Chairman: Lumbees ‘will pursue gaming,’ casinos if Tuesday’s vote succeeds :: WRAL.com

The Lumbee Tribe, which was granted long-sought full federal recognition in December, will vote Tuesday on constitutional amendments that may clear the best way for the tribe to construct a on line casino in southeastern North Carolina.

“If the amendment passes, the Lumbee Tribe will pursue gaming,” Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery said in a video announcement to members of the tribe. “If it does not pass, we will not. If you vote yes, you are voting for economic sovereignty for the Lumbee people through a tribally owned gaming and entertainment operation.”

The particular election is for tribal members enrolled as of May 22. Passage requires a easy majority of the vote. The Tribal Council voted to place a number of adjustments to the structure on the poll. The tribe has greater than 55,000 members.

One modification would give the council the authority to” 

• Approve any gaming settlement negotiated by the tribal chairperson.
• Confirm the tribal chairperson’s nomination of all members to the board of any tribal gaming regulatory physique and any tribal gaming enterprise.
• Enact tribal ordinances that let, license, regulate or in any other case govern gaming actions, in keeping with tribal, federal and different relevant legal guidelines.

Another modification would develop the definition of the territory of the Lumbee Tribe to incorporate “any additional lands acquired by the tribe or by the United States on behalf or for the benefit of the tribe.”

The Lumbee purchased 240 acres of land off Interstate 95 in Robeson County late final yr, paying a minimum of $6 million for the land, which might be used for a on line casino.

“While gaming will not be the only tool for economic growth, its projected scale and profitability can provide the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and create opportunities for additional development in other areas,” Lowery stated.

He stated the governance construction that may be applied because of the amendments passing is identical because the one utilized by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The EBCI operates two casinos in far western North Carolina.

If the vote passes Tuesday, it could set up a course of by which the chairman nominates members to gaming authorities and commissions, topic to affirmation by the council. The chairman would additionally acquire the authority to barter a gaming compact with the state.

“This is about protecting tribal sovereignty, ensuring accountability and creating lasting generational prosperity for the Lumbee people,” Lowery stated in his message to the tribe. “Tribal economic development should serve one purpose: directly benefiting the citizens of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina — today, tomorrow and for future generations.”

The Lumbee sought full federal recognition for many years and the extra federal rights and advantages that come together with it. Congress accepted full recognition of the tribe, which has territory in Robeson, Hoke, Scotland and Cumberland counties, within the protection appropriations invoice in late 2025.