Lumbee Tribe Seeks Federal Recognition Amidst Political and Tribal Disputes

The Lumbee Tribe, the biggest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi, wants the U.S. government to fully recognize them, which would give them the same rights and benefits as other tribes.

Politicians like Donald Trump have supported them.

However, they've faced a long struggle because of questions about their history and identity.

They don't have an agreed-upon origin story, and some other tribes, like the Cherokee, don't think they are a real tribe, partly because they are worried the Lumbee would build a casino and take their money.

The Lumbee Act of 1956 recognized the tribe but denied them the same privileges that most tribes have.

Despite many attempts, full federal recognition has been elusive for over a century.