A small California tribe with a successful casino has changed the status of 40 tribal members so that they no longer receive per capita payments.
The Mooretown Rancheria reclassified the group as "non-lineal" members because they are not blood descendants of three people identified as rancheria residents in 1958.
But Cecelia Brock, one of the 40 affected, said the decision is discriminatory. She said the family of Chairman Gary Archuleta remains on the "lineal" list even though he is not a blood descendant either.
Non-lineals aren't allowed to share in casino profits, vote in elections or attend tribal meetings, although they still receive health, education, housing and other benefits.
Get the Story:
Oroville gaming tribe demotes 40 members
(MediaNews Group 3/28)
Mooretown Rancheria Tribal Council Announces Reclassification of Some Members (Mooretown Rancheria 3/18)
Relevant Links:
Mooretown Rancheria history - http://www.featherfallscasino.com/tribal.htm
California tribe changes status of some members
Monday, March 28, 2005
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