RALEIGH, N.C. — Representative Jarrod Lowery (R – Robeson County) applauded the North Carolina Department of Administration’s (NCDOA) Commission of Indian Affairs for issuing a strong statement condemning divisive actions and rhetoric by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The Commission’s letter, distributed to all members of the General Assembly, highlights concern about the EBCI’s efforts to delegitimize other Tribal Nations, particularly the Lumbee Tribe, and calls on the EBCI to “immediately cease its divisive behavior.”
The Commission’s statement comes just hours after Lowery sent a letter to Governor-elect Josh Stein raising similar concerns about the EBCI’s leadership and its potential influence on state policy.
“North Carolina’s tribes are strongest when we stand united, but the actions and rhetoric coming from the EBCI are driving unnecessary and harmful division,” said Lowery, “The Commission of Indian Affairs has now echoed the same urgent concerns I raised with Governor-elect Stein, underscoring how deeply this behavior impacts all tribes in our state.”
The Commission’s letter describes the EBCI’s actions as part of “a troubling pattern of behavior in which the EBCI has positioned itself as an oppressor toward fellow tribes in North Carolina and neighboring states.” It condemns the dissemination of “prejudicial and misleading information” by the EBCI and stresses that such conduct is “shameful, counterproductive, and inconsistent with the responsibilities and values that should guide tribal leadership.”
Lowery praised the Commission for taking a strong stance, adding, “As Native peoples, we have endured too much to allow infighting to weaken our collective voice and sovereignty. I stand with the Commission in calling for an end to this divisive behavior and urge all tribal leaders to prioritize respect and collaboration. The future of Indian Country in North Carolina depends on our ability to uplift one another, not tear each other down.”
Lowery remains committed to ensuring that all of North Carolina’s recognized tribes are treated with dignity, equity, and respect. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration to protect the sovereignty and rights of all Tribal Nations in the state.