Beyond the Cherokee and Lumbee: Here are the other American Indian tribes NC recognizes

Across North Carolina, roughly 125,000 people identify as American Indian or Alaskan native alone — a statewide total that ranks among the highest east of the Mississippi River.

Add those who identify as native in combination with other ethnicities and the total rises past 300,000, or 3% of the state’s population.

Cherokee

North Carolina recognizes eight distinct tribes, though only the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full federal recognition. With more than 16,000 enrolled members, much of the tribe lives on the Qualla Boundary in the state’s western mountains.

Lumbee

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is the state’s largest, with roughly 55,000 members. Their push for full federal recognition is the longest and best-known.

The other six, while smaller, occupy a distinct place in the state’s makeup.