Moore County formally commends Lumbee Tribe after federal recognition

The Moore County Board of Commissioners formally commended the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina on Jan. 20 following the tribe’s recent federal recognition.

A county resolution and plaque, read at the meeting, praised the tribe’s ‘‘137-year struggle’’ for recognition and noted that federal status opens opportunities for Bureau of Indian Affairs funding for education, health, housing and programs for veterans and youth. The board invited tribal leaders to visit local institutions, including UNC Pembroke, and commissioners expressed pride in recognizing the tribe’s achievement.

Tribal chair John Lowry (identified in the record) thanked the commissioners, described the organizational capacity of the tribe — noting tribal employment, programs and a reported tribal budget — and encouraged ongoing collaboration. Commissioners and the chairman discussed historical context, the importance of persistence and the potential economic and cultural benefits for Moore County residents.

The commissioners voted to approve the commendation and invited the tribal leaders and commissioners to pose for a photograph following the reading of the resolution.