"The process of determining who is a legitimate member of an Indian nation is inherently an emotional one, and never more so than when tribes are expelling members, as has been happening quite a bit of late locally.

At those tribes with successful casinos, quite a bit of money can be at stake (in addition to issues of self-identity and family ties) ---- and so it's no surprise that lawyers are getting involved. Or at least wanting to get involved.

Outside of tribal courts, each of which sets its own rules, those being expelled have no legal right to appeal ---- something a group of recently expelled members from Pala want Congress to change.

We believe this would be a mistake."

Get the Story:
EDITORIAL: No role for Congress (The North County Times and The Californian 11/16)

Related Stories:
Ousted Pala Band members lobby for Congressional action (11/14)
Relatives of former Pala Band chairman removed from the roll (9/6)
Correction: Pala Band did not remove former leader from rolls (9/1)
Pala Band disenrolls eight people, including a past chairman (8/31)