Strengthening Sovereignty and Resilience: Generating Land Management Tools for the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center in North Carolina

Abstract

This project supports the Lumbee Tribe in managing their Cultural Center property as climate change advances in Southeastern North Carolina. Guided by the CARE Principles of Indigenous Data Governance, we worked in close collaboration with the Tribe to ensure their values and priorities shaped every step of the process. We assessed the site’s vegetation, explored future climate risks, and identified strategies for sustainable land management. Our analysis highlights ways to reduce flood risk, outbreak of pests and diseases, and restore longleaf pine habitat. To support future decision-making, we developed practical tools, including a GIS data repository, an interactive mapping system, and recommendations for building Tribal GIS capacity. This work empowers the Tribe with knowledge and resources to make informed land stewardship decisions that honor their cultural heritage, protect the environment, and serve the community.