Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

This memorandum directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop within 90 days a plan to achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, including access to federal benefits currently denied under the 1956 Lumbee Act. The plan must examine legislative, judicial, and administrative pathways to recognition.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 8653

Impact dates

Apr 23, 2025
Secretary of Interior submits recognition plan to President

Key directives

Secretary of Interior to review all applicable authorities on tribal recognition within 90 days
Consult with Lumbee Tribe leadership
Submit plan to President for achieving full federal recognition
Plan must include analysis of congressional, judicial, and 25 CFR part 83 administrative pathways
Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of the Interior · Department of the Interior

Timeline

Immediate

Memorandum issuance and Federal Register publication
Secretary of Interior tasked with review

Near term (90d)

Plan submission to President due within 90 days
Consultation with Lumbee Tribe leadership
Analysis of legal pathways including 25 CFR part 83 procedures

Long term

Potential federal recognition with full benefits
Possible congressional legislation or administrative action
Implementation of chosen recognition pathway

Risks & tensions

Unclear whether administrative pathway under 25 CFR part 83 is viable given 1956 statutory language; may require congressional action
Prior House-passed legislation stalled in Senate, suggesting potential congressional obstacles
Plan submission does not guarantee recognition outcome—implementation pathway uncertain