TRAILER for You're NO INDIAN Movie on Tribal Disenrollment! See it HERE

 

SHARE THIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA...... THANK YOU

Tribal Disenrollment is a HATE CRIME AGAINST NATIVE AMERICANS

This is an apt description in many instances of tribal disenrollment:

A hate crime (also known as a bias-motivated crime or bias crime)^[1] is a prejudice-motivated crime which occurs when a perpetrator targets a victim because of their membership (or perceived membership) of a certain social group or racial demographic.

While stripping the tribal citizenship from perceived enemies and those not following those in power in lockstep is NOT a crime, though the violations of civil and human rights should be,  the results can be the same.   So, would they just be bias incidents that affect 11,000 living?

Elders lose their heritage, their kinship, their health benefits.  Children grow up with no sense of tribal belonging and without the benefits they should have.

Native American Heritage on Trial: How Tribal Disenrollment Threatens Justice for Native All Americans

Tribal Disenrollment has set a Dangerous Precedent for Human Rights Violations:

Disenrollment shows that citizenship, identity, and rights can be stripped away without due process. If this can happen within sovereign tribal nations, it sets a troubling example for other governments or organizations to violate human rights under the guise of "internal matters." 

How can we, as a society, claim to stand for justice when we ignore the systematic erasure of Native Americans from their own tribes? Tribal disenrollment isn’t just an internal issue—it’s a human rights crisis that has stripped over 10,000 individuals of their citizenship, identity, and ancestral ties. While Native leaders often demand justice for centuries-old grievances like stolen land, voting rights, and broken health care systems, many of these same leaders actively strip those very rights from their own people. This hypocrisy not only devastates the lives of those disenrolled but also undermines the broader fight for Native justice. If we allow these injustices to continue unchecked, we send a chilling message: that sovereignty can shield oppression, that human rights violations are acceptable, and that justice is only for some, not all.

Trust in Sovereign Governance:

Tribal sovereignty is meant to protect and uplift Native communities, but when it is used to disenfranchise members, it casts doubt on the integrity of self-governance. This skepticism can spill over into broader discussions about autonomy and governance in other contexts.

Challenging Broader Civil Rights Protections:

Allowing disenrollment to go unchecked signals that some communities are above the law when it comes to respecting civil and human rights. This weakens the precedent for protecting rights in other marginalized or minority communities.

Fostering Inequality in Federal Oversight:

Tribes that disenroll members often continue to receive federal benefits meant for those they’ve ousted. This misuse of resources represents an injustice to taxpayers and a failure of accountability that could embolden other groups to abuse similar systems.

 Undermining the Concept of Citizenship and Identity:

Stripping people of their tribal identity resonates with broader debates about the stability and sanctity of citizenship in the U.S. If citizenship and identity can be arbitrarily removed in one community, it raises questions about protections in others.

Tribal Disenrollment a Violation of Human Rights:

Disenrollment cuts individuals off from their cultural identity, religious practices, political participation, and ancestral connections. Imagine being told you no longer belong to your own family or heritage. This is the ultimate act of isolation— a lifetime sentence of separation and erasure.

It Undermines Tribal Sovereignty:

Disenrollment threatens the integrity of tribal governance, providing skeptics with ammunition to argue that tribes cannot handle membership issues without external interference. Sovereignty should never be a shield for injustice.

It Reflects on All of Us:

Shouldn’t casino patrons, hotel guests, or concertgoers wonder: If a tribe will betray its own people, can I trust them? Disenrollment harms not only the disenrolled but also the reputation of tribal nations as a whole.

It Betrays Tribal Values:

Disenrollment is not the Native way. Historically, it was rare and reserved for only the most extreme cases. Today, it’s being called a “new genocide”—a systematic destruction of families and identities by those elected to protect them.

A Call to Action for ALL OF US

We cannot ignore the theft of tribal heritage and the crimes against Native people. The media must shine a light on these injustices. The public must demand accountability. Here’s how you can help:

Boycott Offending Tribes: Stop patronizing casinos, hotels, and businesses owned by tribes that disenroll their members. Instead, support tribes that uphold civil rights and protect their people.

