To our Family and Friends in Indian Country: One of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, who has been disenrolled has begun a petition to urge the White House to look into the disgraceful actions of corrupt tribal councils across the country. PLEASE HELP US GET THIS PETITION in FRONT OF THE PRESIDENT BY SIGNING and SHARING. Here is a text of that petition:
Defend the civil rights that are being violated here in the U.S. on our Native American tribal lands with no due process Our people are suffering at the hand of rogue executive committees on Native American tribal lands. Our civil rights are being violated with no due process.
The BIA and DOJ have snubbed their noses to this growing problem. Thousands of Native Americans are stripped of their rights and heritage. It is time for Congress to step in and join us in a "sign on " letter to bring the attention this matter deserves. How can we defend one Chinese man when thousand of our Native American are suffer from these people who have corrupted our tribes, and they think cannot be stopped. Please help us in our fight to get our voices heard. We have spoken to many great Senators and Congress people and have gotten great response
The White House gives us helpful hints as to how to get signatures on our petition
You now have 30 days to get 25,000 signatures in order for your petition to be reviewed by the White House. Until your petition has 150 signatures, it will only be available from the following URL and will not be publicly viewable on the Open Petitions section of We the People: http://wh.gov/Ed1
Here are a few tips to help you promote your petition and get to 25,000 signatures:
1. Email: Email your petition to your friends, family and others who care about this issue. Below is a sample email you can forward to your friends right now.
2. Facebook: Post your petition to your Facebook wall to let folks know about it. Hereâs a sample message you can cut and paste into your Facebook status: I just started a petition on the White House petitions site, We the People. Will you sign it? http://wh.gov/Ed1
3. Twitter: Tweet about your petition. Hereâs a sample tweet you can use: I just started a petition on the White House Petitions site, We the People. Will you sign it? http://wh.gov/Ed1
We can't sit back and wait for someone else to help us, if we aren't willing to help ourselves. Please sign the petition and send the link out to ALL your friends asking them to help.
Thank you very much for posting this
ReplyDeleteWe are not just fighting for Pala but all natives. We all need to stick together in this fight until we all are set free!
ReplyDeleteI was one of the pala tat went to dc. And I assure you. That the topic that was spoken about at all our meetings. Was not how pala disenrolled us. It was about the injustices that have been perpetrated on REAL lineal Indians being stripped of thier birthright and heritage. And all the tribes that you see on this blog were talked about in these meetings. We are fighting as ONE for the same cause. Please sign this so we can put a stop to this once and for all. Together we thrive. Divided we fail.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't know anything about disenrolled Indians' plight and was looking to the petition description to tell me what this petition was for, then I wouldn't learn anything.
ReplyDeleteI would have no clue what this petition is for, what it's goal is, the nature of the problem, who the "rogue executive commmittees" are, or even the identity of the petitioner. The word "disenrolled" is not even in the description. Instead, all I see is a paragraph of conclusory allegations without any analysis or description.
I think this needs to be re-written immediately in order for it to gain the support it deserves.
At the petition site it'self there is a description of the petitioner. Also in ALL of Indian country where this is going on it would be a waste of a sentence to individually list the names of all the e c members. At all the different tribes. It's generalized. I agree with one or two points but it does say we are fighting for a voice. And to stop the corruption. I d k. I'm not a petition writer but I feel the petition describes a few great points. Just me.
ReplyDeleteI just listed various things I found wrong about the petition's wording, but the biggest issue (and one you fail to address) is what the petition is actually about. If I hadn't been told about this and had just stumbled on it for the first time, I wouldn't know whether the petitioner was asking for the gov't to look in on the disenrolled or whether this was about unduly burdensome tribal court filing costs.
ReplyDeleteI'm not asking that there should have been a list of every EC member EVER, but if you're going to throw out a broad and ambiguous term like "executive committee member" you might want to inform your reader -- who might be approaching this issue with no prior background whatsoever -- just what an "executive committee" is and how they have violated Indians' right to "due process."
I agree that the petition had to be generalized, but some specifics are worth expounding on. Like what the topic of this petition is.
Erick makes some great points. While we sometimes use our emotions to get started, we should ensure that we are focused.
ReplyDeleteCan the text be edited by the creator? That way signatures are not lost.
