The above contributed photo features the late Chief Brooks, one of the ‘Original 22,’ of the Siouan Indian Community of Lumber River.
By Charlotte Smith
The rich tapestry of Native American history in the United States is woven with stories of resilience, determination, and a deep connection to ancestral roots. Among these narratives lies the journey of the Tuscarora Nation, a proud community originating in Southeastern North Carolina that has strived for decades to protect their heritage and secure the recognition they rightfully deserve.
In 1936, the spotlight turned toward the Tuscarora Nation when the Smithsonian Institution expressed interest in their unique culture. Subsequently, the Brooks family, and a handful of other Native Americans in Southeastern North Carolina became certified and recognized as Indian under the Indian Reorganization Act. This oligarchy, known as the ‘Original 22,’ is recognized as the Siouan Indian Community of Lumber River.
Being a Tuscarora is more than a matter of blood; it encompasses the shared culture and history that binds this community together. The Tuscarora people are one of the original Six Nations of the Iroquois, with their name deriving from their tribal name, Skarureh, which means “hemp people.” Many members of the tribe have faced economic challenges and limited access to education, making their quest for recognition all the more significant.
Chief Robert Brooks, the son of the late Chief Paul Brooks, a member of the ‘Original 22,’ has taken up the mantle to protect his family’s heritage and birthrights. Their ancestors had long sought federal and state recognition under the Wheeler-Howard Act of 1934. In the 1970s, the ‘Original 22’ passionately petitioned political figures for land rights and educational rights, advocating for their rightful place in history.
Despite the passing of Chief Paul Brooks on August 20, 2013, his son and successor, Chief Robert Brooks, continues to uphold the tribe’s rich heritage and enduring legacy passionately. Chief Brooks explains that the ‘Original 22’ members were identified as having a minimum of fifty percent Native American ancestry. These individuals endured immense oppression, akin to the practices of royal monarchies; the Native Americans were resorting to endogamy, in other words, incest, to maintain their bloodline. Chief Brooks openly acknowledges that his own grandparents were first cousins, underscoring the challenges and sacrifices made by those who came before him.
The Brooks family has resided in Bladen County for over 50 years. Their determination has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the Bladen County Board of Commissioners’ resolution presented to Chief Robert Brooks on November 19, 2019. The resolution celebrated the memory of Mr. Paul Brooks, highlighting the tribe’s enduring dedication to honoring his legacy.
Chief Robert Brooks, accompanied by his brother, recently visited the BladenOnline office to share their story and mission. They are members of the Siouan Indian Community of Lumber River, direct descendants of the ‘Original 22’ of Robeson County, North Carolina. Their journey spans nearly a century, tracing back to the first plea for assistance sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in June 1934.
“We had education and land promised to us, but we never gained control of it because of the political freight train,” says Chief Brooks.
Chief Brooks emphasized their purpose: developing economic infrastructure and providing housing to facilitate tribal self-determination, economic development, and governmental revenue. Despite the challenges posed by bureaucracy and politics, their mission remains unwavering.
There’s good news on the horizon for the Tuscarora people. Effective on July 1, 2023, House Bill 699 ensures that the Native Americans will enjoy all the rights and privileges of being recognized as an American Indian Tribe. They will have a recognized tribal governing body that performs important governmental functions similar to those of the State. This recognition makes them eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to indigenous communities because of their status.
The bill also has two main requirements for the Tuscarora people:
1. They must maintain specific enrollment criteria, which will allow unenrolled Tuscarora descendants to become enrolled members of the tribe.
2. They should govern themselves in a way that benefits and unifies all Tuscarora people under their governance.
Chief Brooks said, “I would like to meet with the North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper. We appreciate the opportunity for the rightful recognition as a federally recognized Indian tribe according to our degree in the bloodline. We want the land and education opportunities that are promised to us and more representation on the State Commission of Indian Affairs.”
According to House Bill 699, there will be changes to GS 143B-407. This amendment will increase the number of representatives from the Indian community on the State Commission of Indian Affairs by three members, specifically adding three members from the Tuscarora community.
Chief Brooks remarked, “We do not want the kinship law or other Indian people not in our bloodline to steal these opportunities from us.”
He added, “I am doing this to protect our identity, to respect and honor our elders who have passed away, and to provide hope for our children, who can still benefit from the recognition we seek.”
The Tuscarora and Cherokee tribes stand as the only Indian treaty nations in North Carolina, underscoring the significance of their cultural and historical contributions.
As the Siouan Indian Community of Lumber River part of the Tuscarora Nation continues to forge ahead on their path toward claiming their rights, their story serves as a reminder of the warrior spirit of Native American communities in America, who strive to protect their heritage, uphold their identity, and secure a brighter future for generations to come.
References:
https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/billsum/h-699-2023-2024
https://www.ncpedia.org/anchor/primary-source-boundary
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