Demand Federal Accountability: Call on the Department of the Interior and Congress to enforce laws, amend protections, and ensure tribes cannot use sovereignty as a shield for corruption.

Speak Out: Amplify the voices of disenrolled individuals. Share their stories, write to your representatives, and demand justice.

Disenrollment is a Moral Issue

When we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, we allow injustice to flourish. Disenrollment is not just a tribal issue—it’s a human issue. It’s about protecting the fundamental rights of individuals, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring justice for all.

Let’s stand with the disenrolled and demand better from tribal leaders, federal agencies, and ourselves. Disenrollment matters because justice matters. And justice for Native Americans is justice for all Americans.

The Disenrolled Native Americans' Story, YOU'RE NO INDIAN Gets Disenrolled from Palm Springs International Film Festival Despite SOLD OUT SHOWINGS Our RYAN FLYNN Interview

Documentary filmmaker   RYAN FLYNN
Gracious enough to accept our interview request

The 2025 Palm Springs Film Festival has removed YOU’RE NO INDIAN, a film highlighting the impacts of disenrollment in indigenous communities, from its lineup, citing “scheduling errors” as the reason. But this explanation doesn’t hold up. The film was scheduled for two screenings and had already sold out both showings. This decision feels less like a logistical mishap and more like an intentional effort to suppress the voices of disenrolled tribal members featured in the documentary.

As many of you know, I am Rick Cuevas, a descendant of Paulina Hunter, an Original Pechanga person and allottee of the Temecula Indian Reservation. In 1895, Paulina was granted a 20-acre plot of land that remains in my family to this day, providing a home for over 20 permanent residents. Despite our deep roots and history, my family—over 130 living descendants—was disenrolled in 2006 by the Pechanga tribe. We were stripped of our citizenship, removed from the tribal rolls, and denied the rights and recognition we were entitled to as tribal members.

This wasn’t an isolated event. In 2004, the Manuela Miranda family was similarly disenrolled from Pechanga, marking the beginning of Pechanga’s “Decade of Disenrollment.” Thousands of tribal members across the country have faced the same fate, with devastating consequences.

Now, with the removal of YOU’RE NO INDIAN from the Palm Springs Film Festival, it feels like another form of disenrollment—silencing our voices and erasing our stories as if we don’t exist. The festival’s decision to strike the film, despite its sold-out screenings, only amplifies the pain and frustration of the 10,000 disenrolled tribal members whose stories Ryan Flynn sought to amplify.

The Film’s director, Ryan Flynn, was kind enough to answer my questions about the film and its powerful message. I encourage you to stick with me and read his insights. These stories need to be told, even if some would rather they stay hidden.

OP: What inspired you to dedicate almost 7 years of your life to creating a documentary about tribal disenrollment? 

Ryan Flynn: As a father, I often think about the kind of world we’re leaving for future generations. I want to believe that our society, and the history we’re building today, will still be here 500 years from now. But for so many indigenous tribes, that’s not the case. Their histories, languages, and cultures have been systematically erased. I can’t help but think about a father from 500 years ago, experiencing the same fears and joys of parenthood that I do now. It’s heartbreaking that we can’t know his story—not only has his history been erased, but in many cases, even his language is gone.

This film is deeply personal for me. My role here is to amplify the voices of those who are fighting to preserve what little culture and history remains. Because what is a society without its language, culture, and traditions? With this new practice of disenrollment, I fear we are at risk of losing a massive part of our collective human history because of greed. While I’m not Indigenous, I am a human being, and Indigenous history is human history.

OP: How did you approach gaining the trust of individuals and communities affected by disenrollment to share their stories?

Ryan Flynn: One of the biggest challenges was gaining access and trust as a non-indigenous director. Building relationships with the community took years of effort and mutual respect. Additionally, fear around speaking out made it difficult for people to come forward. I see disenrollment as the weaponization of identity and fear, and I worked hard to create a safe space for people to share their stories.

