Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina faces healthcare funding gap as new housing project advances

The Lumbee Tribe, newly recognized as the 575th federally recognized tribe, is awaiting sufficient funding to expand health services for its members. While the tribe anticipates increased Indian Health Service (IHS) support, researchers warn that chronic underfunding—estimated at a $55 billion shortfall—leaves plans to build a tribal health system in limbo.

At the same time, the tribe’s Construction Team held a concept meeting with Wooten Engineering, city officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to move forward on a 32‑acre residential subdivision in Scotland County. The project will create a 44‑lot, one‑third‑acre single‑family neighborhood and a state‑of‑the‑art Boys & Girls Club, serving districts represented by council members Josephine Doss and Larry Soles. This development is one of six tribal neighborhoods currently under construction.

Both initiatives highlight the Lumbee Tribe’s efforts to improve community health and infrastructure following its recent federal recognition.