In their first vote as a federally-recognized tribe, members of the Lumbee nation voted against casino development on tribal land.
Tuesday’s uncertified results show 5,775 against and 3,490 votes in favor of casinos, or 62.3 to 37.7 percent.
Tribal Chair John Lowery said in a statement that leaders were disappointed in the outcome.
“Tonight, a majority of the Lumbee people have spoken,” Lowery said in a statement released on social media, “and they have said no to progress and have decided to stay with the status quo or simply staying with the way things are. As a federally recognized Indian tribe, we had the opportunity, like so many of our brother and sister tribes, to exercise our sovereign rights to the fullest and generate billions of dollars to assist our tribal members and lift this entire region.
“This decision by the majority of Lumbee voters is historic and ensures we will not move forward with gaming. I will honor the wishes of the majority, and I will not bring this issue forward again over the remaining 18 months of my tenure.”
Lowery released the statement immediately after the vote results were tallied. Before Tuesday’s vote, Lowery promoted gaming as a path to “economic sovereignty” for the tribe, since the operation would be owned by the Lumbee nation.
Lumbee leaders touted the proposed casino project as a billion-dollar economic engine for the Robeson County I-95 corridor. Supporters pointed to the impact of the Cherokee casinos in western North Carolina as an example. Improvements to schools, jobs, healthcare and housing would follow casino revenues, Lowery said.
A development called Dark Water Resort was planned for 241 acres along I-95. The proposed project included casinos, a hotel, restaurants and entertainment facilities designed to attract travelers along the Interstate. The project had the potential to create thousands of jobs.
Critics said the tribe was being rushed into making a decision, especially since the gaming vote called for changes in tribal governing. Under the proposal, only tribal leaders would be able to negotiate contracts, with no input by the members. Some also expressed concerns that drugs, additional drinking and higher crime rates would follow casinos.
Tribal leaders said the 240+ acre tract could be used for purposes other than a casino, but no plans have been released.
The tribe received federal recognition in December. It is the largest recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River, with 55,000 citizens.
Some information in this report reprinted courtesy of nativenewsonline.com.
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