Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – Hurdles, opposition confront tribes on the cusp of federal recognition

The 3,300-member Chinook Tribe in Washington State just scrapped their support of legislation for federal recognition tribal leaders had been working on for more than two years. The rejection comes after the key author of the bill added a series of onerous conditions at the last minute. A handful of other tribes around the country are working through the long, complicated process to secure recognition. Meanwhile, efforts to follow through on President Donald Trump’s promise of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe is encountering criticism from other tribes who say the process ignores important considerations that most other tribes have to contend with. We’ll get status updates on tribes awaiting federal recognition. GUESTS Sam Robinson, vice chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation John Lowery, chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Robert Brevelle (Adai Caddo Indian Nation), Tribal Councilman At-Large   Break 1 Music: Lost and Found [Feat. Shannon Thunderbird] (song) Sultans of String (artist) Break 2 Music: Medicine Man (song) Blue Moon Marquee (artist) Scream, Holler, and Howl (album)