All Chumash Notice!
This is an Invite to all of the Chumash bands to participate in a meeting of the Chumash Nation. A wide spectrum of Chumash groups must be included in a meaningful way. It is for All Our Relations that we come together as a Chumash community. All tribal affiliations, titles, and positions are not required. Share your voice as an individual.
This is a meeting of the people. A presentation on a few important matters the community should be involved in will take place first. Then the work to form our Nation will begin. Spread the word, tell everyone. This will be a meeting you do not want to miss!
Santa Ynez Tribal Hall Sunday, February 8th, 10-2 p.m. Highway 101 North- or Southbound at Buellton, take Highway 246 Eastbound – towards Solvang and Santa Ynez. Stay on 246 for 6+ miles through Solvang to Via Juana Lane in Santa Ynez. Turn right into Reservation residences. Keep to right and follow signs to Tribal Hall. (From this direction, if you pass the Chumash Casino, you've gone too far.) Please forward to any Chumash you know!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Article: Inouye's Talk Spurs Protest, Calls for Political Mobilization
Tim O'Leary has an article explaining the Candlelight Vigil from many tribes at Pechanga
A visit to Temecula last week by US Senator Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero and champion of Native American rights, sparked protests by one group of Indian activists and calls for political mobilization by another. OP: Inouye champions only those who pay for it, not those in need.
The Pechanga Resort & Casino – the site of Inouye’s keynote speech and a reception held in his honor afterward – was ground zero for both gestures.
As a result, a bitter feud over Pechanga’s tribal membership surfaced publicly as Indian leaders from across the country pondered their role in reshaped federal policies and spending.
“This is a new day for us,” Lynn “Nay” Valbuena, the vice chairperson of the Highland-based San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians, told conference guests. “Right now, the opportunities are there for us. The doors are open for us.”
Valbuena, who is also the chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, was one of the moderators at a two-day conference sponsored by the American Indian Resources Institute. OP: TASIN is the group that allowed one tribe, Pechanga's sovereignty to run roughshod over the Ramona Band's recently
The conference was titled “Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era: Forging Fair and Equitable Governance in a Time of Change.” OP: Fair and equitable governance? To WHOM? Certainly not those who have been denied their civil rights.
The conference drew representatives from all four corners of the nation’s self-described “Indian country.” OP: And protesters from all parts of California, Redding; Chukchansi, San Pasqual, Pechanga, CREEK FREEDMEN
Event sponsors included tribes from as far away as Mississippi, Florida, the Great Lakes, the Columbia River basin and Jamestown, VA.
As the conference unfolded, Pechanga leaders found themselves cast in the roles of congenial host and the target of criticism over decisions to eject certain families. OP: Mark Macarro, the corrupt one, Andrew Masiel, of the crime family; Butch Murphy, adopted one who backstabs real blood Pechanga, Mark Calac, doofus.
A group of ejected Pechanga members had set the stage weeks earlier by unsuccessfully trying to arrange a meeting with Inouye during his visit. OP: Tim, NOT just Pechanga, but many other tribal members and those who SHOULD belong. Not even the courtesy of a response to those representing THOUSANDS.
As a host, the Pechanga tribe sponsored the luncheon where Inouye spoke and also made the clubhouse of its recently opened golf course available for that evening’s reception.
Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro gave the conference’s opening remarks both days.
His wife, Holly Cook Macarro, was a moderator in a panel discussion on how tribal governments can play a role in President Obama’s administration. OP: Want to bet they didn't talk about fairness toward disenrolled, moratorium people and elders they abused.
Read more of TIM's article HERE
A visit to Temecula last week by US Senator Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero and champion of Native American rights, sparked protests by one group of Indian activists and calls for political mobilization by another. OP: Inouye champions only those who pay for it, not those in need.
The Pechanga Resort & Casino – the site of Inouye’s keynote speech and a reception held in his honor afterward – was ground zero for both gestures.
As a result, a bitter feud over Pechanga’s tribal membership surfaced publicly as Indian leaders from across the country pondered their role in reshaped federal policies and spending.
“This is a new day for us,” Lynn “Nay” Valbuena, the vice chairperson of the Highland-based San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians, told conference guests. “Right now, the opportunities are there for us. The doors are open for us.”
Valbuena, who is also the chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, was one of the moderators at a two-day conference sponsored by the American Indian Resources Institute. OP: TASIN is the group that allowed one tribe, Pechanga's sovereignty to run roughshod over the Ramona Band's recently
The conference was titled “Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era: Forging Fair and Equitable Governance in a Time of Change.” OP: Fair and equitable governance? To WHOM? Certainly not those who have been denied their civil rights.
The conference drew representatives from all four corners of the nation’s self-described “Indian country.” OP: And protesters from all parts of California, Redding; Chukchansi, San Pasqual, Pechanga, CREEK FREEDMEN
Event sponsors included tribes from as far away as Mississippi, Florida, the Great Lakes, the Columbia River basin and Jamestown, VA.
As the conference unfolded, Pechanga leaders found themselves cast in the roles of congenial host and the target of criticism over decisions to eject certain families. OP: Mark Macarro, the corrupt one, Andrew Masiel, of the crime family; Butch Murphy, adopted one who backstabs real blood Pechanga, Mark Calac, doofus.
A group of ejected Pechanga members had set the stage weeks earlier by unsuccessfully trying to arrange a meeting with Inouye during his visit. OP: Tim, NOT just Pechanga, but many other tribal members and those who SHOULD belong. Not even the courtesy of a response to those representing THOUSANDS.
As a host, the Pechanga tribe sponsored the luncheon where Inouye spoke and also made the clubhouse of its recently opened golf course available for that evening’s reception.
Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro gave the conference’s opening remarks both days.
His wife, Holly Cook Macarro, was a moderator in a panel discussion on how tribal governments can play a role in President Obama’s administration. OP: Want to bet they didn't talk about fairness toward disenrolled, moratorium people and elders they abused.
Read more of TIM's article HERE
BIA Corruption Harms San Pasqual Family? Keeps Them From Participating in Tribal Election
Stay tuned for a series on the San Pasqual Tribal Disenrollment issue and possible corruption at the BIA. Developing
Watch the Video at the left sidebar.
1. They are keeping ENROLLED tribal members from voting
2. Sheriff's Department is ASSISTING tribe in keeping members from ENTERING their own reservation and exercising their rights.
3. The BIA is culpable in this harmful action
Watch the Video at the left sidebar.
1. They are keeping ENROLLED tribal members from voting
2. Sheriff's Department is ASSISTING tribe in keeping members from ENTERING their own reservation and exercising their rights.
3. The BIA is culpable in this harmful action
Schwarzenegger Lied and Casinos Died
First, Arnold Schwarzenegger and tribes like Pechanga tried to keep the people from California from voting on expanded gaming.
Then Arnold LIED about Sycuan's gambling deal, which hadn't even been approved by their general council.
Then tribes like Pechanga lied about how much would be generated by the expanded gaming compacts.
Then, ARNOLD lied AGAIN about how good this would be for us.
And he's better than Gray Davis...why?
Here's a Fresno Bee Editorial
The much-heralded deals that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiated with gambling tribes have not produced the huge increases in revenue the governor predicted.
Indian gambling will bring $362 million into the state this year, $123 million less than expected. It will bring an estimated $392 million next year, $192 million less than the governor's rosy forecast.
Like other parts of the economy, gambling is feeling the impact of the economic downturn.
Across the state, casinos are not seeing the boom that they had gotten used to. The recession is forcing everyone, including gamblers, to pull back on discretionary spending.
Indian casinos are not the only gambling ventures feeling pinched. California lottery sales have dropped $600 million -- almost 17% -- over the last two fiscal years. That decline is particularly worrisome because the lottery is expected to be a key part of any state budget deal.
Then Arnold LIED about Sycuan's gambling deal, which hadn't even been approved by their general council.
Then tribes like Pechanga lied about how much would be generated by the expanded gaming compacts.
Then, ARNOLD lied AGAIN about how good this would be for us.
And he's better than Gray Davis...why?
Here's a Fresno Bee Editorial
The much-heralded deals that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiated with gambling tribes have not produced the huge increases in revenue the governor predicted.
Indian gambling will bring $362 million into the state this year, $123 million less than expected. It will bring an estimated $392 million next year, $192 million less than the governor's rosy forecast.
Like other parts of the economy, gambling is feeling the impact of the economic downturn.
Across the state, casinos are not seeing the boom that they had gotten used to. The recession is forcing everyone, including gamblers, to pull back on discretionary spending.
Indian casinos are not the only gambling ventures feeling pinched. California lottery sales have dropped $600 million -- almost 17% -- over the last two fiscal years. That decline is particularly worrisome because the lottery is expected to be a key part of any state budget deal.
Senator Dianne Feinstein to Prevent Expansion by Lytton Band
A good start Senator. NOW, let's go after those tribes that are denying their members basic civil and human rights and put some teeth into the Indian Civil Rights Act.
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced Wednesday that she has drafted legislation that would prevent the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians from expanding Casino San Pablo.
In 2004, the Lytton tribe proposed to expand the 70,000 Class II facility that now offers low-stakes card games and electronic bingo into a 600,000 square foot Class III casino with 5,000 slot machines, according to Feinstein.
Under a loophole in federal law, the tribe could have pursued their plans to expand the casino without going through the regular oversight process, which requires gubernatorial and federal approval, Feinstein reported.
The loophole, which was in the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act passed in 2000, specifically allowed the Lytton tribe's purchase of a nine-acre parcel in San Pablo in 2000 to be backdated to October 17, 1988.
Backdating the land purchase could allow the tribe to circumvent the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed Oct. 17, 1988.
According to Feinstein's office, the Lytton tribe ran into roadblocks and dropped its plans to expand the casino, but current law still doesn't prevent them from attempting the process in the future.
The proposed legislation would strike the loophole from the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act, prevent future expansion of the casino and prevent the Lytton Band from engaging in Class III gaming unless it completes the state and federal approval process.
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced Wednesday that she has drafted legislation that would prevent the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians from expanding Casino San Pablo.
In 2004, the Lytton tribe proposed to expand the 70,000 Class II facility that now offers low-stakes card games and electronic bingo into a 600,000 square foot Class III casino with 5,000 slot machines, according to Feinstein.
Under a loophole in federal law, the tribe could have pursued their plans to expand the casino without going through the regular oversight process, which requires gubernatorial and federal approval, Feinstein reported.
