MPR: White Earth Band weighs removal of blood quantum test

Wednesday, January 16, 2013  

"Citizens of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe will vote on constitution reforms in a referendum planned for this summer.

The proposed new constitution includes a controversial provision that would change the requirement for tribal membership. Right now, people must have one-quarter Indian blood to be citizens of the tribe. The new constitution would use family lineage, where children and grandchildren of tribal members would be citizens, as well.

Tribal member Donald Vizenor says fewer and fewer people qualify for the one-quarter blood requirement, including people in his own family. "

Get the Story:
White Earth Band considers new constitution (Minnesota Public Radio 1/16)