Former members of the Pala Band of Mission Indians of California are asking members of Congress to address disenrollment disputes throughout Indian Country.

The tribe recently removed eight people from the rolls and has asked about 120 others to prove they belong. In response, attorney Dennis Chappabitty wants Congress to amend the Indian Civil Rights Act to allow the federal courts to review disenrollment complaints.

"The shameful mass-disenrollment debacle at Pala calls for attention by the U.S. Congress to amend the Indian Civil Rights Act to give disenrolled tribal citizens a chance to have federal courts review the tribal record and determine if the process was just and fair," Chappabitty told The North County Times.

Staffers for Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) have agreed to meet with former tribal members to discuss the issue.

Get the Story:
Ousted tribal members want Congress to help (The North County Times 11/14)

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Pala Band disenrolls eight people, including a past chairman (8/31)