The Amazing Lumbee People!

Imagine a special group of people called the Lumbee! They are known as the 'People of the Dark Water' because their home is near the winding Lumber River in North Carolina. They are Native Americans who have lived in this area for a very, very long time. Their main town is called Pembroke, and it's a busy place for them. It's like the heart of their community where everyone gathers!

The Lumbee people have a super interesting story that goes back many years. They are descendants of many different Native American groups who used to live in the southeastern part of the United States. Over time, these groups came together and became the Lumbee.

North Carolina officially recognized them as a tribe a long, long time ago, in 1885. That's older than your grandparents' grandparents!

The Lumbee are important because they have kept their culture and traditions alive for so long. They are a state-recognized tribe, which means North Carolina knows they are a special group with their own history. Even though they are recognized, they are still working to be recognized by the whole United States government in the same way as other tribes. This is a big goal for them!

The Lumber River is super important to the Lumbee people. It's not just a river; it's part of their name and their identity! The river winds and curves through their home in Robeson County, like a big, watery ribbon. Many Lumbee people still live in this area, and the river is a beautiful reminder of their connection to the land and their ancestors.