Tribe Bands Together in Unity for Recognition NOW!

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recently held a Full Federal Recognition Discussion dinner with community leaders at the Lumberton Holiday Inn.

"This event is for us to show our support in federal recognition efforts," said the Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. "We are fortunate to be where we are in the process."

"This is not only going to help the Lumbee, but all of Robeson County and its surrounding counties," stated Chairperson of Tribal Council Federal Recognition Committee Sharon Hunt, who is also a Tribal Council Member for Tribal District 2.

Following the dinner, Tribal Administrator Dr. Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend introduced AndersonTuell, LLP Law and Lobbying Firm to the attending community leaders. According to Article VIII, Section 1, subsection e of the Lumbee Constitution, the Tribal Chairman is executing his duty to "represent the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina before all other governments and tribunals, including the United States, the State of North Carolina, and federal and state agencies," by engaging AndersonTuell, LLP to assist with the federal recognition endeavor.

AndersonTuell, LLP is an American Indian owned firm based in Washington, DC. "Good evening to you all, I am very proud to be serving the Lumbee people," stated lobbyist Loretta Tuell. "When the Lumbee win, the community wins and the State wins." Tuell has over 17 years of legal service and has served as Counsel to Senator Daniel K. Inouye on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and as Counsel to then Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Gover. Michael Anderson, fellow partner to Tuell, has over 25 years of legal experience and has served as General Counsel for the Senate Special Committee on Investigations, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians on Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the United States Department of the Interior. "Time is of the essence -- it's never over 'till it's over," said Tuell.

The goal of the evening was to raise $120,000 toward federal recognition initiatives. "If we all get on one accord and carry the fight forward we will get the job done," said Metcon, Inc. President Aaron Thomas. "Right now our focus is the fight in Washington which is why you are here tonight; you are contributing to the fight." As the clock struck 9:30 p.m. tribal employees helped break the $100,000 mark by utilizing pledge cards available to all who wished to donate that evening.  The $120,000 goal was met with $36,000 collected that evening and the remaining $84,000 was pledged by the attending community leaders over a three month period from September until November.  All of those who contributed were able to sign a memorabilia poster to mark August 19, 2010 as a historic day in Lumbee Country in which those particular contributing leaders made a difference in the fight toward federal recognition for the Lumbee people. The goal has now been moved to $200,000.  For more information on how you can contribute your donation or time please contact the Tribe at 910-521-7861.

SOURCE Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina