Ousted Pechangas turn to courts, politicians

Wednesday, October 3, 2007  

Over 230 people have been disenrolled from the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians but they aren't taking their removal lightly.

More than 100 members of the Hunter family have sued tribal officials in federal court. The ousted Pechangas say their civil rights and constitutional rights were violated.

More than 130 members of the Gomez family have been lobbying Congress on the issue. They are opposing a bill that would return land to the tribe and have sought meetings with top lawmakers.

The state and federal courts so far have sided with the tribe due its sovereign immunity. The courts also tend to stay out of membership disputes.

Get the Story:
Pechanga tribe's ousters bring protests, lawsuits (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/3)
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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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