My name is Debbie. I am a twenty-one year old Lumbee Indian and live in North Carolina. Our tribe is currently seeking federal recognition. This sight is meant to educate the public about our plight. My ultimate goal is that this site will make a small contribution to our battle. I want to give some background info on our tribe, sadly many people don't even recognize our name. The Lumbee tribe came about through two different tribes, the Cheraw and the Siouans. Our tribe took the name Lumbee from the Lumber River. In 1885 we were recognized by the state of North Carolina as a tribe, and Lumbee became our official name. In 1887, the Lumbee school was established. It is now called UNC at Pembroke. The Lumbee's began seeking federal recognition in 1888. It has been an uphill battle from past to present. In 1956, Congree passed the Lumbee Act; it gave us recognition as a tribe, but denied the full benifits of recognition. 1995, the "recognition bill" passed the house. Soon to be defeated by our largest opponent, the good old boy himself, Mr.Jesse Helms. His retirement has been long overdue. Our largest problem is the size of our tribe, 44,000+ members. We are the largest tribe in North Carolina, and the ninth largest in the U.S. Cherokee's and others feel that we will break the bank so to speak. Is it not a sad day when our own turn their backs on us for the love of a white man's dollar. The saddest truth of all is that many tribes want the recognition only for the money. I just want to be be recognized as a tribe, you can have the white man's dollar. One day we will be given our dues. When that time arrives, my victory cries will be heard. I call out to anyone who is a Lumbee, please unite. The only strength we have will come from our unity. My bitter sound does not come from hatred, it comes from disgust. Disgust that we the people have to prove to the government that we are a tribe. The same people who allowed murders, rape, slavery, and injustice to our people. I have nothing to prove, the proof is inside of me. I will fight forever!!
