Beer distributor apologizes, donates money to Lumbee Tribe

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A beer distributor has agreed to make a substantial donation to an organization that helps the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to settle a lawsuit by the tribe.

The Lumbees sued Anheuser-Busch and Raleigh-based distributor R.A. Jeffreys, saying the beer company was illegally using the tribe's logo. The brewer placed the tribe's four-color circular "Heritage, Pride & Strength" logo and slogan above coolers in Lumberton and Raeford.

Media outlets reported Friday that the distributor apologized to the tribe and made a donation to Lumbee Land Development The amount was not disclosed.

Anheuser-Busch officials said they didn't know about the advertising.

The Lumbee Tribe says the logo made it look like it condones drinking. The tribe says the actions are especially disturbing because alcohol abuse is often association with Native Americans.