The Lumbee Nation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other major tribe of North Carolina is the Lumbee Indians located mostly in Robeson County, with Pembroke at the center of their community. The Lumbee are descendants of the Cheraw Indians and the Tuscarora, along with a few minor tribes. Currently there are approximately 55,000 Lumbee in North Carolina (Lumbee, 2014b). They are the largest tribe in North Carolina and the ninth largest in the country (Commission of Indian Affairs, 2013). Although they are state-recognized, they have fought a very public battle with the federal government for recognition (Lumbee, 2014b). Their government, which has only existed since 2001, is made up of all of the same branches as the federal government, just like the Cherokee’s government (Lumbee, 2014b). The Lumbee have also authored a constitution for their community’s government (Lumbee, 2014a).

 

In addition to the government, the Lumbee community offers many services to its members. They have a large elders community with groups, meetings, an advisory council, and a choir (Lumbee, 2014b). The Lumbee also offer scholarships to the community along with assistance programs for families of lower socioeconomic status in paying their energy bills (Lumbee, 2014b). There are housing projects, a teen community service group, and other community enrichment programs (Lumbee, 2014b). Overall, it is a thriving, tight-knit community that tries to take care of their people.

 

The Lumbee have held on to some of their traditions, but not all of them. Since the 1700s the ancestors of the Lumbee have spoken English (Scott & Brown, 2011). They learned English to the extent that they have completely lost their ancient language (Scott & Brown, 2011). Some of the community is researching and trying to learn it again, in order to connect with their roots (Scott & Brown, 2011). The Lumbee also hold on to the tradition of quilting, like some of the other North Carolinian tribes as well (Lumbee, 2014b). During their yearly Powwows, the Lumbee women dress in traditional native American dress inspired by their ancestors, and they also showcase their traditionally made quilts (Lumbee, 2014b). The Powwow is a huge community event for the Lumbee, involving a Homecoming, Pageants, and parades (Lumbee, 2014b).