Ward and Smith Government Relations attorney Mike McIntyre recently joined Governor Josh Stein, Native American leaders, and members of the Lumbee Tribe at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion to celebrate the long-awaited federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
The gathering marked a historic milestone in a decades-long effort to secure full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe — an achievement more than 100 years in the making.
Mike played a significant role in advancing prior federal recognition legislation during his time in Congress, shepherding the measure through the U.S. House of Representatives on two separate occasions. Although the Senate did not act on the legislation at the time, federal recognition was ultimately achieved this past December.
The recognition provides long-sought validation and access to federal resources for the Lumbee Tribe and represents a meaningful chapter in North Carolina’s history.
Ward and Smith congratulates Mike and the Lumbee Tribe on this historic achievement and recognizes the leadership and perseverance that made it possible.