Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:28 — 38.1MB) | Embed
The Lumbee Nation counts 55,000 members, and although they are not federally recognized and have no tribal trust land, they have a strong cultural identity. The possibility of federal recognition is a factor in who members support in the presidential race. Across the state, the smaller, but federally recognized, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has political and economic muscle and opposes Lumbee recognition. We’ll explore the dynamics of navigating the Native vote in a critical swing state.
GUESTS
John Cummings (Lumbee Tribe), chairman of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners
Christopher Reed (enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), vice chair of the North Carolina District 11 Democratic Party
Jesalyn Kaziah (Lumbee), executive director of the Triangle Native American Society
Break 1 Music: Hug Room (song) Chuck Copenace (artist) Oshki Manitou (album)
Break 2 Music: Midnite Blues (song) Crystal Shawanda (artist) Midnight Blues (album)
If a group claiming to be a Native American tribe can’t prove this they don’t need to be recognized as such! If they are allowed to become recognized it will inevitably promote ethnic fraud.