PEMBROKE, N.C. (AP) – The Lumbee Indians of North Carolina are not slowing down in their effort to win federal recognition by January.
The Robesonian of Lumberton reports that a new campaign office devoted to winning recognition is slated to open this week in Pembroke.
Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett says the tribe has also surpassed its fundraising goal of $120,000 to help pay for lobbyists working for federal recognition.
The 55,000-member tribe has been recognized by North Carolina since the 1880s. The federal government granted partial recognition in 1956, but denied the benefits that accompanied it.
A bill giving the Lumbees full recognition has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate.
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Information from: The Robesonian, http://www.robesonian.com