The loophole, which was in the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act passed in 2000, specifically allowed the Lytton tribe's purchase of a nine-acre parcel in San Pablo in 2000 to be backdated to October 17, 1988.
Backdating the land purchase could allow the tribe to circumvent the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed Oct. 17, 1988.
According to Feinstein's office, the Lytton tribe ran into roadblocks and dropped its plans to expand the casino, but current law still doesn't prevent them from attempting the process in the future.
The proposed legislation would strike the loophole from the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act, prevent future expansion of the casino and prevent the Lytton Band from engaging in Class III gaming unless it completes the state and federal approval process.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Senator Inouye Speaks at Pechanga To Those Who Pay $500
Senator Daniel Inouye Speaks at Pechanga to those who paid over $500 to hear him. He nor his staff couldn't even give the common courtesy of reply to our many letters asking for a meeting.
It has been awhile since I have had the honor of spending some time with my dear friends from Indian country, so I would like to begin today by assuring you that even though I no longer serve in a leadership capacity on the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, you have never been far from my mind, and you are forever in my heart. I may have assumed new responsibilities in the Senate – and while it is true that my service as Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Science, Commerce and Transportation had consumed a great deal of my time – my dedication to your cause has never waned.
And now, as the 111th session of the Congress gets underway, I have moved into an arena – as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee – that promises to be even more demanding of my time. Nonetheless, in some ways, perhaps I can make a greater contribution to your work. In these challenging times, there may not be many of us left who remember similar days of economic hardship, wars, and the loss of homes and jobs that, like those times of old, loom on our horizon today. Few perhaps remember the Great Depression, the bread lines, the broken backs of our great financial institutions – few perhaps except for the generations of America’s Native people for whom these realities have changed but little.
See the link above for more.
It has been awhile since I have had the honor of spending some time with my dear friends from Indian country, so I would like to begin today by assuring you that even though I no longer serve in a leadership capacity on the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, you have never been far from my mind, and you are forever in my heart. I may have assumed new responsibilities in the Senate – and while it is true that my service as Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Science, Commerce and Transportation had consumed a great deal of my time – my dedication to your cause has never waned.
And now, as the 111th session of the Congress gets underway, I have moved into an arena – as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee – that promises to be even more demanding of my time. Nonetheless, in some ways, perhaps I can make a greater contribution to your work. In these challenging times, there may not be many of us left who remember similar days of economic hardship, wars, and the loss of homes and jobs that, like those times of old, loom on our horizon today. Few perhaps remember the Great Depression, the bread lines, the broken backs of our great financial institutions – few perhaps except for the generations of America’s Native people for whom these realities have changed but little.
See the link above for more.
Enterprise Rancheria Reservation Shopping for Casino
The Enterprise Rancheria is reservations shopping for an off-reservation casino.
Enterprise Rancheria is still seeking a casino in Yuba County, saying it's on tribal land, although some opponents say the tribe is jumping outside its Butte County home.
Since 2002, the rancheria has been working to put 40 acres into trust on the Highway 65 corridor south of Marysville near Sleep Train Amphitheater, and get approval to operate a casino there.
The tribe has offices in Oroville and Marysville.
Enterprise Rancheria is best known for 72 tribal members.
Most tribal councils involved in disenrollments have shrouded their actions in secrecy, and despite a long history of American Indian press, tribes involved in disenrollments have time and again veiled themselves in a revisionist culture that they claim is antithetical to the media. This is a point the Enterprise tribal council made no bones about in a letter sent to Edwards:
Enterprise Rancheria is still seeking a casino in Yuba County, saying it's on tribal land, although some opponents say the tribe is jumping outside its Butte County home.
Since 2002, the rancheria has been working to put 40 acres into trust on the Highway 65 corridor south of Marysville near Sleep Train Amphitheater, and get approval to operate a casino there.
The tribe has offices in Oroville and Marysville.
Enterprise Rancheria is best known for 72 tribal members.
Most tribal councils involved in disenrollments have shrouded their actions in secrecy, and despite a long history of American Indian press, tribes involved in disenrollments have time and again veiled themselves in a revisionist culture that they claim is antithetical to the media. This is a point the Enterprise tribal council made no bones about in a letter sent to Edwards:
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Candlelight Vigil for the Foreman Family
For those in N. California, a chance to honor the Foreman Family for the work they have done for ALL OF US. Without the Foremans, particularly Bob Sr. Indians of many tribes would have no health clinic. There would BE no Redding Rancheria tribe now.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
FOR THE FOREMAN FAMILY
TONITE!!
AT 6:30 PM
AT THE HOME OF BOB FOREMAN
5 YEARS OF INJUSTICE!!
>JANUARY 27, 2004<
DATE OF "UNJUST" TRIBAL DISENROLLMENT OF THE FOREMAN FAMILY
(LINEAL DESCENDANTS OF REDDING RANCHERIA'S ORIGINAL DISTRIBUTEE VIRGINIA TIMMONS)
ALL ARE WELCOME WHO SUPPORT OUR FAMILY & OUR CAUSE
& OUR DECEASED FATHER, REDDING RANCHERIA'S 1st TRIBAL CHAIRMAN, BOB FOREMAN, SR.
PRAYER
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
REFRESHMENTS
A VIDEO OF "INDIAN INJUSTICE"
*It will be cold outside, so please dress warm
FOR THE FOREMAN FAMILY
TONITE!!
AT 6:30 PM
AT THE HOME OF BOB FOREMAN
5 YEARS OF INJUSTICE!!
>JANUARY 27, 2004<
DATE OF "UNJUST" TRIBAL DISENROLLMENT OF THE FOREMAN FAMILY
(LINEAL DESCENDANTS OF REDDING RANCHERIA'S ORIGINAL DISTRIBUTEE VIRGINIA TIMMONS)
ALL ARE WELCOME WHO SUPPORT OUR FAMILY & OUR CAUSE
& OUR DECEASED FATHER, REDDING RANCHERIA'S 1st TRIBAL CHAIRMAN, BOB FOREMAN, SR.
PRAYER
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
REFRESHMENTS
A VIDEO OF "INDIAN INJUSTICE"
*It will be cold outside, so please dress warm
More Photos From The Vigil for Justice at Pechanga
Great work on Saturday by all of those in attendance. Here are a few more pictures from the Candelight Vigil for Equality and Justice
Monday, January 26, 2009
Quanah Parker Brightman's Press Release for February 5 Demonstration in Sacramento
For Immediate Release:
This past Saturday the 24th of January 2009 Traditional people from various tribes across turtle island gathered outside Pechanga Casino and Resort in Temecula California for a Candle Light Prayer Visual to shed light on the dark side of Casinos and what they bring to our people and communities.
On this same day tribal leaders, congressional dignitaries and representatives from President Obama's administration gathered inside the Pechanga Casino for a Tribal leaders forum. Tribal Identity Theft is Becoming an Epidemic In Indian Country. Many In Indian Country see Disenrollment as The New Form of The Old Termination Policy used by the Federal Government During The Last Century.
The General Public Is Unaware of The Fact That Only a Handful of Tribes Truly Benefit from Indian Gaming. Thousands of Traditional First Nations People throughout Indian Country have been denied or stripped of their Basic Human and Civil Rights to Adequate Health Care, Higher Educational Services, And Proper Housing By Corrupt Tribal Leaders. The United States Of America Signed 389 Treaties With The First Nations People In North America. And Each Treaty Calls For These Basic Human and Civil Rights. When a Human Being Is Disenrolled, he or she is not entitled to any of the of the above mentioned provisions awarded to First Nation People Through International Law.
American Indians are The Only Group of People In North America Who Must Prove Their Lineage through The Blood Quantum in order to be eligible for membership or citizenship in their tribe or Native American nation. Lineal Descendancy Can and Should Be used By All The Tribes of North America. The Blood Quantum is Clearly an Instrument Used by The BIA or Bureau of Indian Affairs to Systematically Extinguish the few remaining First Nations People of North America.
In The Spirit of Resistance, Many Different Native American Nations have began a Movement To Educate The General Public and to Dispel the Rumors that All Indians are Rich and That Indians Don't have to pay Taxes. The Time Has Come to Demand Justice For Traditional First Nations People who Want Nothing More than to be Recognized as Human Beings.
Join Us This Coming Feb 5th 2009 at The State Capital Building North Side From 11am-3pm To Demand Justice For Traditional First Nations People As We Shed Light On The Truth On Indian Gaming And How It Has Infected Our Tribal Leaders With Greed.
Respectfully,
Quanah Parker Brightman
Vice President of United Native Americans,Inc
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Photos From Candelight Vigil at Pechanga
Over 125 attended the candlelight vigil. The support from those entering and leaving Pechanga was evident. Many stopped to inquire about what was happening and were very interested.
Since it was at Pechanga, many customers, who left without winning, UNDERSTOOD, that if Pechanga will cheat their OWN PEOPLE, they'd cheat their customers too.
Fostering Government to Government Relations between Native Nations and the U.S.
Frequent commenter to Original Pechanga's blog, Allen L. Lee is a guest blogger today with his proposal for a solution to continue and foster government to government reations between Native Nations and the U. S. Please ADD your comments.
The dis-enrollment of thousands of people from Native Nations in the U.S. has reached a crisis. From my view these dis-enrollments, largely based on the re-evaluation of the lineal descent of a previously recognized citizen/ member of a Native Nation is in opposition of the human rights principle that everyone has a right to belong to their respective Nations.
I take no issue with the rights of tribes to determine who may or may not become members of their tribes if the person’s were/are not previously recognized as members. That is what I believe the right to define who a tribe is by membership is meant to protect.
Those that have already been recognized by the tribe as members/citizens I believe have a right to belong, barring any traditional justifications for removal that can be substantiated in an historical context.
Re-defining who or what a tribe is should not infringe on the right of a member/citizen to belong. Almost all of the modern dis-enrollments are done with a foundation of Euro-American race and family lineage. Few have any tribal historical context at all and most can be traced to American requirements of Blood Quantum to prove a racial heritage. In this light, the U.S. must take a full measure of responsibility or any and all dis-enrollments and Native Nation citizenship disputes that revolve around Blood Quantum.
The three processes considered will be presented from the least desirable to most desirable from my perspective.
The least desirable would be to remove the offending dis-enrolling nations from the registry of federally recognized nations. Although I feel that it’s justification would be based on the clear fact the people who we as a nation originally agreed to recognize as sovereigns are no longer a part of that sovereign nation due to being dis-enrolled, thereby changing one of the cardinal tenets of federal recognition, being a retaining of a historical contexts, the removal from federal recognition would be tantamount to termination, especially since native nations people are recognized as having dual citizenship.
