NC H699

Grants state recognition to The Tuscarora Indians comprising three core communities: The Tuscarora Indian Nation of North Carolina Prospect Longhouse, Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina, and the Tuscarora Tribe of North Carolina, effective July 1, 2023.

Recognizes The Tuscarora as descendants of ancestors who entered a treaty with North Carolina in 1718 and were granted a 56,000-acre tract called Indian Woods on the Roanoke River in what is now Bertie County.

Designates The Tuscarora as an American Indian Tribe eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians, with the right to maintain individual enrollment criteria and govern themselves.

Increases the State Commission of Indian Affairs from 21 to 24 Indian community representatives and allocates three seats to The Tuscarora, selected by tribal or community consent.

Allows The Tuscarora to maintain individual enrollment criteria providing an opportunity for unenrolled Tuscarora descendants to enroll in the tribe.