OP: Were there moments during filming that were especially emotional or difficult for you as a director?

Ryan Flynn: For me, the most difficult moments were hearing how disenrollment led some people to consider suicide. The impact of being severed from their tribe—losing their identity, community, and sense of belonging—was so profound that it pushed some individuals into complete despair. Sitting across from someone as they shared this level of pain was devastating.

It wasn’t just the personal loss; it was the systemic erasure of everything they stood for—their history, their culture, their future. As a director, those moments weighed heavily on me, knowing that these stories needed to be told but also needing to approach them with care and sensitivity. It’s one thing to make a film about an issue, but it’s entirely different when you witness how deeply it impacts someone’s mental health and will to live.

OP: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while creating this documentary, both logistically and emotionally?

Dear President Biden, Aboard Air Force One: Why Mr. President Are YOU HONORING Tribal Leaders Who Disenroll Their Own People

 Dear Mr. President,

I write to you with deep concern and a heavy heart regarding an issue that profoundly affects the lives of countless Native Americans across this country: the abusive practice of tribal disenrollment. This egregious act, often carried out without evidence or due process, strips individuals and families of their heritage, identity, and rights. It is an injustice that not only harms the disenfranchised but also tarnishes the sacred principles of sovereignty and unity within Native nations.

As the leader of our nation, your platform carries immense weight in addressing injustices and standing with those who have been wronged. Yet, it is disheartening to see some tribal leaders—who have disenrolled their own people, violating their human and cultural rights—treated as if they are exemplars of integrity and leadership. When these individuals Chairman Mark Macarro of Pechanga being one , are invited aboard Air Force One, one of the most potent symbols of American values and honor, it sends a troubling message: that their actions are condoned, or at the very least overlooked, by the highest office in the land.   

Mark Macarro (short/right) with the President
         (photo courtesy)

Disenrollment is more than an internal tribal matter—it is a human rights issue. Entire families are being erased from their tribes, often for political or financial gain. These actions run contrary to the ideals of justice, equality, and respect for cultural heritage that you have championed throughout your presidency.

Disenrolling Tribal Leader Jack Potter 
cavorting with President Biden.

Your voice could be transformative in this matter. By publicly condemning the practice of disenrollment and refusing to honor leaders who engage in it, you can stand in solidarity with the tens of thousands of disenrolled Native Americans who have been marginalized and betrayed. Such a stance would not be an attack on tribal sovereignty but rather a call for accountability and ethical governance—a principle that applies to all leaders, whether tribal, state, or federal.

I urge you to use your influence to highlight this injustice and to meet with those who have been affected. Listen to their stories, hear their pain, and stand with them. Honor the resilience of Native Americans who fight for their rights and heritage, and make it clear that those who harm their own people will not be celebrated or embraced by the United States government.

The disenrolled deserve to know that their struggles are not invisible and that their cries for justice have reached the ears of their President.  Your Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland wouldn't touch the issue.  HOW MANY NATIVE AMERICANS does it have to happen to, to be wrong...?

Please, Mr. President do not let this opportunity to lead with courage and conviction pass by.

Palm Springs International Film Festival CANCELS Documentary YOU'RE NO INDIAN. Took DAYS to Realize Scheduling ISSUE.

 Was tribal disenrollment too HOT a topic to be seen?   Was it because it only affected TEN THOUSAND LIVING Native Americans?    YOU can ask them with this contact information from their website:

Palm Springs International Film Society

303 North Indian Canyon Drive, 3rd Floor

Palm Springs CA 92262 USA

Telephone: 1.760.322.2930

Toll Free (USA): 1.800.898.7256

info@psfilmfest.org

 WE HAVE QUESTIONS for you PSIFF

On the Decision-Making Process to CANCEL a film.  

Could you clarify the "scheduling error" explanation for pulling the film, especially given that it remained listed for two weeks and tickets were nearly sold out?

Follow-up: Was this explanation consistent with internal communications or festival policies regarding scheduling changes?