Second on the proposal would be what Diane Watson has already initiated in Congress regarding severing relations with tribes until they adhere to treaty and/ or Indian Civil Rights Act guidelines. This solution technically has no intervention offenses committed by the U.S. against Native Nations, just a refusal to finance or fund the acts of dis-enrollments.
The severing of relations is an act of sanctions, not interference, but the shortcoming in this action is that it approaches the Native Nations as if they were autonomous sovereigns, which they are not.
They are dependent sovereigns that cannot negotiate extradition treaties with foreign nations; they cannot harvest native foods and medicines and send them to foreign nations or even across state lines without federal inspection. They cannot manufacture are trade arms with foreign nations. If the U.S could technically severe relations with a domestic dependent sovereign then technically the Confederate States of America would have legal grounds to exist, and they don’t.
The flaw with the other two proposals is that they digress from one of the most important purposes of diplomacy, and that is to continue government-to-government relations with another sovereign.
My final proposal and most desirable for me from a U.S. citizen perspective would be for the federal government to encourage and recognize coalition governments consisting of those people that the U.S. may determine to have been wrongly dis-enrolled from their Native Nations, and the governments that approved of the dis-enrollments.
This solution fosters the principle of diplomacy, and continued government-to-government relations between the U.S. and Native Nations. It encourages the dis-enrolled to continue to exercise their right to belong to their Native Nation and enhance their collective powers of sovereignty without encouraging the creations of newly formed factional bands outside of any historical context.It also allows the U.S. the opportunity to continue government-to-government relation with the whole sovereign instead of a remnant depleted by internal or external acts.
It shows less of an act of preference for one group of people or the other with-in the idea of a “National” identity.I think the fostering of coalitions governments through mutual recognition of the wrongly dis-enrolled and the dis-enrollers is the best solution for the dis-enrollment crisis from a U.S. perspective.
Allen L. Lee
The dis-enrollment of thousands of people from Native Nations in the U.S. has reached a crisis. From my view these dis-enrollments, largely based on the re-evaluation of the lineal descent of a previously recognized citizen/ member of a Native Nation is in opposition of the human rights principle that everyone has a right to belong to their respective Nations.
I take no issue with the rights of tribes to determine who may or may not become members of their tribes if the person’s were/are not previously recognized as members. That is what I believe the right to define who a tribe is by membership is meant to protect.
Those that have already been recognized by the tribe as members/citizens I believe have a right to belong, barring any traditional justifications for removal that can be substantiated in an historical context.
Re-defining who or what a tribe is should not infringe on the right of a member/citizen to belong. Almost all of the modern dis-enrollments are done with a foundation of Euro-American race and family lineage. Few have any tribal historical context at all and most can be traced to American requirements of Blood Quantum to prove a racial heritage. In this light, the U.S. must take a full measure of responsibility or any and all dis-enrollments and Native Nation citizenship disputes that revolve around Blood Quantum.
The three processes considered will be presented from the least desirable to most desirable from my perspective.
The least desirable would be to remove the offending dis-enrolling nations from the registry of federally recognized nations. Although I feel that it’s justification would be based on the clear fact the people who we as a nation originally agreed to recognize as sovereigns are no longer a part of that sovereign nation due to being dis-enrolled, thereby changing one of the cardinal tenets of federal recognition, being a retaining of a historical contexts, the removal from federal recognition would be tantamount to termination, especially since native nations people are recognized as having dual citizenship.
Second on the proposal would be what Diane Watson has already initiated in Congress regarding severing relations with tribes until they adhere to treaty and/ or Indian Civil Rights Act guidelines. This solution technically has no intervention offenses committed by the U.S. against Native Nations, just a refusal to finance or fund the acts of dis-enrollments.
The severing of relations is an act of sanctions, not interference, but the shortcoming in this action is that it approaches the Native Nations as if they were autonomous sovereigns, which they are not.
They are dependent sovereigns that cannot negotiate extradition treaties with foreign nations; they cannot harvest native foods and medicines and send them to foreign nations or even across state lines without federal inspection. They cannot manufacture are trade arms with foreign nations. If the U.S could technically severe relations with a domestic dependent sovereign then technically the Confederate States of America would have legal grounds to exist, and they don’t.
The flaw with the other two proposals is that they digress from one of the most important purposes of diplomacy, and that is to continue government-to-government relations with another sovereign.
My final proposal and most desirable for me from a U.S. citizen perspective would be for the federal government to encourage and recognize coalition governments consisting of those people that the U.S. may determine to have been wrongly dis-enrolled from their Native Nations, and the governments that approved of the dis-enrollments.
This solution fosters the principle of diplomacy, and continued government-to-government relations between the U.S. and Native Nations. It encourages the dis-enrolled to continue to exercise their right to belong to their Native Nation and enhance their collective powers of sovereignty without encouraging the creations of newly formed factional bands outside of any historical context.It also allows the U.S. the opportunity to continue government-to-government relation with the whole sovereign instead of a remnant depleted by internal or external acts.
It shows less of an act of preference for one group of people or the other with-in the idea of a “National” identity.I think the fostering of coalitions governments through mutual recognition of the wrongly dis-enrolled and the dis-enrollers is the best solution for the dis-enrollment crisis from a U.S. perspective.
Allen L. Lee
Candlelight Vigil at Pechanga Casino a Success
On a brisk Saturday evening at the Pechanga Resort and Casino, over 125 people demonstrated by candlelight, peacefully for equality and justice in Indian Country.
Many tribes were represented, including the Creek Freedmen, San Pascual, Picayune Rancheria, Santa Rosa. The Pechanga peope who are caught up in Pechanga's illegal/unconstitutional moratorium as well as those who were disenrolled we also there.
A French documentarian was interviewing demonstrators for an film expected to be released in April.
Full details, will follow. CLICK on images to enlarge. You will also notice I made a correction on the photo at right. I mistakenly label Mr. Allen Mitchell of the Creek Freedmen as Allen Lawson, the dastardly person from San Pascual. My apologies Allen
Many tribes were represented, including the Creek Freedmen, San Pascual, Picayune Rancheria, Santa Rosa. The Pechanga peope who are caught up in Pechanga's illegal/unconstitutional moratorium as well as those who were disenrolled we also there.
A French documentarian was interviewing demonstrators for an film expected to be released in April.
Full details, will follow. CLICK on images to enlarge. You will also notice I made a correction on the photo at right. I mistakenly label Mr. Allen Mitchell of the Creek Freedmen as Allen Lawson, the dastardly person from San Pascual. My apologies Allen
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Letter to Senate Indian Affairs Committee and Chairman Byron Dorgan requesting Field Hearings
A second letter to Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Byron Dorgan requesting hearings on the civil rights violations mainly perpetrated by tribes in California including: Pechanga, Redding Rancheria, San Pascual, Creek Freedmen, Cherokee Freedmen, Picayune Rancheria, Robinson Rancheria, Dry Creek Rancheria. These tribes will be responsible for the erosion of tribal sovereignty.
SenateIndianAffairs1.24.09[2]
SenateIndianAffairs1.24.09[2]
Publish at Scribd or explore others:
Letter to House Committee Rahall Requesting Field Hearing
This is a letter with fax information requesting hearings in the House on the civil rights violations in Indian Country. The offending tribes should be called out for their actions and other tribes should KNOW that what these tribes are doing will affect the sovereignty of ALL TRIBES.
HRNaturalResources1.24.09[1]
HRNaturalResources1.24.09[1]
Publish at Scribd or explore others:
Friday, January 23, 2009
Candlelight Vigil for Equality and Justice UPDATE
UPDATE: THIS is NOT a Pechanga only demonstration. San Pascual members who have been disenrolled, Freedmen, and AIRRO members are expected to attend. Bring a sign that you feel expresses the injustice against your family and friends. There will be a documentarian doing interviews. Don't miss this chance to get your voice HEARD.
Bring a friend or two to stand with you and let your candle be the light that shines on this injustice!
Candlelight Vigil Saturday
January 24, 2009 @ 5 pm
Pechanga Resort & Casino
Temecula, CA
Thousands of individuals from throughout Indian Country have been denied or stripped of their basic human and civil rights.
Join family, friends, and supporters in a peaceful vigil for equality and justice. Stay tuned for updates on this event.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Pechanga Tribal Council Used Disenrollments to Cover Up Corruption
Our cousin, 'Aamokat spoke out in the comment section about how Pechanga Tribal Council hides behind sovereignty to hide their corruption. 'Aamokat is a guest blogger for today.
What I have been saying is that the Pechanga tribe used disenrollment to sweep corruption under the rug and hide it from the public.
Any doubts reasonable people may have had about our credentials as tribal members should have been laid to rest by the documents we turned in.
Below are allegations made against members of the Enrollment Committee that were made by family members of the Hunter and Manuela Miranda families:
On February 21, 2003 new members on the Enrollment Committee who had been elected in 2002, including Hunter and M. Miranda family members, sent a letter to the Tribal Council informing them of corruption on the Enrollment Committee. The letter detailed how members of the Enrollment Committee had acted to deny enrollment to lineal descendants of enrolled members. (The TOSOBOL FAMILY. OP)
These (committee) members would require DNA tests, delay meetings, and misinform parties before the Enrollment Committee.
A letter from February 25, 2003 provided the Tribal Council with more information about the corruption irregularities, which included:
1. A copy of the 1940 Census roll with 13 additional members handwritten onto the list. Of the 13 listed, 12 were born after 1940. All of the names belong to an Enrollment Committee member's family (from the CPP).note: This person was a former employee at the BIA
2. Adults enrolled 8 months prior to the 2000 election despite the moratorium.
3. Enrollment files for enrolled members that were missing. Some member's files were completely gone. Enrollment files and documents that were determined missing, through exhaustive search, reappeared a few days later.
4. Enrollment files for enrolled members that were unsealed. This violates the practice that files should be sealed once a member is enrolled and only opened if there is a reason to investigate.
5. Minutes from past Enrollment Committee meetings were stored in the back of an Enrollment Committee member's vehicle.
I was not a member of the committee and I did not make the above allegations and while I can't document that the offenses allegedly committed by the committee are true, It is documented that the tribal council was alerted to the allegations. So regardless if the allegations are true, which I believe they are,
those Enrollment Committee members who had been accused should not have been allowed to rule on my family's (Hunters) and the M. Miranda's disenrollment cases.
