- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Real Estate
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is preparing its first land‑into‑trust application following the acquisition of 241 acres in Robeson County.
Chairman John L. Lowery said the application marks the beginning of an economic development strategy made possible by long-sought federal recognition.
Lumbee Tribal Holdings, the tribe’s for‑profit arm, purchased the property before transferring it to the tribal government, though an exact purchase date was not disclosed. In a video statement published on YouTube, Lowery said the land was secured to support “long-term economic development initiatives that benefit our people for generations to come.”
He said the 241 acres, along with the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, the Tribal Administration Building and other tribally owned properties, will be placed into trust with the United States. The land’s location was not disclosed, though a report by Business NC indicates “people familiar with the matter” placed the property near Exit 10 of Interstate 95.
Trust status shifts title to the federal government to be held for the tribe, shielding the land from eminent domain and creating protections Lowery described as “critical” to the tribe’s future.
“The land-into-trust process is one of the most important tools available to our tribal nations since we became federally recognized,” Lowery said.
The application represents one of the first major governance steps the Lumbee Tribe has taken since Congress granted full federal recognition in 2025. Lowery has repeatedly framed economic development as essential to exercising sovereignty, expanding services and building discretionary revenue not tied to federal restrictions.
The tribe has not yet determined how the 241 acres will be developed. Lowery said that decision will rest with Lumbee citizens. If the tribe votes to pursue gaming, the site could support a casino and resort with retail, recreation and tourism amenities. If voters reject gaming, the land could be developed into a business and industrial park aimed at attracting major employers.
Either path, he said, could generate thousands of jobs and strengthen the regional economy. Lowery said he intends to work with the Tribal Council to position the Lumbee Tribe as an economic engine for southeastern North Carolina.
“Our vision is growth,” he said. “Our vision is to protect our sovereignty.”
