The Moore County Board of Commissioners formally recognized and commended the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina for achieving full federal recognition, marking the end of a 137-year effort that began in the 19th century.
At the board’s recent meeting on Jan. 20, Commissioner Tom Adams led the recognition and addressed Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery.
“Chief Lowery, I am happy for the tribe to see that the long-running fight for recognition has come to a successful conclusion,” said Adams. “I congratulate you and the tribal leaders for years past who did not give up, but fought the good fight to achieve this remarkable goal.”
Adams called the achievement historic and long overdue. He recounted that the Lumbee Tribe first petitioned Congress for recognition in 1888 and received only partial recognition in 1956. He said federal recognition now opens the door to new opportunities, including eligibility for Bureau of Indian Affairs funding, expanded self-governance rights, and support for education, health care, and housing.
The commissioners extended their congratulations to all members of the Lumbee Tribe, with a special recognition to those who live and work in Moore County, and Adams read from a plaque presented by the board.
“The Moore County Board of Commissioners proudly commemorates the federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, a historic milestone achieved after generations of perseverance, advocacy, and resilience,” read the commissioner. “This plaque stands as a symbol of respect, acknowledgement, and appreciation for the Lumbee people and their lasting legacy.”
The board also approved a separate resolution commending Lowery for his “unwavering service in the pursuit of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.”
Under Lowery’s leadership, the Lumbee Tribe has expanded government operations, secured more than $10 million in federal housing funds, advanced major renovations to the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, and proposed the largest budget in tribal history.
Lowery, who was sworn in as tribal chairman in January 2022 and is the youngest chairman in the tribe’s history, thanked the board for the recognition and the scope of the effort. He said generations of Lumbee citizens carried the fight through wars, economic hardships, and political opposition before achieving success in December 2025 through legislation included in the National Defense Authorization Act.
“I thank God that He allowed me to be here at this time, and I tell people that I was but the conduit for bringing this stuff together,” said Lowrey, who then thanked President Donald Trump, Senator Thomas Tillis, and all of the other members of Congress who advocated for the tribe in recent years. “It’s just been a long time coming.”
Lowrey, smiling, also told the commissioners, “Just know you have good, good friends down in Robeson County, Scotland County, and Hoke County as well.”
Feature photo: The Moore County Board of Commissioners presents Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowrey with a plaque after passing the resolutions. Photo via Moore County Board of Commissioners.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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