The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of California is defending its enrollment policy in a lawsuit brought in state court.

The tribe is threatening to remove 130 people from the rolls. The tribe's enrollment committee says the group doesn't descend from a valid tribal ancestor.

The group brought suit in state court against the enrollment committee. The group's lawyer cites Public Law 280, which authorized state jurisdiction over Indian Country.

Tribal lawyers have raised a sovereign immunity defense and say the court precedents protect the enrollment policy. A superior court judge is scheduled to issue a ruling.

Get the Story:
Tribal law rules in Pechanga enrollment dispute, attorneys claim (The North County Times 5/18)

Relevant Links:
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians - http://www.pechanga.com

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