Were any external entities, such as sponsoring tribes or donors, involved in the decision to remove the film?

Follow-up: If so, how did their input influence the decision, and is there a policy addressing such situations?

On Your Festival Values and Censorship

The festival prides itself on showcasing diverse voices and addressing important social issues. How does pulling this documentary detailing what happened to TEN THOUSAND NATIVE AMERICANS align with that mission?

Follow-up: Are there specific boundaries on the types of controversies or topics the festival is willing to address?

Do you believe the decision to pull the film constitutes censorship, intentional or otherwise, of an important issue affecting Native American communities?

Follow-up: What steps are in place to protect the integrity of the festival’s programming against external pressures?

On Transparency and Accountability

Were Ryan Flynn and his team given a detailed explanation or an opportunity to respond to the decision before the film was removed?

Follow-up: How does the festival ensure fair treatment of filmmakers in situations like this?

Have other films been pulled under similar circumstances in the festival’s history? If so, how were those situations handled?

Follow-up: How does the festival balance honoring commitments to filmmakers with addressing concerns from sponsors or stakeholders?

On Sponsorship and Influence

How do sponsorship agreements influence the festival’s programming decisions, particularly regarding sensitive or potentially controversial films?

Follow-up: Are there safeguards to ensure that sponsors cannot unilaterally dictate or suppress programming choices?

What assurances can the festival provide to filmmakers and audiences that future selections will be protected from external pressures?

Follow-up: Are there plans to implement or strengthen policies to prevent similar situations in the future?

On Moving Forward

Given the outcry from those affected by tribal disenrollment, would the festival consider revisiting its decision or finding alternative ways to showcase the documentary?

Could the festival host a panel discussion or virtual screening to address the controversy and provide a platform for dialogue?

What message do you think the cancellation sends to marginalized communities seeking to share their stories through the arts?

How does the festival plan to rebuild trust with filmmakers and audiences who may feel disheartened by this decision?

The Trauma and Pain of Losing Tribal Heritage: The Devastating Consequences of Tribal Disenrollment Kept SECRET

 Disenrollment is the process of removing members from a tribe's rolls or membership, effectively stripping them of their tribal heritage and all the associated benefits that come with it.

This is an experience that can cause immense pain and heartbreak for those affected. Losing tribal heritage through disenrollment can have significant social, cultural, and economic consequences, and the impact is often felt for generations.  This is an abuse of our ancestors.

For those who have been disenrolled, the pain of losing their tribal heritage is multifaceted. They may feel a profound sense of loss and grief as they are cut off from their ancestral roots and no longer have a connection to their tribe. They may also feel a sense of betrayal, as the tribe that they believed to be their family turns its back on them.

At Pechanga, the disenrollment of my ancestor Paulina Hunter, 107 years after she died, and the same after so many years of traveling by wagon from Los Angeles, to Temecula, to be included in the censuses was a direct attack, by people who were not with the tribe at that time.   The Butch Murphy family for one.

For many Native Americans, being part of a tribe is not just a matter of ancestry or heritage. It is a vital part of their identity, providing a sense of belonging and community that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Losing that connection can be isolating and traumatic, leaving people feeling adrift and disconnected from their cultural and social roots.  Read NATIVE HEART  written by my cousin Della.

Disenrollment can also have significant economic consequences, as those who are removed from tribal rolls lose access to tribal resources, including healthcare, education, and financial assistance. This can be particularly devastating for those who rely on these resources to survive, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

The loss of tribal heritage through disenrollment can also have a profound impact on future generations. Children and grandchildren may be cut off from their tribal heritage and culture, leading to a loss of traditional knowledge, language, and values.  IN FACT, PECHANGA sent jack-booted thugs to pull our youth from the tribal school, see that video description here.
This can have a lasting impact on their sense of identity and their ability to connect with their community and cultural roots.

Disenrollment Documentary You're NOT AN INDIAN To Debut at Palm Springs Film Festival

Tribal disenrollment is a process by which a Native American individual or entire families lose citizenship or the right to belong within a Native American tribe. This has become a norm in many tribes that have opened casinos.

