What is Lumbee tribal identity?

The Enduring Heartbeat of the Lumbee Nation: Identity Forged in Resilience

In the verdant, flatlands of southeastern North Carolina, particularly within the sprawling embrace of Robeson County, resides a paradox. Here lives the Lumbee Tribe, a people numbering over 60,000, making them the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi River. Yet, despite their deep historical roots, vibrant culture, and undeniable presence, the Lumbee have long navigated a complex and often frustrating path in their quest for full federal recognition—a journey that fundamentally shapes and defines their very identity.

What does it mean to be Lumbee? It is a question that transcends simple genealogy or blood quantum, delving instead into centuries of shared struggle, unwavering community, and an unbreakable bond with their ancestral lands. It is an identity forged not in forced removal to distant reservations, but in the unique and tenacious act of remaining.

A History of Staying Put

Unlike many Native American tribes whose histories are defined by forced migrations and removals, the Lumbee’s narrative is one of remarkable persistence on their ancestral lands. Their origins trace back to a diverse amalgam of Siouan-speaking peoples, including the Cheraw, Keyauwee, and Saponi, who inhabited the region long before European contact. As colonial expansion pressed in, these distinct groups, facing disease, warfare, and displacement, found refuge and coalesced in the remote swamps and river lowlands of what would become Robeson County.

This process of amalgamation and adaptation was crucial. They weren’t signatories to treaties that removed them, nor were they confined to reservations. Instead, they adapted, forming close-knit communities, maintaining their agricultural traditions, and subtly asserting their identity amidst a changing landscape. "Our ancestors chose to stay," explains Dr. Malinda Maynor Lowery, a Lumbee historian and filmmaker, "and that act of staying, of adapting, of fighting for their land and their community, is central to who we are today."

By the mid-19th century, these communities were clearly identifiable as a distinct group, often referred to by outsiders as "Croatan Indians." This self-identification was legally recognized in 1885 when the North Carolina General Assembly passed an act establishing a separate school system for the "Croatan Indians" of Robeson County. This was a pivotal moment, affirming their distinct identity in the eyes of the state. The name would evolve through "Cherokee Indians of Robeson County" before finally settling on "Lumbee" in 1953, a name derived from the Lumbee River (formerly the Lumber River) that flows through their traditional territory and is central to their spiritual and economic life.

The Paradox of Recognition: A Half-Measure

The federal recognition journey for the Lumbee has been a saga of near misses and legislative hurdles. In 1956, Congress passed the Lumbee Act, which officially recognized them as "Indians" but explicitly denied them the benefits and services afforded to other federally recognized tribes. This "recognition without benefits" clause has been a persistent source of frustration and a symbolic weight on the tribe.

"It’s like being invited to the party but told you can’t have any cake," quips a Lumbee elder during a community gathering. "We are recognized as who we are, but we’re denied the resources that could help our people thrive, denied the sovereignty that could truly empower us."

This lack of full federal recognition has profound implications. It affects access to federal funding for healthcare, education, housing, and economic development. It also impacts the tribe’s ability to exercise full tribal sovereignty, including jurisdiction over their own lands and members. For decades, the Lumbee have tirelessly lobbied Congress, advocating for legislation that would grant them full federal recognition, often facing opposition from other federally recognized tribes concerned about resource allocation, or from political factions hesitant to set new precedents.

The Pillars of Lumbee Identity

Despite these external challenges, Lumbee identity remains vibrant, deeply rooted, and continually expressed through several key pillars:

1. Community and Kinship: The intricate web of kinship, stretching across generations and connecting myriad households, forms the very bedrock of Lumbee society. It’s a connection that transcends mere familial ties; it’s a social safety net, a historical archive, and a source of collective strength. Family reunions are massive events, and the concept of "community" extends far beyond immediate neighbors, encompassing the entire Lumbee nation. "When you meet another Lumbee, there’s an instant connection," says a young Lumbee student at UNC Pembroke. "You might not know exactly how you’re related, but you know you are related, and that bond is powerful."

2. Land and Agriculture: The Lumbee people’s connection to the land is profound. For centuries, they have been farmers, cultivating the rich soils of Robeson County. This agricultural heritage instilled a deep respect for the earth and a practical knowledge of self-sufficiency. Even as modern life pulls many away from farming, the land remains a touchstone—a physical manifestation of their ancestors’ endurance and their own continued presence. The Lumbee River, in particular, is not just a geographical feature but a sacred artery, central to their identity and historical memory.

3. Education and Empowerment: Education has always been highly valued within the Lumbee community as a pathway to progress and self-determination. The establishment of the Croatan Normal School (now the University of North Carolina at Pembroke) in 1887 was a monumental achievement, providing higher education for Native American students at a time when such opportunities were scarce. UNC Pembroke stands today as a testament to this commitment, serving as a cultural and intellectual hub for the Lumbee people and a beacon of opportunity for students of all backgrounds.

4. Spirituality and Resilience: While many Lumbee people are devout Christians, their faith often intertwines with a profound respect for traditional values and an enduring spiritual connection to their heritage. This spiritual strength has been a crucial element in their resilience, providing comfort and guidance through generations of adversity. Their identity is a testament to their ability to adapt, survive, and thrive in the face of immense pressure.

5. Cultural Expressions: Though the Lumbee do not have a traditional language widely spoken today (a consequence of centuries of adaptation and English dominance), their culture is vibrantly expressed through storytelling, oral histories, traditional crafts, and community events. The annual Lumbee Homecoming, held every July, is a powerful demonstration of this cultural vitality, drawing thousands of Lumbee people and their friends from across the nation for a week of celebrations, reunions, and reaffirmation of their shared identity. It is a spectacle of unity, pride, and enduring cultural heritage.

The Ongoing Struggle and Future Outlook

The fight for full federal recognition remains a defining characteristic of Lumbee identity. It is not merely about access to funds, but about validation, sovereignty, and the removal of the lingering stigma of "partial" recognition. It is about honoring the sacrifices of their ancestors and securing a just future for their descendants.

The Lumbee people’s story is a powerful counter-narrative to common perceptions of Native American identity. They are not a "lost tribe," nor are they defined by a reservation system. Their identity is rooted in their continuous presence, their unique history of adaptation, and their fierce determination to remain who they are, on their own terms.

As the Lumbee Tribe continues its relentless advocacy in Washington D.C., their identity remains firmly anchored in the red earth of Robeson County, in the winding path of the Lumbee River, and in the hearts of its people. It is an identity forged in fire, tempered by resilience, and sustained by an unyielding spirit. To be Lumbee is to carry the weight of a complex history, the strength of an unbreakable community, and the enduring hope for a future where their identity is fully recognized, celebrated, and empowered. It is, ultimately, a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of a people to define themselves, against all odds.