Who are the Lumbee tribe? History explored as Trump signs order recognizing North Carolina tribe

After decades of seeking federal recognition, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recently got an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. For the unversed, the tribe's history dates centuries back as it is the largest-known Native American tribe in the state. They are also the ninth-largest tribe in the US.

The tribe's origin has different theories which also include their connection to the Hatteras Indians. According to The Fayetteville Observer, they appear to be the descendants of Siouan-speaking tribes and the Cheraw people. The people belonging to the tribe speak English but their ancestors allegedly spoke Carolina Algonquian, Siouan, or Tuscarora. Their ancestry dates back to hundreds of years of people who had survived several critical conditions.

The survivors are of multiple eastern tribal nations that have settled in an isolated area of North Carolina. For a long time, the tribe had enjoyed hog killings which brought them together. Their staple was pork. They lived in remote areas and grew Their tribal headquarters are situated in Pembroke. It is about 100 miles away from Raleigh.

The tribe comprises 55,000 members who reside in Hoke, Cumberland, Robeson, and Scotland counties in North Carolina. They take their name from the Lumbee River which flows through Robeson County.

The Lumbee Tribe was recognized as Indian by the state in 1885. However, the tribe has been seeking full federal recognition by the government since 1888. Several decades later, in 1956, Congress passed the Lumbee Act recognizing them as Indian. However, they were not given the benefits that a federally recognized tribe gets.

Since then, they have made all efforts possible to receive federal recognition.

Donald Trump signs order for federal recognition for Lumbee Tribe

According to USA Today, Donald Trump, who recently took up the President's office, signed an order that instructs the Department of the Interior to find a way to give the Lumbee Tribe federal recognition. With federal recognition, the tribe will not only have a prestigious designation in the country but will also be able to avail itself of federal funds and resources. The tribe was earlier denied recognition by the government.

The tribe is elated to finally achieve federal recognition.

"The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is thrilled to learn that President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum that establishes the United States of America's support for the Tribe’s full federal recognition. The Tribal Administration expresses deep appreciation to President Trump as he moves forward with this executive action," they wrote on Facebook.

The president is seeking to fulfill the promise he made to the tribe while campaigning. Moreover, Kamala Harris, former Vice president had also pledged to give the tribe federal recognition.