Disenrollment an issue for Narragansett Tribe

Friday, October 26, 2007  

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island has disenrolled about 140 people, including a former council member and people who helped with the tribe's federal recognition bid.

The tribe says members of the Champlain family do not meet enrollment requirements. But they say they were kicked out when Yvette Champlain, the former council member, asked for an audit of gaming-related funds.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas denies the allegation as "ridiculous." He said the tribe, as a whole, agreed to review membership rolls.

Paulla Dove Jennings, who is running against Thomas in an upcoming election, disagrees. She said the tribe shouldn't have removed the Champlain family.

Get the Story:
Members removed from Indian tribes complain of unfairness (AP 10/26)

Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

Related Stories:
Narragansett Tribe to block disenrolled from vote (10/18)
Narragansett Tribe in membership dispute (3/27)
Enrollment dispute hits Narragansett Tribe (03/09)
Narragansett Tribe removes 100 people from rolls (2/27)