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North Carolina: Chairman says Lumbees ‘will pursue gaming,’ casinos if Tuesday’s vote succeeds

Monday, June 22, 2026 2:16 PM
Photo: Faces at the Pow Wow flickr photo by Tobyotter shared under a Creative Commons (BY 2.0) license
  • Brian Murphy, WRAL

The Lumbee Tribe, which was granted long-sought full federal recognition in December, will vote Tuesday on constitutional amendments that would clear the way for the tribe to build a 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 special election is for tribal members enrolled as of May 22.