So, as I have said about a "thousand times" and I guess I will keep saying it until something is done about it, the tribal council and the Enrollment Committee violated Article V of the Band's constitution against malice or prejudice against individual tribal members when they disenrolled us.
BUT AS I HAVE PREVIOUSLY SAID AND I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP SAYING, IF A TRIBE VIOLATES ITS OWN RULES, WHO CAN MAKE THEM FOLLOW THOSE RULES BECAUSE OF SOVEREIGNTY?
OP: The answer is: YOU can, by making sure the public knows the underhanded ways that tribes like Pechanga, Redding, Robinson Rancheria, Enterprise, Picayune, San Pascual use to get rid of longstanding members who disagree with them. DO NOT patronize their businesses and tell your friends. IF THEY WILL CHEAT THEIR OWN MEMBERS, don't you think they will CHEAT YOU?
What I have been saying is that the Pechanga tribe used disenrollment to sweep corruption under the rug and hide it from the public.
Any doubts reasonable people may have had about our credentials as tribal members should have been laid to rest by the documents we turned in.
Below are allegations made against members of the Enrollment Committee that were made by family members of the Hunter and Manuela Miranda families:
On February 21, 2003 new members on the Enrollment Committee who had been elected in 2002, including Hunter and M. Miranda family members, sent a letter to the Tribal Council informing them of corruption on the Enrollment Committee. The letter detailed how members of the Enrollment Committee had acted to deny enrollment to lineal descendants of enrolled members. (The TOSOBOL FAMILY. OP)
These (committee) members would require DNA tests, delay meetings, and misinform parties before the Enrollment Committee.
A letter from February 25, 2003 provided the Tribal Council with more information about the corruption irregularities, which included:
1. A copy of the 1940 Census roll with 13 additional members handwritten onto the list. Of the 13 listed, 12 were born after 1940. All of the names belong to an Enrollment Committee member's family (from the CPP).note: This person was a former employee at the BIA
2. Adults enrolled 8 months prior to the 2000 election despite the moratorium.
3. Enrollment files for enrolled members that were missing. Some member's files were completely gone. Enrollment files and documents that were determined missing, through exhaustive search, reappeared a few days later.
4. Enrollment files for enrolled members that were unsealed. This violates the practice that files should be sealed once a member is enrolled and only opened if there is a reason to investigate.
5. Minutes from past Enrollment Committee meetings were stored in the back of an Enrollment Committee member's vehicle.
I was not a member of the committee and I did not make the above allegations and while I can't document that the offenses allegedly committed by the committee are true, It is documented that the tribal council was alerted to the allegations. So regardless if the allegations are true, which I believe they are,
those Enrollment Committee members who had been accused should not have been allowed to rule on my family's (Hunters) and the M. Miranda's disenrollment cases.
So, as I have said about a "thousand times" and I guess I will keep saying it until something is done about it, the tribal council and the Enrollment Committee violated Article V of the Band's constitution against malice or prejudice against individual tribal members when they disenrolled us.
BUT AS I HAVE PREVIOUSLY SAID AND I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP SAYING, IF A TRIBE VIOLATES ITS OWN RULES, WHO CAN MAKE THEM FOLLOW THOSE RULES BECAUSE OF SOVEREIGNTY?
OP: The answer is: YOU can, by making sure the public knows the underhanded ways that tribes like Pechanga, Redding, Robinson Rancheria, Enterprise, Picayune, San Pascual use to get rid of longstanding members who disagree with them. DO NOT patronize their businesses and tell your friends. IF THEY WILL CHEAT THEIR OWN MEMBERS, don't you think they will CHEAT YOU?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dry Creek Rancheria Becomes Latest to Massacre Tribal Members
The Dry Creek Rancheria will terminate 13% of their adult membership, in the latest move by a California Tribe to consolidate power, control the vote of the tribe and to STOP any dissenting opinion. Press Democrat is doing a stellar job of bringing the news to the people.
More than 70 members of the Dry Creek Rancheria, which owns Sonoma County's only Indian casino, were notified last week that they are being removed from the tribe.
In a controversy increasingly played out with tribes that operate casinos, the members are being pushed out because they were unable to document their lineage or were affiliated in the past with other tribes.
Critics contend the ousters are about power and greed -- the fewer members in the tribe, the larger the share each receives in casino profits. The expulsions, including the ones at the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians, often surface during a tribal election when the legitimacy of candidates is questioned.
See the link above for the rest of the story...it's outrageous.
More than 70 members of the Dry Creek Rancheria, which owns Sonoma County's only Indian casino, were notified last week that they are being removed from the tribe.
In a controversy increasingly played out with tribes that operate casinos, the members are being pushed out because they were unable to document their lineage or were affiliated in the past with other tribes.
Critics contend the ousters are about power and greed -- the fewer members in the tribe, the larger the share each receives in casino profits. The expulsions, including the ones at the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians, often surface during a tribal election when the legitimacy of candidates is questioned.
See the link above for the rest of the story...it's outrageous.
Tribal Gaming NO JACKPOT for California
In his article Tribal Slots NO JACKPOT for California Peter Hecht discusses how Tribal Gaming is not all it's cracked up to be.
Is it time for Gambling to be legalized throughout the state? Schwarzenegger tried to keep Cah-li-fornians from voting on expanded gaming last year. The tribes ALSO tried to keep us from voting, remember? Now, both the tribes and the Governor are NOT delivering on the promises made to us.
The solution? EXPAND gaming to all Californians. Let it be run like Nevada and let's get the competition STARTED. The tribes, who promised self-reliance, yet destroyed many of their own people, have the advantage of a head start. Let's get California MOVING forward by building casinos near population centers and airports.
More jobs, more income, more taxes.
Is it time for Gambling to be legalized throughout the state? Schwarzenegger tried to keep Cah-li-fornians from voting on expanded gaming last year. The tribes ALSO tried to keep us from voting, remember? Now, both the tribes and the Governor are NOT delivering on the promises made to us.
The solution? EXPAND gaming to all Californians. Let it be run like Nevada and let's get the competition STARTED. The tribes, who promised self-reliance, yet destroyed many of their own people, have the advantage of a head start. Let's get California MOVING forward by building casinos near population centers and airports.
More jobs, more income, more taxes.
Robinson Rancheria Protest Draws Tribal Members and Supporters
We need CHANGE in leadership in many of California Tribes.Dozens of Robinson Rancheria tribal members those under threat of disenrollment and those who aren't as well as nontribal members lined a short stretch of Highway 20 near the tribe's casino on Saturday, protesting the tribal council's action to remove at least 60 people from its rolls and to fire numerous people from jobs with the tribe.
The disenrollment, which took place last month, has deepened divisions in the tribe, according to those who marched and chanted Saturday.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs must approve the action, according to the tribe's constitution. That agency has yet to do that, according to tribal members who appealed their disenrollment and await a decision.
That disenrollment action was followed earlier this month by sudden firings for disenrollees and nontribal members working at California Tribal TANF, which offers social services to Indians, and the tribe's well-respected environmental program.
Indian and non-Indians alike carried signs that read, Corruption spoken here, Can you smell the greed, Justice for who? All, Did our ancestors die for injustice, All tribes united to fight tribal corruption, Honk for justice and Fairness and quality for all RR (Robinson Rancheria) Pomos.
About 50 people were engaged in the protest at any one time, with many people coming and going over five and a half hours. Drivers of dozens of cars honked and waved to the group.
Wanda Quitiquit, one of those targeted for disenrollment and a member of the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization (AIRRO), credited AIRRO which cosponsored the protest with being the only group to actively fight for Indian civil rights.
“I'm not disenrolled as far as I'm concerned, said Quitiquit, who called California the home of disenrollment.
She said AIRRO estimates that 3,000 California Indians have been disenrolled from their tribes. There is something very bad going on in Indian land today.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Coyote Valley Pomo Band Kicked Out Old Thieves Got New Thief in Return
Boy, some tribes really know how to hurt the image of Tribal Gaming in California. Pechanga, Redding, Chukchansi, San Pascual eliminate members, others just steal the money. Is this what is meant by Self Reliance?
The treasurer of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians has been charged with embezzling from the tribe, the second tribal member to face charges since the tribe was scandalized by the 2006 federal indictments of its entire tribal council.
Tribal Treasurer Sharlyne Elizabeth Burke, 37, was booked and released last week on suspicion of felony grand theft embezzlement of casino funds
Press Democrat Story
The treasurer of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians has been charged with embezzling from the tribe, the second tribal member to face charges since the tribe was scandalized by the 2006 federal indictments of its entire tribal council.
Tribal Treasurer Sharlyne Elizabeth Burke, 37, was booked and released last week on suspicion of felony grand theft embezzlement of casino funds
Press Democrat Story
Weren't Tribal Casinos' Expanded Gaming Supposed to Keep Us OUT of this Type of Mess?
Remember when Arnold TOLD US we needed to give more machines to the Big FOUR? And Remember when WE TOLD YOU SO that it wasn't going to help? THE POLL on whether Arnold should be recalled has been REOPENED, so PLEASE VOTE.
From the news today:
State Controller John Chiang announced today that his office would suspend tax refunds, welfare checks, student grants and other payments owed to Californians starting Feb. 1, as a result of the state's cash crisis.
Chiang said he had no choice but to stop making some $3.7 billion in payments in the absence of action by the governor and lawmakers to close the state's nearly $42-billion budget deficit. More than half of those payments are tax refunds.
The controller said the suspended payments could be rolled into IOUs if California still lacked sufficient cash to pay its bills come March or April."I take this action with great reluctance," Chiang said at a news conference in his office. But he said that without action to close the deficit, "there is no way to make it through February unscathed."The payments to be frozen include nearly $2 billion in tax refunds
MAYBE it's time to increase our deductions so that we get more of our STATE TAX money back each paycheck??
From the news today:
State Controller John Chiang announced today that his office would suspend tax refunds, welfare checks, student grants and other payments owed to Californians starting Feb. 1, as a result of the state's cash crisis.
Chiang said he had no choice but to stop making some $3.7 billion in payments in the absence of action by the governor and lawmakers to close the state's nearly $42-billion budget deficit. More than half of those payments are tax refunds.
The controller said the suspended payments could be rolled into IOUs if California still lacked sufficient cash to pay its bills come March or April."I take this action with great reluctance," Chiang said at a news conference in his office. But he said that without action to close the deficit, "there is no way to make it through February unscathed."The payments to be frozen include nearly $2 billion in tax refunds
MAYBE it's time to increase our deductions so that we get more of our STATE TAX money back each paycheck??