We've been writing about tribal disenrollment on this blog since 2007.  My family was disenrolled by a corrupt enrollment committee of the then Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.  The tribal chairman is Mark Macarro, who is now the President of the National Congress of American Indians.

A new documentary film on tribal disenrollment YOU'RE NO INDIAN weighted heavily on the most egregious tribe of disenrollers in California, the Chukchansi Band of Indians from Coarsegold and the Washington based Nooksack tribe will premiere at the Palm Springs Film Festival 

PLEASE check in with us as we find out more about this documentary and the disgraceful effects on Native Americans stripped of their belonging.

The Injustice of Selective Tribal Disenrollment at Pechanga IS NOT Ancient History, it's 21st Century Bloodless Genocide

INJUSTSTICE for THEE, But NOT FOR..US

What happens when the people who have long harbored disdain for your family become not only your accusers but also your judge and jury? This is the heartbreaking reality faced by descendants of Paulina Hunter, a recognized member of the Temecula Indian tribe, who have been subjected to disenrollment under dubious circumstances.

Paulina Hunter was an Indian who lived in the original Temecula Indian village. Her membership in the tribe was acknowledged through documented and certified testimonies from her contemporaries from the 19th Century. When the tribe was evicted from their ancestral village, she moved to the area now known as Pechanga, living alongside her fellow tribal members. Even decades later, her standing as a tribal member was affirmed by one of the most revered and respected members of the tribe, who declared in a signed and witnessed document that he personally knew her as a member.

Historical accounts support her tribal membership. Individuals alive during the creation of the Pechanga Reservation provided signed, witnessed statements affirming their recognition of her as a tribal member. Tribal elders during the disenrollment hearings also confirmed that the Hunters had always been regarded as part of the tribe.

Yet, more than a century after her death, detractors now claim she was not a true tribal member but merely an Indian who coincidentally lived among them. These assertions challenge historical facts, suggesting that Paulina Hunter was mistakenly identified as a Pechanga Indian—despite being evicted with the tribe, receiving a government-allotted reservation plot, and being listed year after year in official records as a Temecula Pechanga Indian. They even dismiss the testimony of Dr. John Johnson, a curator of anthropology, who initially reported being 90% certain—and later 100% certain—that Paulina Hunter was a Pechanga Indian.

The disenrollment process itself has been deeply flawed and unjust. A small faction, known as the CPP, has claimed exclusive authority to determine who qualifies as a "real" tribal member, disregarding historical records and testimonies. One disenrollment committee member openly stated that the Hunters would be disenrolled regardless of the evidence presented. Another member reportedly slept through the hearings. Basic rights, such as the ability to take notes, have legal representation, or obtain transcripts of the proceedings, were denied.

For context, Pechanga is the name of a place, not originally a tribe. The Temecula Indians moved to Pechanga after their displacement and later established the Pechanga Reservation. According to Dr. Johnson’s findings, Paulina Hunter’s father, Mateo Quasicac, was born in Pechanga before the establishment of the reservation. He is the only Indian recorded in mission archives as being born there, making him—and by extension, his descendants—Pechanga Indians.

Attempts to halt this injustice were made. Years ago, in the largest tribal meeting in recorded history, the tribe overwhelmingly voted to stop all disenrollments and remove the disenrollment process from tribal law. However, this victory was short-lived. The ruling faction, shocked by the vote, suspended all tribal meetings and secretly overturned the decision, guarded by armed personnel. The Hunters were disenrolled anyway, further consolidating the faction’s control by eliminating a significant voting bloc.

This disenrollment is not merely a personal affront to the Hunters but an affront to justice, history, and the principles of tribal unity. It raises a troubling question: how can a tribe deny the very history and identity that bind its members together? By erasing the Hunters from their ranks, the Pechanga disenrollment committee has rewritten history to suit its agenda, undermining the integrity of the tribe as a whole.

