The Pala Band of Mission Indians of California is being urged to reinstate eight people who were disenrolled last year.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs doesn't have the authority to make enrollment decisions for the tribe. But, in a letter, the director of the Pacific region said the agency can make recommendations.

Based on a review of its records, the BIA said the eight people meet the membership requirements of the tribe. At issue is a 1/16 blood-quantum requirement.

"The ultimate decision rests with the tribal council and when they make a decision, the individuals will be notified," tribal spokesperson Doug Elmets told The North County Times in response to the BIA's letter.

After the eight were removed last year, the tribe removed another 154 people earlier this year.

Get the Story:
Feds recommend tribe readmit expelled Pala members (The North County Times 2/29)

Related Stories:
Pala Band removes 15 percent of membership from the rolls (2/3)
Pala Band removes an additional 154 people from its rolls (2/2)
Editorial: Congress should stay out of disenrollment disputes (11/16)
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)