Federal recognition grants tribes sovereignty and access to resources such as federal funds.
Mahlea Hunt, a junior at Wake Forest University and former Teen Miss Lumbee, echoes Evans’ sentiment to. Recalling the times when others questioned her heritage, Hunt stresses the value of her tribal community. “I know how strong our heritage and culture is and how beautiful it is,” she says. “It just hurts that people would question our identity.”
Some have chalked up the Cherokee conflict with the Lumbee to competition for resources. Danielle Hiraldo, a Lumbee and senior researcher at the Native Nations Institute, emphasizes that American politics is designed to encourage Native competition over collaboration. “The system is built perfectly fine in the federal government's eyes,” she says. “It's always intended to get rid of the Indian problem, and by fighting amongst one another, it's doing exactly what it was built for.
After decades of effort, it is easy to lose hope. Generations have come and gone without ever seeing recognition come to pass. But for some, like Tucker, that just creates more motivation to persevere. “I was tasked [to fight for recognition] by people who are now dead,” she says. “I tell people that when you have a promise to the grave, you go ahead and you finish answering what you said you would do.
Preston says that, though the Winnemem are not actively petitioning the government, he’s seen renewed interest in tribal culture among young members, particularly with feather work and dancing. The rise in interest aligns with a tribal prophecy that says, around this time, youth will rise up to live more “harmoniously.”
Hunt shares this youth-driven optimism about her tribe’s future. “I feel like I'm so proud of my people. And in 10 years, if we did not receive federal recognition, I would be okay with that,” she concludes. “I know my generation is going to grow and become those tribal leaders. We're going to be the best leaders that we can be for our tribe and follow in our ancestors’ footsteps.”
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