On December 18, 2025, a decades-long pursuit for justice reached a historic conclusion. With the stroke of a pen, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina finally achieved full federal recognition, a designation that promises to reshape the economic and social landscape of Robeson County, NC and the surrounding region.

In a recent conversation with Lumbee Guaranty Bank’s CEO, Kyle R. Chavis, a prominent voice and leader within the Lumbee community, he shared his reflections on the significance of this milestone. For Chavis and many others, the word “full” is the most critical part of the achievement.

The Lumbee people have lived in a state of partial recognition since 1956. While the government acknowledged them as a tribe during that era, it explicitly denied them the federal benefits and services usually afforded to indigenous nations.

“Our tribe was recognized in 1956 by the federal government… but we were denied any federal benefits,” Chavis explained. “For myself, and a lot of people, full federal recognition, finally being able to achieve that, is a lot about righting a wrong from many years ago and it has been very gratifying.”

Chavis credits the success of the 2025 Act to a “alignment of the political stars” and the steadfast support of leaders like Senator Thom Tillis, who championed the cause even after announcing his retirement. “He took the ball across the goal line. He stuck to his word and tribal leaders did an amazing job of organizing and maintaining a very good relationship with him to make it happen,” Chavis noted.

For the Lumbee people, this victory is deeply personal. Chavis reflected on the stories told by his father and grandparents, who lived through the era of segregation in North Carolina. “My dad many times growing up told me about when he went to the movies—he sat upstairs… in designated seating for ethnic minorities. When you think about that, and you think about that was just a generation ago… it’s really amazing to see this progress.”

This sense of history has fueled a “celebratory” atmosphere in the community. While Chavis admits there is a sense of relief, the focus has quickly shifted toward the future and the responsibilities that come with this new status.

The financial implications of full recognition are vast. One of the most significant changes is the ability for the tribe to put land into a federal trust, which exempts economic activity on that property from state and local taxes.

The tribe has already begun moving strategically (with steadfast tribal leadership working proactively), purchasing 250 acres adjacent to I-95 for economic development. For Chavis, seeing this land—where he once hunted as a boy—transition into a hub for tribal revenue is “surreal.”

“The focus is going to be: How can we leverage federal recognition to stimulate economic growth versus, ‘Hey, let’s wait until Washington sends everybody a check,’” Chavis said. “The Lumbee Tribe has always been defined by self-sufficiency. This independence is what led to the creation of so many things like UNC Pembroke and our own banking institution, Lumbee Guaranty Bank.”

As a community banker, Chavis sees a bright future for local financial institutions. He anticipates an expansion of banking services as the tribe explores for-profit ventures and receives congressional appropriations.

“We [Lumbee Guaranty Bank] want to remain independent because we are the only real community bank in our market,” Chavis remarked, noting that the bank was originally formed because Lumbee people had trouble getting loans elsewhere. “We do some things that other folks just simply can’t or won’t do while still maintaining safety and soundness and good returns for our shareholders.”

Beyond business, the impact on the younger generation is immediate. Full recognition has unlocked a wave of post-secondary scholarships previously reserved only for members of fully recognized tribes. Chavis noted that the tribe began publishing these opportunities almost the day the Act was signed, once again showing that proactive spirit.

As the Department of the Interior begins the process of certifying tribal roles, the Lumbee community is looking forward to a new era of prosperity that benefits not just the tribe, but the entire, diverse population of Robeson County.

“What will help the Lumbee tribe will help our county and our region because we’re so interconnected,” Chavis concluded. “I truly hope (and believe) we can continue to be who we are.”

With full recognition now a reality, the Lumbee Tribe is no longer just waiting for a seat at the table—they are building the table themselves.