WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Department of the Interior today affirmed its commitment to tribal sovereignty by adding the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to the official list of federally recognized tribes, formalizing the tribe's government-to-government relationship with the United States and carrying out federal recognition enacted into law in December 2025.
"Federal recognition is about respect, accountability and self-determination," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "By formally recognizing the Lumbee Tribe, President Trump and the Department of the Interior are acknowledging a long and well-documented history of tribal governance and ensuring the tribe has a direct, sovereign relationship with the federal government. This action reflects our responsibility to listen to tribes, honor commitments and support strong tribal governments."
This will enable the Tribe to receive full federal benefits. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland said, "This list documents the tribes that have a government-to-government relationship with the United States, supporting tribal sovereignty and underscoring our commitment to upholding the nation's obligations to tribes."
The list of federally recognized tribes is published in the Federal Register annually. The list comprises 575 American Indian and Alaska Native tribal entities, including nations, tribes, bands, communities, Pueblos and villages that are acknowledged to have:
• The immunities and privileges available to federally recognized tribes by virtue of their government-to-government relationship with the United States, and
• The responsibilities, powers, limitations and obligations of such tribes.
The list is maintained, updated and published by the Bureau of Indian Affair's Office of Indian Services, Division of Tribal Government Services.
