The Lumbee Indians of North Carolina, tired of being not quite a tribe in the eyes of the federal government, are watching their best-ever chance at recognition slip away because of a dispute over the role gambling should play in their future.
Failure would mean the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi would continue missing out on millions in funding for housing, education and health care.
"We've got the ball and we're running toward the end zone, and suddenly we're being stopped," said Beth Jacobs, a Lumbee who has emerged as a leader among members who say recent decisions by tribal leaders are jeopardizing the recognition bid.
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