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Crack in the Sovereignty Dam? San Manuel Band Named in MURDER FOR HIRE Lawsuit.
The Press Enterprise in another example of writing about problems at tribes other than Pechanga has the full story.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has been named in a lawsuit linking the tribe to a 2006 murder-for-hire plot hatched inside a private casino VIP lounge.
Previously, tribal members Stacy Cheyenne Barajas-Nunez, 26, and her brother, Erik Barajas, 36, were named in the suit filed last year linking the siblings to the Mexican Mafia gang.
Attorney Frank Peterson, representing plot target Leonard Epps, claims in a Jan. 6 filing that the tribe is liable because it gave gang members special access to a private casino lounge.
"I'm saying, 'Hey, you were negligent,' " Peterson said Wednesday. "You let them in."
Tribe spokesman Jacob Coin did not return calls seeking comment.
The proposed amendment to the $50 million lawsuit filed last year contains tentative language that could link the tribe to the murder plot.
"That will be a jury question," Peterson said.
It looks like we will see if judges will kick the case on sovereignty issues, meaning that tribes will bear no responsibility for criminal activity on their reservation, towards those who are not from the tribe. Is this what was meant by self reliance?
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has been named in a lawsuit linking the tribe to a 2006 murder-for-hire plot hatched inside a private casino VIP lounge.
Previously, tribal members Stacy Cheyenne Barajas-Nunez, 26, and her brother, Erik Barajas, 36, were named in the suit filed last year linking the siblings to the Mexican Mafia gang.
Attorney Frank Peterson, representing plot target Leonard Epps, claims in a Jan. 6 filing that the tribe is liable because it gave gang members special access to a private casino lounge.
"I'm saying, 'Hey, you were negligent,' " Peterson said Wednesday. "You let them in."
Tribe spokesman Jacob Coin did not return calls seeking comment.
The proposed amendment to the $50 million lawsuit filed last year contains tentative language that could link the tribe to the murder plot.
"That will be a jury question," Peterson said.
It looks like we will see if judges will kick the case on sovereignty issues, meaning that tribes will bear no responsibility for criminal activity on their reservation, towards those who are not from the tribe. Is this what was meant by self reliance?
State Will Raid Indian Gaming Mitigation Fund
After all the promises that came out of Prop. 94-97, it looks like we won't have a DENT in the budget deficit.
To ease our budget deficit, the state could raid a multimillion dollar fund that local agencies use to mitigate the negative effects of tribal gambling, current and former lawmakers warned Wednesday.
The fund, which totals more than $100 million, has paid for everything from traffic signals to police officers since its creation in 1999. Local agencies have collected more than $40 million from the fund since 2005.
After a battle this summer over the money, known as the special distribution fund, a group of lawmakers told the annual Western Indian Gaming Conference in Palm Springs on Wednesday that the money once again could be in trouble.
To ease our budget deficit, the state could raid a multimillion dollar fund that local agencies use to mitigate the negative effects of tribal gambling, current and former lawmakers warned Wednesday.
The fund, which totals more than $100 million, has paid for everything from traffic signals to police officers since its creation in 1999. Local agencies have collected more than $40 million from the fund since 2005.
After a battle this summer over the money, known as the special distribution fund, a group of lawmakers told the annual Western Indian Gaming Conference in Palm Springs on Wednesday that the money once again could be in trouble.
News On Robinson Rancheria Protest
Tribal members plan Robinson Rancheria protest
Lake County News reports that the Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo tribal members plan to hold a protest at the tribe's casino on Saturday to draw attention to what they allege are the tribal council's violations of human and civil rights.
The protest, scheduled to being at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, will be held at the casino's entrance on Highway 20, between Nice and Upper Lake.
Community members of all ethnic backgrounds are invited to the event, which the organizers says is meant to highlight the need for civil and human rights protections for American Indians.
OP:The only ones against Civil Rights for the Individual Indians, ironically are these corrupt tribal councils
Last month, the Robinson Rancheria Citizens Business Council voted to disenroll several dozen tribal members, as Lake County News has reported. At least 60 people had been up for disenrollment, although not all of those individuals lost their membership.
Tribal Chair Tracey Avila previously told Lake County News that the people whose names were removed from the tribe's membership rolls had been in question for some time, and that the council was conducting a housekeeping effort to finally have those names removed.
Among those organizing the protest on behalf of disenrolled families are EJ Crandell, whose election as tribal chair last summer was decertified by the tribe's election committee, and Mark and Carla Maslin.
Carla Maslin's entire 76-member family was disenrolled from the Redding Rancheria in 2004. Her family, along with other disenrolled tribal members from around the state, founded the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization – AIRRO for short – of which Maslin is board chair.
The protest organizers issued a statement this week saying that the tribal council has “created an atmosphere that oppresses their people from expressing opposing viewpoints, disregarded tribal traditions and laws to deny members their tribal identity and inherent rights.”
Those up for disenrollment already have reportedly lost regular payments tribal members are entitled to from its casino, as well as access services such as health care and education.
The Quitiquit family, with about three dozen members who were notified they are being disenrolled, reported that several members also recently were terminated from jobs with the tribe in recent weeks following the disenrollment action.
Avila said previously that the tribe only dismissed people from jobs for performance-related issues.
The tribal council's disenrollment decision has to be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which has jurisdiction over the matter because of clauses in the tribe's constitution.
Those who were notified of their disenrollment have appealed the decision to the bureau, which is reportedly still in the process of arriving at a decision.
Lake County News reports that the Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo tribal members plan to hold a protest at the tribe's casino on Saturday to draw attention to what they allege are the tribal council's violations of human and civil rights.
The protest, scheduled to being at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, will be held at the casino's entrance on Highway 20, between Nice and Upper Lake.
Community members of all ethnic backgrounds are invited to the event, which the organizers says is meant to highlight the need for civil and human rights protections for American Indians.
OP:The only ones against Civil Rights for the Individual Indians, ironically are these corrupt tribal councils
Last month, the Robinson Rancheria Citizens Business Council voted to disenroll several dozen tribal members, as Lake County News has reported. At least 60 people had been up for disenrollment, although not all of those individuals lost their membership.
Tribal Chair Tracey Avila previously told Lake County News that the people whose names were removed from the tribe's membership rolls had been in question for some time, and that the council was conducting a housekeeping effort to finally have those names removed.
Among those organizing the protest on behalf of disenrolled families are EJ Crandell, whose election as tribal chair last summer was decertified by the tribe's election committee, and Mark and Carla Maslin.
Carla Maslin's entire 76-member family was disenrolled from the Redding Rancheria in 2004. Her family, along with other disenrolled tribal members from around the state, founded the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization – AIRRO for short – of which Maslin is board chair.
The protest organizers issued a statement this week saying that the tribal council has “created an atmosphere that oppresses their people from expressing opposing viewpoints, disregarded tribal traditions and laws to deny members their tribal identity and inherent rights.”
Those up for disenrollment already have reportedly lost regular payments tribal members are entitled to from its casino, as well as access services such as health care and education.
The Quitiquit family, with about three dozen members who were notified they are being disenrolled, reported that several members also recently were terminated from jobs with the tribe in recent weeks following the disenrollment action.
Avila said previously that the tribe only dismissed people from jobs for performance-related issues.
The tribal council's disenrollment decision has to be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which has jurisdiction over the matter because of clauses in the tribe's constitution.
Those who were notified of their disenrollment have appealed the decision to the bureau, which is reportedly still in the process of arriving at a decision.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Obama's Transition Team's Service Will be Terminated Next Week
In response to the numerous letters we've sent, Keith Harper from President-Elect Barack Obama's transition team has communicated the following:
Sirs -
I have received many of these emails inviting me to meet. Please be advised and advise all others who have sent me this request that I would have no problem meeting with you ordinarily but as of January 20, my service and the service of all the Transition team will be terminated as the new Administration takes office. As I do not anticipate accepting a position in the new Administration, I will at that point be a private citizen.
I think it would be best at this late point in the Transition process that you contact the new Administration regarding your concerns once they have had a chance to settle in and request a meeting with them. Of course, I cannot commit that Administration to any meeting or any position.
In addition, if there is written material that you would like to submit to Transition, you can do so through Greg Nelson of our Office of Public Liaison (who is copied on this message) and it will become part of the official Transition record. I'd ask that your group collect its thoughts in one document and Greg and I can work to make sure it gets to the right place to advise the new Administration of your issues. You will have to make any submission by this Friday.
Thank you for your desire and willingness to add your voice to this critical preparatory process.
Best -
Keith Harper
Thank you Mr. Harper for giving us the direction we need to get our information in front of our new President of the United States and his team.
Sirs -
I have received many of these emails inviting me to meet. Please be advised and advise all others who have sent me this request that I would have no problem meeting with you ordinarily but as of January 20, my service and the service of all the Transition team will be terminated as the new Administration takes office. As I do not anticipate accepting a position in the new Administration, I will at that point be a private citizen.
I think it would be best at this late point in the Transition process that you contact the new Administration regarding your concerns once they have had a chance to settle in and request a meeting with them. Of course, I cannot commit that Administration to any meeting or any position.
In addition, if there is written material that you would like to submit to Transition, you can do so through Greg Nelson of our Office of Public Liaison (who is copied on this message) and it will become part of the official Transition record. I'd ask that your group collect its thoughts in one document and Greg and I can work to make sure it gets to the right place to advise the new Administration of your issues. You will have to make any submission by this Friday.
Thank you for your desire and willingness to add your voice to this critical preparatory process.
Best -
Keith Harper
Thank you Mr. Harper for giving us the direction we need to get our information in front of our new President of the United States and his team.
Interlude: Ricardo Montalban and Patrick McGoohan
Sadly, two of our best actors of an earlier generation have passed:
Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday morning at his home, a city councilman said. He was 88.
AND
Patrick McGoohan, an Emmy Award-winning actor who starred as a British spy in the 1960s TV series "Secret Agent" and "The Prisoner" and was known for playing various villainous roles in films and on television, has died. He was 80.
McGoohan died peacefully Tuesday in St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica after a short illness,
Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday morning at his home, a city councilman said. He was 88.
AND
Patrick McGoohan, an Emmy Award-winning actor who starred as a British spy in the 1960s TV series "Secret Agent" and "The Prisoner" and was known for playing various villainous roles in films and on television, has died. He was 80.
McGoohan died peacefully Tuesday in St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica after a short illness,
San Diego Sheriff's Try to Weasel Out of Responsibility in Keeping San Pasqual Voters From Exercising Their Voting Rights
Yes, I guess that ISN'T a SD Sheriff's deputy standing shoulder to shoulder with the oppressors from San Pascual?