This is what I would prefer. It's a great cause and it would be a shame to lose the signatures that have already been collected.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could suggest some wording Eric. You seem to have an understanding of all sides you may be a big help to get this more user friendly. Suggestions, help, ideas? We are all scrambling to try and do anything we can to right the wrongs and help all natives not one specific tribe. Sometimes when "we" understand what we are saying it gets lost in translation. Thank you Eric for pointing that out. Hopefully the creator can make some adjustments and we won't lose ground.
ReplyDeleteI was frustrated by the wording also. Great cause, but you need to give voters/signers a reason to throw their name up there. What's the incentive for your non-Native American co-worker, friend, or neighbor to sign if they have no clue what it is about and what exactly is being violated? What is the cost to them when the ICRA is being violated?
ReplyDeleteAs soon as it's re-written and re-submitted I will be throwing a signature up and sharing it with my family and friends, to network it and get you your signatures. I've already started talking to people about it and have some support..but want to make sure the signer feels comfortable putting their name on something like that.
Also, is there a printed copy somewhere that signatures can be gathered on and submitted? How would that work?
There's gonna be a "Revolution" in the tribes soon! It's what happens when the people are being treated unfairly by their government and will no longer stand for it...trust me the time is coming soon!
ReplyDeleteo.k the creator of this petition needs to rewrite and define some issues, so that ALL can be sure it will be read by the White House. We need NOT lose signatures if i'ts done quickly.Let us know when it is corrected. I want to sign it.
ReplyDeleteIf I have time tonight, I'll try and draft something. However, the first thing that needs to be determined is if whether the original petitioner can actually rewrite what he's written or whether he has to start over with a new petition. Anything I draft would be moot if the original petitioner can't edit his post.
ReplyDeleteErick thank you very much for your input and insight on the petition. I am a single mother of 2 and a small business owner trying to tackle all these hurdles of being a great role model for my children. First of all when I wrote this petition I had never written one before and of course it was at 3am in the morning. Thinking outside of the box to try and help our cause. Secondly, I am one of the many that was in DC in March putting a face in front of the many people we met with. I would love the opportunity if you are interested to help me put together a better use of proper legal terms. On another note I am writing this as my son jams to "this is Indiana"!
ReplyDeleteI'm not the creator. But am related. I agree that Erik has very valid and good points. I know what the intention was so I understand a little more than the lay person would. The drive in tia petition is not to get govt involved with anything more than to bring attention to the civil rights violations from given to all Indians by the civil rights act of 68. It's also a way to get a singular voice heard to have a weapon against the e c's that trample on individual Indian civil rights and the due process that the individual Indians deserve. By the very constitutions/articles of association they thenselves claim to uphold. As it stands. These people flat out throw it in the face of the wronged and DARE them to fight. Claiming. "you can't touch me. I'm sovereign. " I'm a proud member of my local trade union and we LIVE by the motto. United we stand Devided we fall. I for one believe this statement to hold true in this situation too. People should not be scared to sign a petition to give a voice to the 1000s of Indians that this is happening to.
ReplyDeletei love my family...you all rock...keep fighting together...we will make a difference TOGETHER using all of our time, talents and passion.
ReplyDeleteUNITY is the key...love to all natives!
KLP ;)
@Anonymous - Thank you for creating this petition. Can you go back and edit it, or would you have to write a new one?
ReplyDeleteBased on the information at the petition site, the petition cannot be editted once it is published. Therefore, I propose the following alternative:
ReplyDeleteChampion amendments to the Indian Civil Rights Act in order to halt human rights abuses against American Indians.
The Indian Civil Rights Act was enacted to address the growth of human and civil rights violations in Indian Country and to ensure that the broad constitutional rights afforded other Americans were also afforded to American Indians. While the ICRA prohibits tribal governments from committing acts which infringe on the rights of individuals, the ICRA failed to include an enforcement mechanism which would allow victims of rights abuses to hold their oppressors accountable. Thousands of American Indians have had their rights violated as federal law fails to provide an adequate remedy. Rights abuses in Indian Country will continue as long as tribal officials are allowed to escape prosecution for their acts. It is time to amend the ICRA to provide victims with meaningful recourse.
The title of the petition is limited to 120 characters and the body of the petition is limited to 800 characters.
Please feel free to post additional comments or edits.