Nooksack 306 Have Received EVICTION NOTICES. Forced Removal Creates New Trail of Tears in Washington State

 Several Indigenous families disenrolled from the Nooksack Indian Tribe — and subsequently served with evictions from Nooksack Tribal housing — opted to leave their homes voluntarily last week rather than face removal by Tribal law enforcement after a nearly decadelong dispute.

The families have rented their Nooksack-owned homes since the late 1990s and early 2000s through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, with the goal of Eventual Tenant Ownership.

But since the families were part of more than 300 people disenrolled from the Tribe in 2016 — the legitimacy of which the families have long disputed — the Nooksack Tribe has been working to evict them. The families self-identify as Nooksack but Tribal leaders say they were incorrectly enrolled in the 1980s and have not provided adequate proof of their lineage, which the Tribe requires as eligibility for the families to live in Nooksack-owned housing.  

THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR has been involved, unlike Deb Haaland and Joe Bidend

I just yet another official communication about the dire situation of the elders facing eviction by the Nooksack Tribe. I urge the Nooksack Tribe to stop the forced eviction scheduled today of 3 families, and find a more humane solution. I also urge the Federal Government and…

— UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing (@adequatehousing) November 29, 2024

Venetian Resort Las Vegas Partners With Apartheid Civil Rights Abusing Pechanga Tribe

 Abuse of individual Indians at the hands of tribal governments and/or tribal officials- led to the introduction and enactment of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 (ICRA).  Unfortunately the ICRA did not contain an effective enforcement mechanism to deter tribal governments from violating the rights of the individual.    Pechanga is ONE OF THOSE TRIBES.   Pechanga practices APARTHEID and segregation on their reservation.

Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas have partnered to provide guests of each resort shared access to amenities, casino club member rewards and other benefits.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said Ken Perez, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation, in a phone interview. “The Venetian is an iconic Las Vegas resort and approached us with this partnership idea. Las Vegas casinos have approached Pechanga for about 10 years about partnerships, but we declined them as they weren’t right for us or our guests, but we liked this one.”

With this new partnership, most of the perks guests receive will be based on their play. Each guest must be a Venetian Rewards member and a Pechanga Club member to receive special offers, discounts and invitations from each casino resort.

Some perks for the various tiers of Pechanga guests heading to The Venetian Las Vegas include late hotel checkouts and discounts at the Venetian Shops and the property’s spa. With the newly signed partnership with The Venetian Resort, Pechanga rewards members will receive exclusive access to hotel rooms, shows, private parties and other amenities.

Venetian Las Vegas guests can now also receive perks at Pechanga Resort Casino, including hotel room upgrades based on availability, reduced green fees at Journey at Pechanga, monthly drawing entry multipliers that add up faster, access to monthly gifts and other bonus offers.

Pechanga Resort Casino has other partnerships with major sports teams and venues in Southern California. Pechanga’s guests and rewards members currently receive invitations to attend games at the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Wave. The property also offers guests access to shows and events at Pechanga Arena San Diego, SoFi Stadium and the recently opened Intuit Dome.

The Tribal Disenrollment Scandal: Unforgivable Betrayal of Native Heritage and Identity

 

Photo by Native News Online

Disenrollment, the systematic and brutal removal of Native Americans from tribal citizenship, has gutted Indigenous identity and community for thousands of individuals. This outrage has affected more than 11,000 Native Americans nationwide, yet leaders and organizations continue to ignore the wreckage left in its wake. In California, this movement of betrayal has a particularly notorious figure at its helm: Mark Macarro of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and current President of the National Congress of American Indians.

While the face of Macarro may be familiar to Californians from his appearances promoting tribal gaming, there is another, darker side to this leader. He is not only the public face of tribal gaming’s promise of prosperity, but also the face behind a brutal, calculated campaign to strip his own people of their birthright. The truth behind disenrollment within the Pechanga Band is one of greed, deception, and an unquenchable thirst for power—making it one of the most scandalous cases of disenfranchisement in Native American history.

