Members of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians are fighting over who has the right to decide membership in the small California tribe. The San Diego Union-Tribune takes a look at the dispute.

Currently, the tribal constitution limits enrollment to people with at least one-eighth San Pasqual blood. Right now there are only about 300 members.

The dispute arose over an attempt to add more people to the rolls. These lineal descendants have San Pasqual blood but don't have a right to vote or participate in other tribal matters.

The tribe's enrollment committee decided that the lineals could be enrolled adjusting the blood quantum of their ancestors upward. But Chairman Allen Lawson and other top officials said only the Bureau of Indian Affairs can make that change.

Tribal members went ahead and added 212 people to the rolls at a disputed April 10 meeting. Lawson, Secretary-Treasurer Angela Martinez-McNeal and Councilman Dave Toler said the meeting was invalid, a stance upheld by the BIA.

Tribal members -- including some of the new enrollees -- then started a recall of Lawson and the other two officials. They say they have successfully recalled the leaders but the matter is still under review at the BIA.

Get the Story:
A tribe divided (The San Diego Union-Tribune 5/20)

Relevant Links:
San Pasqual Band Of Mission Indians - http://www.sanpasqualindians.org

Related Stories:
Factions of San Pasqual Band dispute recall of leaders (5/17)
San Pasqual leaders placed on administrative leave (5/9)
San Pasqual leaders face recall over membership flap (5/6)