Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk says he will decide on a membership dispute within the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians of California.

In January 2009, the tribe blocked the descendants of the late Marcus R. Alto Sr. from participating in an election. About 60 to 80 people -- around a third of the tribal membership -- are affected.

In November 2009, the acting director for the Pacific Region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs said the tribe violated its own laws and declared the election invalid.

The tribal council that was elected in January 2009 filed an appeal and Echo Hawk said he will make a decision on the matter after receiving briefs from all of the parties involved. Until then, the BIA continues to recognize the tribal council that was elected in January 2007 as the valid San Pasqual government.

Relevant Documents:
Larry EchoHawk Order | BIA Superintendent Letter

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