Attempts by Lumbee people and other indigenous peoples to preserve their history and identity have often faced severe backlash from settlers on an individual and collective level.

Agricultural, industrial, commercial and energy developments all negatively impact the environments of the coastal Carolinas, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

Federal and state governments often disregard the relationship between indigenous people and the area they live in when making policy decisions, which disproportionately impacts indigenous people.

The headwaters of the Lumbee River are ecologically and geographically unique, with white sand banks and bald cypress predominant in the landscape. The native peoples have a historic attachment to, and meaningful involvement with, this environment.