Awards & Honors
Finalist, 26th Susan M. Glasscock Book Prize
National Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research · July 2025 Using an interdisciplinary approach that draws on hydrology, environmental science, anthropology, history, and indigenous studies, Ryan Emanuel fluidly (no pun intended) weaves a narrative about the Lumbee tribe's relationship with water in On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice. More about this awardElected Member
State North Caroliniana Society · June 2025 Starting initially with 21 distinguished North Carolinians and currently limited to 265, the Society fills vacancies by electing additional individuals meeting its criterion of “adjudged performance.” By doing so, it brings together men and women who have shown their respect for and commitment to our state’s unique historical, literary, and cultural inheritance. More about this awardFinalist, 2025 Phill Reed Environmental Writing Award
National Southern Environmental Law Center · December 2024 Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) presents the award annually in memory of Phillip D. Reed, a founding trustee of SELC who helped guide our organization through the early years before his untimely death in 1993. A talented attorney committed environmental activist, and editor of the widely read Environmental Law Reporter, Phil was known for his ebullient spirit and inquiring intellect. More about this awardAlumni Distinguished Graduate Professorship
University North Carolina State University · 2020 More about this awardNominee, Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service
University University of North Carolina Board of Governors · 2020Benjamin N. Duke Fellowship of the Research Triangle Foundation and Donnelley Family Fellowship
Other National Humanities Center · 2020 More about this awardWilliam C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations
Other Wildacres Leadership Initiative · 2020 More about this awardDistinguished Service to Indian Education
Other United Tribes of North Carolina · 2019Nominee, Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service
University University of North Carolina Board of Governors · 2019Steve Wing International Environmental Justice Award
Other North Carolina Environmental Justice Network · 2019University Sustainability Award (The Green Brick)
University North Carolina State University · 2018In the News
Published May 13, 2025
Trump supports full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe. What does the path forward look like?
Published March 13, 2025
In North Carolina, Trump administration’s anti-climate deregulation agenda comes to a head
Published February 24, 2025
Can the Lumbee gain tribal recognition? Trump actions provide hope, but hurdles remain
Published January 14, 2025
Ryan Emanuel talks intersection of environmental justice, Indigenous communities in new book
Published December 11, 2024
A conversation with Ryan Emanuel, author of 'On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice'
Published December 3, 2024
Duke professor with Charlotte roots shares his new book 'On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice'
Published August 2, 2024
Dozens testify against large liquified natural gas facility in Person County
Published July 30, 2024
Eroding Indigenous Sovereignty: How climate change complicates the fight for Tribal Nations to prove who they are
Published June 10, 2024
Mark Robinson says climate change isn’t real. He could be NC’s next governor
Published May 22, 2024
Lumbee author Ryan Emanuel shares stories of Indigenous survival in fight for environmental justice
Published May 17, 2024
In a debut book, a love letter to eastern North Carolina — and an indictment of colonialism as a driver of climate change
Published April 11, 2024
Spring Books by Duke Authors: Meditations, Baseball, Rebels and Stomach Pains
Published September 15, 2023
Lumbee climate scientist on global warming and Mark Robinson's false climate claims
Published May 19, 2023
Bombs in a swamp: Robeson County residents battling proposal for private military training site
Published April 18, 2023
With Disaster Tours, Eastern N.C. Locals Share Stories, Propose Flooding Solutions
Published February 14, 2023
Why a pipeline project in Houston is raising concerns over environmental racism
Published October 28, 2022
Learning to live with water, again: Lumbee face hard decisions about nature and NC storms
Published May 27, 2022
Poultry waste plant that has polluted in the past gets new approval in Robeson County