When members of the Alto family showed up to vote on the San Pasqual Indian reservation on Sunday, they were met by tribal security guards and San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies who prevented them from entering the building where the election was taking place.
That was an apparent violation of their civil rights, according to a federal official.
But a spokesman for the sheriff's department said Tuesday that the deputies were not the ones who decided to keep the tribal members from voting; the tribal government did.
"The standing, elected government of that tribe decides," said Sgt. Bob Bishop, with the Valley Center substation. "They decide who is going to be allowed into the meeting, we don't."
The tribe is embroiled in a long-standing dispute over whether members of the Alto family belong in the tribe.
The federal government issued a tentative ruling in November siding with the family. But some members of the tribal government, including Chairman Allen Lawson, and members of the San Pasqual enrollment committee say the Alto family members, about 59 of them, are not official San Pasqual Indians. Really? The BIA says they are.
When members of the Alto family showed up to vote on the San Pasqual Indian reservation on Sunday, they were met by tribal security guards and San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies who prevented them from entering the building where the election was taking place.
That was an apparent violation of their civil rights, according to a federal official.
But a spokesman for the sheriff's department said Tuesday that the deputies were not the ones who decided to keep the tribal members from voting; the tribal government did.
"The standing, elected government of that tribe decides," said Sgt. Bob Bishop, with the Valley Center substation. "They decide who is going to be allowed into the meeting, we don't."
The tribe is embroiled in a long-standing dispute over whether members of the Alto family belong in the tribe.
The federal government issued a tentative ruling in November siding with the family. But some members of the tribal government, including Chairman Allen Lawson, and members of the San Pasqual enrollment committee say the Alto family members, about 59 of them, are not official San Pasqual Indians. Really? The BIA says they are.
No Justice on Civil Rights from DOJ, Because Head of Civil Rights Division is a PERJURER
Ed Morrissey has the story at HOT AIR
Bradley Schlozman calls this a victory, since the US Attorney in DC refuses to prosecute, but the Department of Justice says it accepts the findings that Schlozman perjured himself in the probe about politicization at the DoJ. The internal investigation found that Schlozman, while acting chief of the Civil Rights Division, made hiring decisions based on political affiliations and then lied in testimony to Congress. It gives yet another black eye to the Alberto Gonzales-run DoJ in the second Bush term:
Bradley Schlozman calls this a victory, since the US Attorney in DC refuses to prosecute, but the Department of Justice says it accepts the findings that Schlozman perjured himself in the probe about politicization at the DoJ. The internal investigation found that Schlozman, while acting chief of the Civil Rights Division, made hiring decisions based on political affiliations and then lied in testimony to Congress. It gives yet another black eye to the Alberto Gonzales-run DoJ in the second Bush term:
San Pasqual Members DENIED Civil Rights Says BIA Official James Fletcher
UPDATE: The comment link doesn't appear on the page for some reason. Simply click on the title which will bring up the single story and the comments can be accessed from there.
San Pasqual's chairman instructed tribal security officials and sheriff's deputies to block about 50 members from voting in Sunday's elections, a possible violation of their civil rights, according to a federal official.
Angela Martinez-McNeal said she and her family were prevented from entering the facility where elections were held because the chairman, Allen Lawson, and his supporters say they are not valid members of the tribe.
"They treated us like criminals," Martinez said Monday.
Lawson, who apparently won re-election Sunday, declined to comment on the matter.
The Valley Center-area tribe, which has about 300 members, owns Valley View Casino.
A spokeswoman at the Sheriff's Valley Center Substation declined to comment on the incident and referred questions to the tribe, which has a contract with the department for law enforcement service. OP: The Sheriff's won't COMMENT ON THEIR OWN ACTION??
Lt. Phil Brust, a spokesman for the department in San Diego, could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon. OP: WHATCHA doing PHIL? HIDING OUT?
Martinez said she and her family received a letter from the tribe's enrollment committee saying they were ineligible to vote because of their disputed official membership in the tribe, even though the federal government tentatively has sided with Martinez and her family. OP: HOW ABOUT NOT HOLDING AN ELECTION UNTIL THE MATTER IS SETTLED?
"The enrollment committee declares and verifies that the disputed Marcus R. Alto Sr., and all of his descendants have been disenrolled and all membership rights have been suspended as part of the disenrollment," according to the letter dated Dec. 29 and provided by Martinez to the North County Times.
Not allowing the Alto family members to vote could be a violation of their American Indian civil rights, said Jim Fletcher, superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs for Southern California. OP: And Pechanga tribal member who allowed the same thing to happen in his tribe!
"There were a number of them that told me that they weren't allowed to vote," Fletcher said.
However, Fletcher said he must wait until he receives official election results from the tribe and testimony from those who were banned from voting to look into the matter. Fletcher has said that the federal government considers the family to be official members of the tribe until the bureau makes a final decision on the enrollment question.
OP: THEN STAND UP JOAQUIN, for the San Pascual people, even though you didn't for your OWN.
Read the rest of the article HERE
.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Robinson Rancheria Disenrollment Demonstration
We discussed the disenrollments of some members of the ROBINSON RANCHERIA of POMO Indians HERE Now, there is a way for you to help by standing in unity at their demonstration that is detailed below. Welcome to those members who were disenrolled. Please feel free to comment.
JOIN US IN A PROTEST TO STOP
HUMAN & CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Occurring at
Robinson Rancheria
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Entrance to Robinson Rancheria Casino
Hwy 20 NICE, California
This is an urgent plea to all Indian and non-Indian people alike to join us in a demonstration to focus attention on Robinson Rancheria Tribal Officials who are violating the civil and human rights of several Robinson Rancheria families.
Help us stop these tribal officials who are manipulating the tribe’s rolls and elections in an effort to avoid relinquishing their positions of power.
Robinson Rancheria Officials are ruthlessly using employee termination to take away the livelihood of the Robinson Rancheria membership. They have created an atmosphere that oppresses their people from expressing opposing viewpoints, disregarded tribal traditions and laws to deny members their tribal identity and inherent rights.
Please join us in a demonstration to highlight the need for basic Human and Civil Rights protections for all American Indians.
For more information contact:
Mark and Carla Maslin
maslincarla@earthlink.net
OR
Eddie J. Crandell
eddie.crandell@att.net
Julie Moran
Jmm3331975@yahoo.com
HUMAN & CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Occurring at
Robinson Rancheria
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Entrance to Robinson Rancheria Casino
Hwy 20 NICE, California
This is an urgent plea to all Indian and non-Indian people alike to join us in a demonstration to focus attention on Robinson Rancheria Tribal Officials who are violating the civil and human rights of several Robinson Rancheria families.
Help us stop these tribal officials who are manipulating the tribe’s rolls and elections in an effort to avoid relinquishing their positions of power.
Robinson Rancheria Officials are ruthlessly using employee termination to take away the livelihood of the Robinson Rancheria membership. They have created an atmosphere that oppresses their people from expressing opposing viewpoints, disregarded tribal traditions and laws to deny members their tribal identity and inherent rights.
Please join us in a demonstration to highlight the need for basic Human and Civil Rights protections for all American Indians.
For more information contact:
Mark and Carla Maslin
maslincarla@earthlink.net
OR
Eddie J. Crandell
eddie.crandell@att.net
Julie Moran
Jmm3331975@yahoo.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Freedmen Gathering is Set for January 24th.
Descendants of Freedmen Association will host their next meeting at the:
Remarks will be made by NAACP State President Anthony Douglas and Attorney Jon Velie.
Immediately following the meeting, Creek freedmen descendants will meet. Persons of all races, creeds, and colors are welcome. For more information on the meeting you may contact Mrs Vann 4058185360 or Mrs Jackson: 405-949-2299.
More information on the organization is available on-line at http://www.freedmen5tribes.com/
More on the story at Tulsa Today
Faith Memorial Baptist Church
3117 N. Kelly,
Oklahoma City Okla
Saturday January 24 2009
1pm.
Remarks will be made by NAACP State President Anthony Douglas and Attorney Jon Velie.
Immediately following the meeting, Creek freedmen descendants will meet. Persons of all races, creeds, and colors are welcome. For more information on the meeting you may contact Mrs Vann 4058185360 or Mrs Jackson: 405-949-2299.
More information on the organization is available on-line at http://www.freedmen5tribes.com/
More on the story at Tulsa Today
Riverside District Attorney Rod Pacheco REFUSES to Prosecute Pechanga Security Guard
We keep in contact with Richard and Jonne Swan, the couple who suffered abuse at the hands of Pechanga Casino guards, and whose story we reported on HERE. They have been waiting for Riverside District Attorney Rod Pacheco to press charges against the Pechanga Tribal Casino security guard of excessive violence.
Here's the word from Jonne Swan:
We are still having on going battles, the stupid DA's office says there isn't enough evidence to charge the guard with assault and battery.
But I talked to someone in victims advocate and told her to ask him to reopen the case as the surveillance tapes shows there is most definitely enough evidence, besides Rich is still having medical problems.
I am supposed to get a call back from her.
Could it be that the DA doesn't want to run afoul of one of Riverside's biggest employers?
Here's the word from Jonne Swan:
We are still having on going battles, the stupid DA's office says there isn't enough evidence to charge the guard with assault and battery.
But I talked to someone in victims advocate and told her to ask him to reopen the case as the surveillance tapes shows there is most definitely enough evidence, besides Rich is still having medical problems.
I am supposed to get a call back from her.
Could it be that the DA doesn't want to run afoul of one of Riverside's biggest employers?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
San Manuel OUTSHINES Pechanga - AGAIN
Our Cousin Teetilawuncha's Blog has the story of San Manuel banning a criminal element from their reservation:
In an unprecedented move, San Manuel Chairman James Ramos has announced his tribe's decision to fine two convicted tribal members linked to a murder conspiracy and ban them from the reservation.Decisions made by the tribal council, composed of all tribal members over age 21, typically remain private matters within the tribe and are never made public.Ramos said the tribal council's Dec. 13 decision to ban Stacy Barajas-Nunez 26, and her brother, Erik Barajas, 36, from the reservation and fine them a "considerable" amount of money for disorderly conduct speaks volumes to the tribe's position of holding its members accountable for errant behavior.
Pechanga embraces their criminal element and in fact, used the word of an imprisoned child molester to terminate one family, over the word of the most respected educator in the matters of California Indian tribes?
