"The enrollment controversy within the Mooretown Rancheria is becoming much too familiar among tribes nationwide.

These stories are becoming commonplace as Indian gaming revenues become a significant source of income for tribes. The more money there is, the more people with Indian lineage will want a cut or, if you believe the ousted members in some cases, the more some tribal members will attempt to limit the number of people who get a cut.

In most cases, these are like family squabbles, resolved internally. Tribes are sovereign nations, governed according to self-established constitutions. They owe no court save the BIA an explanation. They offer non-Indians little explanation. The Mooretown Rancheria decision, for example, was explained to the local media and the nontribal public in a press release. Details were not discussed. It's not uncommon."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Sovereignty no cause for silence (The Chico Enterprise Record 4/1)

Relevant Links:
Bureau-of-Indian-Affairs.com, Disenrollment site - http://www.bureau-of-indian-affairs.com

Relevant Links:
Mooretown Rancheria history - http://www.featherfallscasino.com/tribal.htm

Related Stories:
California tribe changes status of some members (3/28)
State judge won't dismiss lawsuit over tribal enrollment (07/27)