"After a 137-year struggle, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has finally received full federal recognition from the U.S. government.

Members of the Native American tribe shed tears as it reached the historic milestone in Washington, D.C., this week. Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery witnessed President Trump sign the bill that extended acknowledgment to the tribe at the White House on Thursday.

"I'm so thankful today for everyone who has helped us along this way — everyone from our ancestors from the late 1880s all the way up to present day. So many people have been a part of this fight," Lowery said in a video posted to the tribe's social media accounts.

Federal lawmakers included the Lumbee Fairness Act in the $900 billion annual military spending package."

Kristin Wright reports for NPR December 20, 2025. [2]