RCC Celebrates Lumbee Tribe’s Federal Recognition Milestone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 18, 2025

RCC Celebrates Lumbee Tribe’s Federal Recognition Milestone

Lumberton, NC— On behalf of the Board of Trustees and President Melissa Singler, Robeson Community College is pleased to offer this statement of congratulations to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina on its historic advancement toward full federal recognition, now awaiting the signature of President Donald Trump.

This milestone reflects the Tribe’s sustained advocacy and leadership and represents a meaningful acknowledgment of the Lumbee people’s historical legacy, sovereign identity, and longstanding contributions at the local, state, and national levels.

Federal recognition affirms the Lumbee Tribe’s status as a sovereign nation and reflects generations of advocacy, resilience, and leadership. It also creates new opportunities to advance self-determination, expand access to vital resources, and preserve cultural traditions for generations to come.

This moment holds deep meaning for Robeson Community College, as many of our students, faculty, and staff are proud members of the Lumbee Tribe. Their heritage, perspectives, and leadership enrich our campus community each day, and we are honored to learn, work, and grow alongside Lumbee citizens whose dedication to education, service, and community strengthens our institution.

Robeson Community College joins in celebrating this historic achievement and extends our heartfelt congratulations and deep respect to Lumbee tribal leaders, elders, advocates, and citizens whose unwavering dedication made this milestone possible. The College looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the Lumbee Tribe and reaffirms its commitment to supporting Native students, employees, and communities.

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 For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Jacobs, Executive Director of Governance and Marketing, at 910-272-3231 or cjacobs@robeson.edu.