In an unprecedented move, San Manuel Chairman James Ramos has announced his tribe's decision to fine two convicted tribal members linked to a murder conspiracy and ban them from the reservation.Decisions made by the tribal council, composed of all tribal members over age 21, typically remain private matters within the tribe and are never made public.Ramos said the tribal council's Dec. 13 decision to ban Stacy Barajas-Nunez 26, and her brother, Erik Barajas, 36, from the reservation and fine them a "considerable" amount of money for disorderly conduct speaks volumes to the tribe's position of holding its members accountable for errant behavior.
Pechanga embraces their criminal element and in fact, used the word of an imprisoned child molester to terminate one family, over the word of the most respected educator in the matters of California Indian tribes?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Indian Trusts and Indian Civil Rights Act Reforms should be on Obama/Salazar Agenda
The new Obama administration and Ken Salazar, the new secretary of the Interior should make putting teeth into the Indian Civil Rights Act and settling the Trust Case of Cobell v Kempthorne.
The silence of the Bush Interior Department must be replaced by a major high priority effort in the Obama administration to achieve success in dealing with the Indian trusts and fulfilling Obama’s commitment to carrying out the United States’ obligation to the Indian people including its hundreds of thousands trust beneficiaries.
This added thrust of the ICRA will help THOUSANDS of Individual Indians that have been unfairly and in many cases without proper due process, terminated from tribes by unscrupulous tribal councils. There are many tribes that are still waiting on recognition. It shouldn't take decades.
The silence of the Bush Interior Department must be replaced by a major high priority effort in the Obama administration to achieve success in dealing with the Indian trusts and fulfilling Obama’s commitment to carrying out the United States’ obligation to the Indian people including its hundreds of thousands trust beneficiaries.
This added thrust of the ICRA will help THOUSANDS of Individual Indians that have been unfairly and in many cases without proper due process, terminated from tribes by unscrupulous tribal councils. There are many tribes that are still waiting on recognition. It shouldn't take decades.
Will President Elect Obama's Transition Team Meet with Disenfranchised Indians Who have been victims of Bad Tribal Governance?
Here's a letter you can send in support of those who have been disenrolled, stuck in an illegal moratorium and otherwise the victims of bad tribal governance from tribes like the Cherokee, Pechanga, Redding Rancheria and Chukchansi
Send a letter to Keith Harper: Keith.Harper@ptt.gov
President-elect Barack Obama
Presidential Transition Team Members
Keith Harper
Wizi Garriott
John Echohawk
Request to meet regarding tribal governance issues
Dear Presidential Transition Team members:
I am excited to hear that an Advisor on Indian Issues to President-Elect Obama will be attending the Tribal Sovereignty and Self-governance Conference in Southern California on January 23rd and 24th. Unfortunately, I am unable to afford the steep conference admission cost, and I will not be able to hear you speak regarding the Administration's priorities for Indian Country
Nevertheless, I, and others like myself, hope that this will provide an opportunity to meet with the attending Advisor or Administration Representative to discuss issues related to tribal governance, sovereignty, and rights violations in Indian Country.
There is a growing concern regarding the bad governance practices of tribal officials which, to date, have victimized thousands of individuals. The bad governance practices I speak of include violations of laws committed in order to strip or deny individuals and targeted groups of the basic rights and privileges enumerated and guaranteed by tribal, state, and/or federal statutes. In most instances, the victims of these bad governance practices are denied recourse against the tribal official perpetrators due to the fact that the officials invoke tribal sovereignty to escape prosecution.
If these bad governance practices are allowed to continue unabated, there is little doubt that many more individuals will fall prey. Moreover, it is bad governance on the part of the United States Congress and the Administration to ignore this issue and to allow such practices to continue.
I dearly hope my inability to attend the conference will not stand in the way of this opportunity to meet and discuss such important issues.
Respectfully submitted:
Original Pechanga
Send a letter to Keith Harper: Keith.Harper@ptt.gov
President-elect Barack Obama
Presidential Transition Team Members
Keith Harper
Wizi Garriott
John Echohawk
Request to meet regarding tribal governance issues
Dear Presidential Transition Team members:
I am excited to hear that an Advisor on Indian Issues to President-Elect Obama will be attending the Tribal Sovereignty and Self-governance Conference in Southern California on January 23rd and 24th. Unfortunately, I am unable to afford the steep conference admission cost, and I will not be able to hear you speak regarding the Administration's priorities for Indian Country
Nevertheless, I, and others like myself, hope that this will provide an opportunity to meet with the attending Advisor or Administration Representative to discuss issues related to tribal governance, sovereignty, and rights violations in Indian Country.
There is a growing concern regarding the bad governance practices of tribal officials which, to date, have victimized thousands of individuals. The bad governance practices I speak of include violations of laws committed in order to strip or deny individuals and targeted groups of the basic rights and privileges enumerated and guaranteed by tribal, state, and/or federal statutes. In most instances, the victims of these bad governance practices are denied recourse against the tribal official perpetrators due to the fact that the officials invoke tribal sovereignty to escape prosecution.
If these bad governance practices are allowed to continue unabated, there is little doubt that many more individuals will fall prey. Moreover, it is bad governance on the part of the United States Congress and the Administration to ignore this issue and to allow such practices to continue.
I dearly hope my inability to attend the conference will not stand in the way of this opportunity to meet and discuss such important issues.
Respectfully submitted:
Original Pechanga
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Kempthorne's Legacy: A $235,000 Bathroom
Will Dirk Kempthorne's legacy at the Department be:
Cobell v Kempthorne LOSS
Carl Artman's Ineffectiveness
Not having BIA step in on Tribal Disenrollments
Not allowing recognitions of tribes
Untold WASTE and ABRASIVE Leadership at the Department
Short answer: NONE OF THE ABOVE
It will be the the $235,000 POTTY
Comes now news that former Idaho Gov. and current Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne ladled out $235,000 in public funds in the final months of his cabinet stint to renovate his private office bathroom.
Kempthorne's potty is no ordinary loo. No, sir. Not even the nation's soaring debt could stay this bureaucrat from lavish spending. There's a shower, a refrigerator and freezer, new plumbing and lavish wood paneling. (geez, Joe the Plumber could have done it cheaper)
At a cost that exceeds the late 2008 median price of a Boise home ($187,300), Kempthorne's bathroom is bound to become as notable as the legendary $600 paid by the Pentagon for a military toilet and the Minneapolis bathroom stall where Sen. Craig was arrested.
Excellent example of LEADERSHIP, Mr. Secretary
Cobell v Kempthorne LOSS
Carl Artman's Ineffectiveness
Not having BIA step in on Tribal Disenrollments
Not allowing recognitions of tribes
Untold WASTE and ABRASIVE Leadership at the Department
Short answer: NONE OF THE ABOVE
It will be the the $235,000 POTTY
Comes now news that former Idaho Gov. and current Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne ladled out $235,000 in public funds in the final months of his cabinet stint to renovate his private office bathroom.
Kempthorne's potty is no ordinary loo. No, sir. Not even the nation's soaring debt could stay this bureaucrat from lavish spending. There's a shower, a refrigerator and freezer, new plumbing and lavish wood paneling. (geez, Joe the Plumber could have done it cheaper)
At a cost that exceeds the late 2008 median price of a Boise home ($187,300), Kempthorne's bathroom is bound to become as notable as the legendary $600 paid by the Pentagon for a military toilet and the Minneapolis bathroom stall where Sen. Craig was arrested.
Excellent example of LEADERSHIP, Mr. Secretary
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Should Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger be RECALLED
In 2003, the people of California recalled Gray Davis for: "gross mismanagement of California Finances by overspending taxpayers' money, threatening public safety by cutting funds to local governments, failing to account for the exorbitant cost of the energy, and failing in general to deal with the state's major problems until they get to the crisis stage."
Can't we substitute Arnold's name here? Aren't we in WORSE shape now that when Davis was governor?
Schwarzenegger LIED about the Sycuan gaming compact and even more egregious, tried to keep Californian's from VOTING on the gaming issues. He didn't want us to exercise our rights to vote?
What has the Governator done to deserve staying in office? The Legislature has had three special sessions since the November election to address California's worsening budget deficit, projected at $42 billion over the next 18 months, that's MUCH higher that Davis' projected deficit.
Is it time to REMOVE Arnold? There is a poll on the left side.
Can't we substitute Arnold's name here? Aren't we in WORSE shape now that when Davis was governor?
Schwarzenegger LIED about the Sycuan gaming compact and even more egregious, tried to keep Californian's from VOTING on the gaming issues. He didn't want us to exercise our rights to vote?
What has the Governator done to deserve staying in office? The Legislature has had three special sessions since the November election to address California's worsening budget deficit, projected at $42 billion over the next 18 months, that's MUCH higher that Davis' projected deficit.
Is it time to REMOVE Arnold? There is a poll on the left side.
San Manuel Tribe Makes Pechanga Look Like PIKERS
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians on Tuesday donated $7.3 million to 25 nonprofit organizations, the largest sum of money given by the tribe at one time.
Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, received $200,000, a huge some compared to the $25,000 that Pechanga gives local schools.
Bear in mind, Temecula residents, that Pechanga, in eliminating 25% of their tribe since 2005, has $125 MILLION dollars extra to do these sorts of things with (just since the terminations). INSTEAD, they eliminated 800 positions at the casino and give themselves $30,500 per month or $360,000 per year...EACH.
Pechanga saved a fortune in eliminating health coverage for many elders of the tribe and also college funding for the young who wanted to go. Pechanga spent $80 million trying to convince Riverside County that they were good....with television commercials.
Great work San Manuel! Keep up the efforts.
Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, received $200,000, a huge some compared to the $25,000 that Pechanga gives local schools.
Bear in mind, Temecula residents, that Pechanga, in eliminating 25% of their tribe since 2005, has $125 MILLION dollars extra to do these sorts of things with (just since the terminations). INSTEAD, they eliminated 800 positions at the casino and give themselves $30,500 per month or $360,000 per year...EACH.
Pechanga saved a fortune in eliminating health coverage for many elders of the tribe and also college funding for the young who wanted to go. Pechanga spent $80 million trying to convince Riverside County that they were good....with television commercials.
Great work San Manuel! Keep up the efforts.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
California to Suffer from SYCUAN Expansion Halt
Sycuan NEVER ratified their compact anyway, something our GOVERNOR never tolds us during the elections. A detail that SHOULD NOT have been left out. Shame on you Arnold.
Recession and the credit freeze has convinced a California tribe to halt an expansion to their casino operations, informing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that it will forgo on a negotiated compact that would have more than doubled the number of its current slot machines.
