Chukchansi Tribe removes nearly half from rolls

Thursday, August 2, 2007  

In the past year, the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians has removed nearly half of its membership from the rolls.

A year ago, the tribe had 1,200 members. But only 691 are left after the tribe investigated each and every person.

And there might be even more on the way. Another 200 people might be disenrolled, according to an American Indian Movement activist. Some even think the tribe will dip below 100 members by next year.

Overall, AIM says 3,000 California Indians have been kicked out of their tribes. Critics attribute the trend to the rise of Indian gaming while tribal leaders say they have a sovereign right to determine their identity.

Get the Story:
The Incredible Shrinking Chukchansi Tribe (The Capitol Weekly 8/2)
Shrinking tribes are a growing issue (The Capitol Weekly 8/2)
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PICAYUNE RANCHERIA OF THE CHUKCHANSI INDIANS REGARDING TRIBAL ENROLLMENT (The Capitol Weekly 8/2)

Relevant Links:
American Indian Rights and Resource Organization - http://www.airro.org
Pechanga Tribal Disenrollment - http://www.pechanga.info
Tribal Corruption - http://www.tribalcorruption.com

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