President Trump Takes a Step Toward Justice: Federal Recognition for the Lumbee Tribe, hopefully he will look into the case for federal recognition for the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community.
By Mat Kwairn
In a historic move, President Donald Trump has taken a definitive step toward recognizing the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina by signing an executive order instructing the Department of the Interior to “promote” federal recognition for the tribe. This executive order sets a 90-day timeline for the Interior Department to collaborate with Lumbee leadership to chart the best path forward, whether through Congress, the courts, or the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. While this is a monumental moment for the Lumbee people, the fight for federal recognition is far from over.
The Lumbee Tribe’s long journey for recognition is steeped in resilience and historical complexity. Although recognized by North Carolina in 1885, the federal government’s 1956 Lumbee Act fell short by acknowledging their identity while denying the benefits of full tribal recognition, such as funding for essential services like housing, education, and healthcare. This executive order—while significant—is not the conclusion but rather a new chapter in a centuries-long struggle.
Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery’s optimism is palpable, stating, “This is a great step for the new administration, and we encourage Congress to move forward with codifying this policy toward full federal recognition of the Lumbee People.”
The Lumbee story is one of survival and adaptation, born from the mingling of multiple eastern tribal nations who found refuge in a geographically isolated area of North Carolina. Over generations, they intermarried with white and Black North Carolinians, using English as their common tongue. Their shared history, however, has become a point of contention, with some federally recognized tribes opposing their recognition through Congressional means rather than the Interior Department’s established processes.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks remarked, “Federal recognition is not an entitlement. It is a status earned through evidence, not politics.” The Lumbee’s detractors argue their lack of a singular identifiable historical tribe undermines their claims. Yet the Lumbee’s journey—interwoven with displacement, survival, and persistence—is a testament to their undeniable identity as a people.
The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community: A Parallel Struggle
As we applaud President Trump’s initiative with the Lumbee Tribe, it’s imperative to shine a light on another community’s plight: the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community (MMDTC). The Mendota people have been tirelessly advocating for federal recognition for decades, bearing immense financial and emotional burdens while striving to maintain dignity amidst these struggles.
The MMDTC’s mission—“Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the Dakota Culture for Future Generations”—echoes the heart of their fight. Their ancestors, deeply rooted in Mendota, Minnesota, since the 1700s, represent a culture that continues to thrive despite facing countless injustices. Their efforts to preserve their heritage are not merely for themselves but for a broader understanding and respect for Dakota culture among people from all walks of life.
Regrettably, the Mendota people’s petition for recognition has been marred by challenges, including the destruction of ancestral lands and sacred sites. The most poignant example is the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s decision to eliminate the Four Sacred Grandfather Oaks during the rerouting of State Highway 55. Despite heartfelt testimony from Dakota elders and other Indigenous voices during a two-day session facilitated by the Department of Justice, these sacred elements were lost—a blow to both the community’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
A Call for Justice
President Trump’s administration has shown a willingness to address the Lumbee Tribe’s struggles, and it’s a precedent worth extending. The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community’s ask is simple: recognition and protection. This is not about entitlement; it’s about righting historical wrongs and ensuring that a vibrant culture is preserved for future generations.
The Mendota people’s resilience mirrors that of the Lumbee—a shared story of survival against the odds. By granting federal recognition to the MMDTC, this administration would take an essential step toward mending centuries of injustice leveled against Native American communities. Their fight for dignity and acknowledgment exemplifies the broader struggle of Indigenous peoples in the United States.
It’s time to listen to the Mendota’s voices, honor their history, and recognize their rightful place among federally acknowledged tribes. For more information on their journey and mission, visit www.mendotadakota.com.
In both the Lumbee and Mendota cases, justice is not a privilege; it’s a necessity. Recognition is a pathway to healing—for the tribes, for the nation, and for the shared humanity we all cherish.
If you would like to help the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community, please consider sharing this article, or sending it to whomever you know who can make a difference.