The Lumbee Indian Tribe hosted a federal recognition ceremony Saturday at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke in Robeson County.

The tribe gained full federal recognition after President Donald Trump signed the "Lumbee Fairness Act" in December of last year as part of a wide-ranging defense spending bill passed by Congress.

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As part of the act, Lumbee Tribe members are eligible for federal services and benefits.

Senator Thom Tillis, R-NC, introduced the bill in January 2025 and it passed with bipartisan support.

"We cast aside our Republican and Democrat jerseys and we worked as one team to get this done," Tillis said at Saturday's celebration. "My tenacity alone would not have been enough to get it done."

The celebration had many events across several locations on campus, with the main stage located between Old Main and the Mary Livermore Library. The celebration is expected to end around 9 p.m.

Lumbee members from all over the country attended the event. The event featured guest speakers, a powwow, a drone light show, arts and crafts and food vendors. Museum tours and cultural activities at the Old Main Building were also available. 

The event began with prayer and worship music. Senior Miss Lumbee Wendy Locklear welcomed in the procession before Reggie Brewer led the smudging ceremony to purify and welcome peace.

Lumbee leader and chairman, John Lowry, said it took the tribe “almost 140 years” to get to Saturday’s celebration, and thanked all those before him who helped the tribe reach federal recognition.

"Today is a new day for our people,” Lowry said. “I can guarantee you it won't be 137 years for us to get where we're going over the next century. The future is bright for the Lumbee people."

Lowry thanked Lance Gumbs, leader of the Shinnecock Nation, for fighting alongside the Lumbee people on their journey to federal recognition.

"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu. Well, Lumbee people, Lumbee nation, Lumbee tribe, North Carolina - you are at the table. Welcome to the federal table," Gumbs said. 

Tillis said he hopes that the Lumbee Tribe's recognition will help them inspire other tribes to fight for federal recognition.

"Make me proud by making sure you reach behind and you bring forth every tribe that deserves the same respect that you now have," Tillis said.