Senator Tillis Faces Criticism for Undermining Tribal Sovereignty and Ignoring History
As Native American Heritage Month highlights the resilience, culture, and sovereignty of Indigenous nations, recent actions by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have drawn sharp criticism for disregarding these principles. Tillis’s opposition to the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, coupled with his support for legislative recognition of the Lumbee group, is being seen by tribal leaders as an affront to the historical and cultural integrity of federally recognized tribes.
A Challenge to Sovereignty
Senator Tillis has accused the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO) of spreading misinformation about the Lumbee group, yet no evidence contradicts the concerns raised by tribal experts. The issue at hand is not misinformation but the Lumbee’s lack of historical and genealogical documentation to substantiate their claims for federal recognition.
Federally recognized tribes uphold a legacy of historical treaties, cultural records, and shared sacrifices. The Lumbee group, however, lacks foundational elements such as treaties, intertribal histories, or removal records. They also do not possess a distinct language or culture, nor can they trace their descent from a specific historical tribe.
This absence of verifiable evidence is why the Lumbee group has avoided the established process for federal recognition via the Office of Federal Acknowledgment (OFA). While the OFA process is not without flaws, it remains the only evidentiary-based system for determining tribal legitimacy. Skirting this process undermines the integrity of federal recognition, a status earned through centuries of struggle and survival by other tribes.
Disrespecting History
In Native American culture, the past is not merely history; it is a living legacy that shapes identity and purpose. The Lumbee group’s inconsistent claims and failure to adhere to evidentiary standards have been perceived as disrespectful to this shared heritage. “Our ancestors endured genocidal campaigns, removals, and land cessions, paying an unimaginable price to preserve our cultures,” said a tribal leader. “To grant recognition to a group without this legacy is to dishonour those sacrifices.”
Financial Implications of Misguided Recognition
The potential financial consequences of recognising the Lumbee are staggering. A 2012 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report estimated that the Lumbee Recognition Act would cost $846 million over five years. Adjusted for inflation and an increased membership, this figure could balloon to $1.75 billion from 2025 to 2030, diverting federal resources away from already underfunded federally recognised tribes.
State-recognised groups, such as the Lumbee, already benefit from millions of dollars in federal grants and contracts. These funds, allocated at the expense of federally recognised tribes, undermine efforts to address the persistent challenges these tribes face, including poverty, education gaps, and healthcare disparities.
Sovereignty Is Not a Bargaining Chip
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For Native nations, sovereignty is not a gift from lawmakers; it is an inherent right that has existed for millennia. Federal recognition is not a financial incentive or political favour. It is a solemn acknowledgment of a tribe’s historical and cultural existence.
Senator Tillis’s approach, which seeks to bypass the rigorous OFA process, sets a dangerous precedent. It risks opening the door for other groups with unverifiable claims to pursue federal recognition, diluting the legitimacy of the process and undermining the rights of federally recognised tribes.
A Call for Unity and Action
Tribal leaders across the United States are calling for unity to protect the principles of sovereignty, history, and truth. They are urging Senator Tillis to respect the established processes that safeguard the integrity of tribal recognition.
“Recognition must be rooted in truth, not political expediency or financial incentives,” a tribal leader emphasised. “We urge Senator Tillis to abandon tactics that shield the Lumbee from scrutiny and instead support the processes that protect all tribes.”
As the nation honours Native American Heritage Month, it is crucial to remember that the sovereignty of Native nations is not a matter for political manoeuvring. It is a sacred trust, grounded in the resilience and sacrifices of countless generations. Protecting this legacy is not just a tribal concern but a moral responsibility shared by all.
