WHERE WAS THE LUMBEE?

This 1934 photograph shows Indian leaders watching as the first American Indian Constitution was signed. It provided the framework for the very first tribe to be federally recognized under the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA). 

The Indians of Robeson County had a chance to obtain recognition in this very same way. Yes, 22 Indians in Robeson County were granted federal recognition under the IRA in 1936 and had the very same legal status as every Indian standing in that photo...the right to organize as a federally recognized tribe using the new Indian Reorganization Act. 

Sadly, that never happened as most of our 22 Indians did not even receive notice they had been granted such legal status as Indians in 1934 until the early 1970's. Yes my fellow Lumbee, it took over 35 years for our people to receive notice of their rights under the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act. By then only 8 of the 22 were living. 

Too much happened to explain here except to say, one of those 22 individuals should have been standing in this very picture representing the Indians of Robeson County now proudly known as THE LUMBEE.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON...

YES THE BEAT GOES ON...

By JoJo Brooks Shifflett