In conclusion, this analysis finds that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has maintained a shifting political organization that responds to the internal needs and desires of tribal members. This political organization has been exemplified by kinship and place as a way to organize the larger tribal community, advocacy for the Tribe’s people, a formal organizational structure, the value of tribal naming, the ability to maintain stability in times of disagreement, as well as leadership. Modern political organization has taken on the form of tangible examples of government that resemble the federal government of the United States: including a tribal constitution, executive, legislative, and judicial branch. While federal recognition is certainly desired by many within the Tribe, the tribe’s self-advocacy has stemmed from the pursuit of better access to resources and the desire to exercise tribal sovereignty.
By bringing to light the rich history of Lumbee political organization, this study suggests the need for a continued inquiry into the Tribe’s process of governance and how this fits into the governmental matrix of federal recognition. While the results of this study have contributed to our understanding of the Lumbee tribe’s political organization and how this relates to federal recognition, they also necessitate further inquiry. This research could be furthered by initiating a broader discussion of how other non-federally recognized tribes organize themselves politically. On the other hand, the Lumbee tribal case could be compared to those of tribes who have
successfully sought federal recognition. More work could be done to conduct an in-depth analysis of the modern Lumbee tribal government, since public information is limited.
This study lacks quantitative data, as very little has been done within the Lumbee tribal community. This research could be enhanced with data that includes the opinions of tribal members in regards to political organization, as they could highlight instances of organization
that may not have been included in this study. Additionally, data regarding the way others perceive the Tribe politically could help to gauge the Tribe’s effectiveness in the political realm.
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Appendix
The Lumbee Tribal Council is comprised of 21 members elected from 14 districts.
District 1: Gaddy, Rowland, Orrum, Sterlings, Whitehouse, and Thompson (1 representative) District 2: Back Swamp, Fairmont and Smyrna (2 representatives)
District 3: Lumberton and West Howellsville (2 representatives) District 4: Red Springs and Philadelphus (1 representative) District 5: Oxendine and Prospect (2 representatives)
District 6: Raft Swamp and North Pembroke(2 representatives) District 7: South Pembroke and Union (3 representatives) District 8: Burnt Swamp (1 representative)
District 9: Saddletree (1 representative)
District 10: Shannon, Rennert, and South St. Pauls (1 representative) District 11: Hoke County (1 representative)
District 12: Scotland County, Maxton, and Alfordsville (2 representatives)
District 13: Cumberland County, Parkton, Lumber Bridge, and North St. Pauls (1 representative) District 14: East Howellsville, Wisharts, and Britts (1 representative)