The Lumbee Tribe of NC Is Fully Federally Recognized; ICWA Now Applies in A/N/D and TPR Actions for Indian Children Affiliated with the Lumbee

Published for On the Civil Side on January 16, 2026.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina (Lumbee) has received full federal recognition through the Lumbee Fairness Act, which was included in the National Defense Authorization Act. The law was signed by the President, granting full federal recognition to the Lumbee on December 18, 2025. This is an extraordinary time for the Lumbee, who will have […]

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