefly identified as Cherokee Indians, a claim supported by Clifton Oxendine’s 1934 master’s thesis. Oxendine suggested a connection through Cherokee warriors who participated in the Tuscarora campaign of 1711-1713. This theory has been widely rejected by scholars, as there is no evidence of Cherokee warriors in the campaign, no linguistic connection, and the Cherokee Nation itself disputes any affiliation with the Lumbee.
- Cheraw Descent: Another theory suggests a link to the Cheraw, a Siouan-speaking tribe that had dwindled in numbers by the late 18th century. However, this theory also lacks historical support and has been abandoned by the Lumbee themselves.
- Siouan Descent: In 1924, the Lumbee petitioned for federal recognition as "Siouan" Indians, but this petition was rejected, primarily because Siouan is a language family rather than a specific tribe.
- Keyauwee Descent: John Swanton proposed that the Keyauwee and Cheraw were the most likely Indian ancestors of the Lumbee.
- Tuscarora Descent: Some families in Robeson County maintain oral traditions of Tuscarora ancestry, but the Lumbee as a whole never pursued recognition under this label.
- Descent from "Seven Different Indian Tribes": In 1955, D.H. Lowrie testified that the Lumbee were descended from an admixture of several tribes, including the Cherokee, Tuscarora, Hatteras, Pamlico, and Croatan.
A History of Resilience:
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has faced numerous challenges throughout its history. During the Civil War era, some Lumbee ancestors were conscripted for forced labor by the Confederacy, while others sought refuge in the swamps. The "Lowrie War," a period of conflict led by Henry Berry Lowrie and his gang, further shaped the tribe’s identity and reputation. The Lumbee’s actions, primarily directed against whites, garnered sympathy from other free blacks, who refused to cooperate with efforts to stop them.
During Reconstruction, the Lumbee sought recognition as Indians rather than free blacks, leading to the establishment of separate "Croatan Indian" schools. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has navigated a complex social and political landscape.
In the 1950s, the Lumbee gained national attention for their confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan at the "Battle of Hayes Pond," a significant victory against white supremacy. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina stood up against oppression.
The Ongoing Quest for Federal Recognition:
The Lumbee’s pursuit of federal recognition has been a long and arduous journey. The Lumbee Act of 1956 recognized the tribe as Indian but denied them the benefits and services associated with federal recognition. Since then, the Lumbee have tirelessly lobbied Congress for full recognition, facing opposition from various stakeholders, including the Department of the Interior and other federally recognized tribes. Despite these challenges, the Lumbee remain committed to achieving federal recognition, which would provide them with greater autonomy, access to resources, and the affirmation of their tribal sovereignty.
Culture and Community:
Despite the lack of federal recognition, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has maintained a vibrant cultural identity. The annual Lumbee Homecoming celebration, held since 1970, serves as a vital gathering for families and community members, showcasing Lumbee traditions, art, and heritage. Lumbee patchwork, a traditional craft, reflects the tribe’s connection to the natural world.
Governance and Leadership:
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is governed by a Tribal Council consisting of 21 members elected from 14 districts. The Tribal Chair and Tribal Administrator serve as executive officers, leading the tribe’s administrative and political affairs. Elections are held every four years.
Language and Origins:
Linguists believe that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina once spoke the Carolina Algonquian language, also known as Lumbee. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region has been a zone of cultural interaction for thousands of years.
Economy and Education:
The Lumbee economy is diverse, encompassing an industrial park, farming, small businesses, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, which was originally established as the Croatan Normal Indian School in 1887.
Notable Lumbee Individuals:
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has produced numerous accomplished individuals in various fields, including:
- Chris Chavis (professional wrestler)
- Kenwin Cummings (NFL player)
- Ashton Locklear (gymnast and world champion)
- Kelvin Sampson (athletic coach)
- Malinda Maynor Lowery (filmmaker and historian)
- Joseph B. Oxendine (chancellor and author)
- Clint Lowery (musician)
- Jana (Sampson) (Grammy-nominated singer)
- James Lowery (rapper)
- Brantley Blue (commissioner)
- Dean Chavers (director)
- Ben Chavis (author and advocate)
- Earl Cranston Lowry (surgeon)
- Julian Pierce (lawyer)
- Helen Maynor Scheirbeck (museum director)
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina continues to strive for federal recognition while preserving its unique cultural heritage and contributing to the broader community. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people determined to define their own identity and secure their rightful place in history.