' We have a lot of support throughout Indian Country'

Chairman John L. Lowery of the Lumbee Tribe discusses efforts to secure federal recognition for his people in North Carolina. Lowery said he's been meeting with other tribes as the Lumbees seek federal recognition through an act of Congress. He has also made frequent visits to Washington, D.C., and said he was going to attend a meeting at the White House. " By the way, we have a lot of support throughout Indian Country," Lowery said during his State of the Tribe Address on June 30, 2025. Lowery thanked Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) for introducing S.521, the Lumbee Fairness Act. He said the Republican lawmaker's decision to retire from the U.S. Senate won't have an effect on the legislation. " It will not have any kind of negative impact on our bill moving forward," Lowery said at the Lumbee Boys and Girls Club in Pembroke. "Matter of fact, Senator Tillis texted me last night and said, by the way, we just add another co-sponsor." The Lumbees are recognized by the state of North Carolina. They have been unable to secure federal recognition from the U.S. government amid long-standing questions about their legitimacy.  "We pretty much have North Carolina on lock," Lowery said. "We're good there, but outside of North Carolina, we need your support. So ask your friends, your family and colleagues to call their congressman and their senators. Tell them it's time to take action on the Long Fairness Act and to become a co-sponsor of our bill." Lowery said his meeting at the White House was taking place on July 1, 2025.