Macarro's  Legacy of Corruption and Power

Mark Macarro’s consolidation of power came at a heavy price—one paid by his own tribal members. Under his leadership, the Pechanga tribe forcibly removed 25% of its membership. Thousands of individuals with deep roots, historical claims, and ancestral ties were unceremoniously stripped of their tribal citizenship. This was no mere bureaucratic exercise. It was an intentional and calculated move to consolidate power, to hoard the financial rewards of the Pechanga Resort & Casino, and to eliminate any voices of dissent. While tribal sovereignty allows tribes to determine enrollment, the reality is that the will of the people was undermined. When tribal members voted to end disenrollments, the Macarro-led council ignored their decision, choosing instead to perpetuate a process that would concentrate benefits into fewer hands.

Macarro and his allies on the council have not only disregarded the people’s voice but have also refused to address corruption within the Pechanga Enrollment Committee, which operates in blatant disregard for fairness and transparency. This committee shuffled critical documents to block rightful members from enrollment, revealing a shocking level of corruption and quid-pro-quo dealings within the tribal government. Instead of acting to protect the integrity of his people’s identity, Macarro allowed—and arguably encouraged—this manipulation, all to keep power centralized and unchallenged.

Personal Profit Above Tribal Welfare

The financial motives behind Macarro’s actions are undeniable. In one of the most glaring examples, he hired his second wife’s lobbying firm without the tribe’s General Council approval, funneling over $1.25 million of tribal funds to her company. This clear conflict of interest not only lines his own family’s pockets but speaks volumes about his regard for proper governance and tribal welfare. While the disenrolled suffer the loss of their heritage and community, Macarro ensures his inner circle reaps financial benefits.

Moreover, his failure to address a case of over 1,000 Class II slot machines (early 2000s)  disappearing under his watch raises serious questions. This is not an isolated incident; Macarro’s leadership has repeatedly tolerated, if not outright endorsed, corruption, as no charges were sought against those responsible, including a former tribal chairwoman. To claim ignorance or indifference is an insult to those who have lost everything under his rule.

DISENROLLMENT is Deception and Cultural Betrayal

One of the most offensive betrayals of all came when Macarro testified to Congress that the Pechanga tribe would preserve sacred cultural land, the Great Oak property. However, these promises were hollow; instead, a golf course was erected on that very land. Macarro’s disregard for the cultural heritage of his people extended not just to their membership rights but to their sacred spaces, a shocking contradiction that cannot be overlooked.

Adding to this legacy of deception, Macarro has twice attempted to appropriate water rights from Pechanga allotment holders, again misrepresenting facts to serve his agenda. These attempts to undermine the property rights of Native allotees—who have lived on and maintained these lands for generations—illustrate his willingness to distort reality to achieve his aims.  He was ultimately successful, due to his lobbyist wife writing the bill, but with modifications due to our meetings with the House Natural Resources Committee. 

The Apartheid Reservation

The creation of what can only be described as an apartheid-style reservation within Pechanga is perhaps the most heartbreaking of Macarro’s actions. Disenrolled children were forcibly removed from the tribal school, and Pechanga now resembles a divided society, with former members pushed to the margins, stripped of their cultural and political rights. The reservation has become a microcosm of exclusion and division, one that echoes some of the darkest chapters in history.

The fact that agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and Native American Rights Fund (NARF) have turned a blind eye to this tragedy is equally appalling. By ignoring these egregious human rights abuses, they perpetuate the very betrayal of Native American communities they claim to protect. How long will they continue to support leaders like Macarro, who violate the very fabric of Indigenous identity?

Mark Macarro and those who support disenrollment are guilty of a betrayal that cuts to the core of what it means to be Native American. This isn’t merely about casino profits or political influence; it is about severing thousands of Native Americans from their heritage, their identity, and their community. The Pechanga Band may be the most prominent face of disenrollment, but its horrors reverberate across tribal lands throughout the nation.

Disenrollment is nothing less than a modern-day form of cultural genocide, erasing the identities of Native Americans with callousness and greed. It is long past time for those in positions of power to condemn disenrollment for what it is: an unforgivable betrayal.