The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians is the latest southern California tribe stung by the recently acknowledged national recession. Over the past six months more than 450 Indian gaming jobs were lost at two of the region’s biggest Indian gaming venues – the Morongo and Pechanga casinos.
“At present, access to capital markets has essentially frozen, and the problems that have devastated the economies the world over also have severely impacted the gaming industry, both national and local,” wrote Sycuan Chairman Daniel Tucker in a Dec. 4 letter to the governor.
The 2006 agreement, an amendment to its 1999 compact, would have allowed the tribe to operate up to 5,000 slot machines up from 2,000 in return for annual payouts of $20 million and 15 percent of profits from the additional machines through 2030. In addition an off reservation casino of up to 1,600 acres was included in the deal.
Read the rest of the Indian Country Today article
Recession and the credit freeze has convinced a California tribe to halt an expansion to their casino operations, informing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that it will forgo on a negotiated compact that would have more than doubled the number of its current slot machines.
The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians is the latest southern California tribe stung by the recently acknowledged national recession. Over the past six months more than 450 Indian gaming jobs were lost at two of the region’s biggest Indian gaming venues – the Morongo and Pechanga casinos.
“At present, access to capital markets has essentially frozen, and the problems that have devastated the economies the world over also have severely impacted the gaming industry, both national and local,” wrote Sycuan Chairman Daniel Tucker in a Dec. 4 letter to the governor.
The 2006 agreement, an amendment to its 1999 compact, would have allowed the tribe to operate up to 5,000 slot machines up from 2,000 in return for annual payouts of $20 million and 15 percent of profits from the additional machines through 2030. In addition an off reservation casino of up to 1,600 acres was included in the deal.
Read the rest of the Indian Country Today article
The Legality of Tribal Disenrollments
Blogger Erick RHOAN (name corrected now) has a series of posts about Tribal Disenrollments and the Law. For those of you that may think the consequences of disenrollment is like being kicked out of the country club, Erick points out, it's much more than that.
What is disenrollment? Disenrollment is the end result of a tribal proceeding whereby a particular federally recognized Indian tribe strips an individual tribal member of their status as a Native American with eradication of all rights and privileges that he or she may have previously enjoyed as a member.
In effect, the disenrolled is no longer a Native American. That in itself is shocking to say the least because most people, even I, have always been led to believe that one’s lineage is unalterable. When you fill out forms or applications you will sometimes see an optional section of the form dealing with race or ethnicity; one bubble or checkbox will usually say “Native American,” or “American Indian.” If you are a disenrolled tribal member you can technically no longer check this box. No person living inside the United States has to worry about such a thing happening to them except Native Americans.
There’s more to being a disenrolled Indian than just loss of ethnic identity. Disenrolled Indians no longer have access to specially arranged healthcare that, under normal circumstances, they could not have afforded in the first place. Access to education is substantially impaired as there are many funding sources that are only available to federally recognized Indian students.
In certain cases, the disenrolled are ejected from the tribal grounds and can never return.
Erick's site is at: Strict Liability in Blog please take a look
What is disenrollment? Disenrollment is the end result of a tribal proceeding whereby a particular federally recognized Indian tribe strips an individual tribal member of their status as a Native American with eradication of all rights and privileges that he or she may have previously enjoyed as a member.
In effect, the disenrolled is no longer a Native American. That in itself is shocking to say the least because most people, even I, have always been led to believe that one’s lineage is unalterable. When you fill out forms or applications you will sometimes see an optional section of the form dealing with race or ethnicity; one bubble or checkbox will usually say “Native American,” or “American Indian.” If you are a disenrolled tribal member you can technically no longer check this box. No person living inside the United States has to worry about such a thing happening to them except Native Americans.
There’s more to being a disenrolled Indian than just loss of ethnic identity. Disenrolled Indians no longer have access to specially arranged healthcare that, under normal circumstances, they could not have afforded in the first place. Access to education is substantially impaired as there are many funding sources that are only available to federally recognized Indian students.
In certain cases, the disenrolled are ejected from the tribal grounds and can never return.
Erick's site is at: Strict Liability in Blog please take a look
Monday, January 5, 2009
American Indian Resources Institute Holds Forum at Civil Rights Violators Resort.
The American Indian Resources Institute is hosting a two-day forum to address sovereignty and self-governance issues under the new administration of president-elect Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled 111th Congress.
Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era: Forging Fair and Equitable Governance in a Time of Change takes place January 23-24 on the Pechanga Reservation in California.
Sessions are geared to the challenges and opportunities tribes will face with a new leader in the White House
Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), who will serve as chairman of the Barack Obama administration is expected to attend.
The Pechanga Tribe has terminated 25% of its membership in an effort to boost the per capita payments to the remaining members. The story is recounted in Pechanga’s Paper Trail of Tears.
Pechanga Elder Dolly Toomey Passes at 85.
Temecula resident, Elizabeth “Dolly” Toomey Ricci, died on Saturday, December 27, 2008, at the age of 85.
Dolly was always friendly to Hunters. She was born in 1923, 24 years after Paulina Hunter passed away and a decade after sworn testimony from Pechanga people that Paulina was in fact, an ORIGINAL PECHANGA person.
She is survived by her 5 children; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Pechanga Reservation, Monday, January 5 from 8:00 - 10:00am with funeral mass at 10:00. (951) 695-8555 27135 Madison Ave., Temecula, CA 92590
OP: The Concerned Pechanga People will probably celebrate the fact that they will be able to divvy up Dolly's per capita check amongst themselves. How many of them have already done the math?
Rest in Peace, Dolly.
Dolly was always friendly to Hunters. She was born in 1923, 24 years after Paulina Hunter passed away and a decade after sworn testimony from Pechanga people that Paulina was in fact, an ORIGINAL PECHANGA person.
She is survived by her 5 children; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Pechanga Reservation, Monday, January 5 from 8:00 - 10:00am with funeral mass at 10:00. (951) 695-8555 27135 Madison Ave., Temecula, CA 92590
OP: The Concerned Pechanga People will probably celebrate the fact that they will be able to divvy up Dolly's per capita check amongst themselves. How many of them have already done the math?
Rest in Peace, Dolly.
Miwok Tribal Chairman Unaware of his Heritage.
Miwok Tribal Chairman Nick Fonseca didn't even KNOW HE WAS Indian until he was 13. And now, he's the leader of his tribelet.
Cesar Caballero says:
The 39-year-old graphic artist says that 300 descendents of El Dorado County Miwok Indians are being denied their tribal rights, including land on the Shingle Springs Rancheria and proceeds from the new Red Hawk Casino.
The Sacramento Verona Band of Homeless Indians has stolen the identity of the Shingle Springs tribe in order to build the casino and reap the rewards, Caballero claims.
Cesar Caballero says:
The 39-year-old graphic artist says that 300 descendents of El Dorado County Miwok Indians are being denied their tribal rights, including land on the Shingle Springs Rancheria and proceeds from the new Red Hawk Casino.
The Sacramento Verona Band of Homeless Indians has stolen the identity of the Shingle Springs tribe in order to build the casino and reap the rewards, Caballero claims.
Open Enrollment for Pechanga Band. Send in Your Requests for Applications
The Constitution and Bylaws of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians states that there is OPEN ENROLLMENT each January. IF you have claims of heritage of Pechanga, you MUST send in your applications to the Enrollment Committee.
Send Applications to:
Pechanga Indian Reservation
P.O. Box 1477
Temecula, CA 92593
Attn: Enrollment Committee
HURRY! Enrollment closes as the End of January
Cousin Amokat has some points below.
"ARTICLE 11 MEMBERSHIP
Membership is an enrolled member documented in the Band's Official Enrollment Book of 1979. Qualifications for membership of the Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Are:
A. Applicant must show proof of Lineal Descent from original Pechanga Temecula people.
B. Adopted people, family or Band, and non-indians cannot be enrolled. Exceptions: People who were accepted in the Indian Way prior to 1928 will be accepted.
C. If you have ever been enrolled or recognized in any other reservation you cannot enroll in Pechanga The membership enrollment will be opened the first month of each year by the Band's Enrollment Committee."
Above are the requirments for tribal membership taken from the Band's constitution. I wonder if they have changed the part about the 1979 enrollment book? Because a lot of my relatives are listed in that book but we are now disenrolled. Because they would have to submit the change to the BIA. If they haven't, does that mean we should still be considered enrolled?
Also, why hasn't the tribal council declared the moratorium unconstitutional? Because the constitution clearly states open enrollment is every January.
One more thing, The enrollment committee, in kicking out hundreds of long time tribal members in good standing, said that being of the Temecula Band was not good enough. That Pechanga was a subset of the Temecula Band. Clearly the Band's constitution doesn't say that as it says under membership that qualifications are for the Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.
It was a made up concoction of the rogue CPP faction just as the moratorium was part of the plans of the CPP. What were the CPP plans?
To get rid of and keep out of the tribe as many people as possible.
Send Applications to:
Pechanga Indian Reservation
P.O. Box 1477
Temecula, CA 92593
Attn: Enrollment Committee
HURRY! Enrollment closes as the End of January
Cousin Amokat has some points below.
"ARTICLE 11 MEMBERSHIP
Membership is an enrolled member documented in the Band's Official Enrollment Book of 1979. Qualifications for membership of the Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Are:
A. Applicant must show proof of Lineal Descent from original Pechanga Temecula people.
B. Adopted people, family or Band, and non-indians cannot be enrolled. Exceptions: People who were accepted in the Indian Way prior to 1928 will be accepted.
C. If you have ever been enrolled or recognized in any other reservation you cannot enroll in Pechanga The membership enrollment will be opened the first month of each year by the Band's Enrollment Committee."
Above are the requirments for tribal membership taken from the Band's constitution. I wonder if they have changed the part about the 1979 enrollment book? Because a lot of my relatives are listed in that book but we are now disenrolled. Because they would have to submit the change to the BIA. If they haven't, does that mean we should still be considered enrolled?
Also, why hasn't the tribal council declared the moratorium unconstitutional? Because the constitution clearly states open enrollment is every January.
One more thing, The enrollment committee, in kicking out hundreds of long time tribal members in good standing, said that being of the Temecula Band was not good enough. That Pechanga was a subset of the Temecula Band. Clearly the Band's constitution doesn't say that as it says under membership that qualifications are for the Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.
It was a made up concoction of the rogue CPP faction just as the moratorium was part of the plans of the CPP. What were the CPP plans?
To get rid of and keep out of the tribe as many people as possible.
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