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Editorial: Disenrollment becoming too common
Friday, April 1, 2005

"The enrollment controversy within the Mooretown Rancheria is becoming much too familiar among tribes nationwide.

These stories are becoming commonplace as Indian gaming revenues become a significant source of income for tribes. The more money there is, the more people with Indian lineage will want a cut or, if you believe the ousted members in some cases, the more some tribal members will attempt to limit the number of people who get a cut.

In most cases, these are like family squabbles, resolved internally. Tribes are sovereign nations, governed according to self-established constitutions. They owe no court save the BIA an explanation. They offer non-Indians little explanation. The Mooretown Rancheria decision, for example, was explained to the local media and the nontribal public in a press release. Details were not discussed. It's not uncommon."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Sovereignty no cause for silence (The Chico Enterprise Record 4/1)

Relevant Links:
Bureau-of-Indian-Affairs.com, Disenrollment site - http://www.bureau-of-indian-affairs.com

Relevant Links:
Mooretown Rancheria history - http://www.featherfallscasino.com/tribal.htm

Related Stories:
California tribe changes status of some members (3/28)
State judge won't dismiss lawsuit over tribal enrollment (07/27)

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