The person that wrote the petition is one of my family members. They were speaking when writing from frustration, emotion and exhaustion and I think they did a great job but Erik your points are very valid and I know your law background from what I have read on previous postings. What do you propse we do? From the comment above it cannot be edited. Should we attempt to redo a petition and get everyone to resign. It sounds as if we are limited in the characters so we need to really make our point quick and with force. I know personally I have asked several friends, family, coworkers to sign and many have, but many still have not I am sure it is due to just a matter of time in their day to do so but I fear we may lose the amount we have if we ask them to re-sign. What are your thoughts? We value your opinion greatly. We do not just want this for Pala we are in this for all of those who have been affected in Indian Country and everywhere. We stressed that on our trip to DC in March when we met with Senators and Congressional members. 25000 is a lot of signatures needed so we need to make sure everyone understands the situation. Sometimes we take for granted everyone understands when truly until it happened to us we had never heard of disenrollments. A big thanks to Original Pechanga Blog also for bringing this all to our attention.
ReplyDeleteI am a Chukchansi Tribal member and I would like to thank you for starting this petition. We need to get this nationwide. Please post updates, thank you.
ReplyDeleteCopy and paste to share for Facebook and other social media sites: http://wh.gov/Ed1
ReplyDeletePlease sign this petition to help restore the rights of disenrolled Native Americans throughout the US. It will help not only family but many friends as well. Thank you in advance. It only takes a few minutes to save hundreds of thousands who have been affected...Please share even if you don't want to sign the petition.
Just re-write it. What good is any signatures if it is not written correctly? I came here today to sign it but will wait for the correctly written one. I'm sure you will have no trouble writting a new one and getting the same signatures and many times more if written correctly. We want this to work in D.C.
ReplyDeleteI see.
ReplyDeleteDo you want me to try and write a draft? The best I can do is get one written by tonight.
Message for Erick,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about this pala case is it they do not meet the blood quantum or they do and the council is lying and just kicked them out?
Can someone tell me?
Technically, it's the blood quantum. But there was also a suspect election involved. I'm not exactly sure of all the details.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a blog post about it: http://erickregalado.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/pala-disenrollment-saga-adds-another-chapter/
It was proven by the bia and the dept of interior that the 162 disenrolled met the blood quantum. And Robert smith said he didn't care what thier findings were. He is sovereign and it's gonna be the way the little Napoleon wants it. I was told that at a meeting that just happened. Leroy Miranda blood quantum was brought in to question and his response was. According to the 1913 roll he qualified. But according to smith. They use the 1928. So which is it smith and Miranda. Because tHe 1913 roll is where it is cut and dry what our lineage is. Can't have it both ways. Oh wait. Ya you can when u do what u want because your sovereign.
ReplyDeleteI would file suit against the United States and the BIA for the following Reason(s)
ReplyDeleteThe United States clearly knows you meet the requirements to receive per capita (blood quantum)
but failed to enforce IGRA.
JURISDICTION
The actions are subject to review by this court under the judicial review provisions of the APA act.
These actions are all arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Indian Civil Rights Act and are in violation of 290.16 (b)(2) of the provision of (IGRA). The provision states that when passing out per capita The distinction does not discriminate or otherwise violate the Indian Civil Rights Act.
The pala dis enrolled are filing suit for 60 million dollars (GET IT)???????
For the petition, it's over it's initial 150 signatures! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI say 162 million. Lol.
ReplyDeleteThe Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution provide protection against discrimination by federal and state governments. The Fifth amendment prohibits the federal government from depriving individuals of "life, liberty, or property," without due process of the law. It also guarantees that each person receive equal protection of the laws. Both defendants are guilty of being arbitrary and capricious and discriminating against the plaintiff in regards to his “due process” rights and a claim for relief can be made under the APA act.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the above statement this should give you an understanding when you " throw around that your civil rights"and "due process" have been violated".
Wink Wink !
HUGE CASE
ReplyDeletePerhaps the best known case creating an implied cause of action for constitutional rights is Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). In that case, the United States Supreme Court ruled that an individual whose Fourth Amendment freedom from unreasonable search and seizures had been violated by federal agents could sue for the violation of the Amendment itself, despite the lack of any federal statute authorizing such a suit. The existence of a remedy for the violation was implied from the importance of the right violated.