To state that the Lumbee "chose" to call themselves "Cherokee" reveals how misinformed one is regarding the actual historical events. The designation of "Cherokee" was applied by well meaning politicians and amateur white historians and it was specifically mentioned in the minutes of the debate over the NC Bill that the Indians of Robeson did not call themselves "Cherokee" nor did they claim descendancy from that tribe. This application of a name that the people themselves did not recognize was simply a repeat if earlier application of another erroneous tribal designation of "Croatan". Composite tribal groups are no less eligible for federal recognition as many if the larger tribes are historically composites ( the Creeks and the Cherokee of Oklahoma are good examples). If simply what "name" a tribal group is labeled is a means to bar recognition then wouldn't the majority of federal tribes have to be terminated as they carry titles not of their own making? ( mvskoki recognized as Creek, Tsalagi recognized as Cherokee, hundreds of "rancheras" in cslifornia not historically known by those names etc etc)