Senator Mullin Defends Lumbee Tribe Recognition Against Opposing Tribal Leaders

Senate Hearing on Lumbee Tribe Recognition

• 🎯 Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Native American himself, criticized tribal leaders who oppose the federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe during a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing.
• 💡 The hearing focused on the paths to tribal recognition, specifically the OFA process versus an Act of Congress.

Paths to Tribal Recognition

• 📜 Chief Barnes explained that the Lumbee Tribe's recognition involved a separation from the Cherokee Nation established by an Act of Congress.
• ❓ It was clarified that tribes can pursue recognition through an Act of Congress or the OFA process.
• ⚠️ Concerns were raised about the cost associated with federal recognition, which Mullin argued should not prevent recognition if the federal government has an obligation.

Opposition and Mullin's Stance

• 🗣️ Chief Hicks expressed doubt about the Lumbee Tribe's status, stating that potential native descent does not equate to tribal status.
• 🏛️ Mullin questioned North Carolina's 1885 recognition and the federal government's 1956 act, suggesting they had different standards or simply recognized self-proclaimed Indians.
• 🤝 Mullin emphasized his support for the Lumbee Tribe's recognition, stating that the Interior Department also supports the process.

Internal Tribal Conflicts

• ⚔️ Mullin lamented the infighting among Native American tribes, noting he is currently the only Native American in the Senate and that such disputes can create impasses in Congress.
• ✊ He stressed that Native American tribes were historically wronged and have long fought for recognition, advocating for unity.
• ❓ Mullin questioned why, if there are two paths to recognition, the Lumbee Tribe should be denied the option of pursuing recognition through Congress.