Judge won't stop Nooksack Tribe from ousting 306 people

Wednesday, May 22, 2013  

The Nooksack Tribe of Washington will move forward with disenrollment proceedings against 306 people, Chairman Bob Kelly said.

Kelly said the tribe's court confirmed that the power to determine membership with the tribal council. He disputed allegations that the 306 people are being targeted because they are of mixed Filipino ancestry.

"We have been respectful and patient throughout this process, and it would be unfair to our community if we were to allow these people to remain members in the absence of any proof," Kelly told The Bellingham Herald.

Tribal Chief Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis declined to issue an injunction that would have stopped disenrollment proceedings.

Get the Story:
Tribal judge refuses to block disenrollment of 306 Nooksacks (The Bellingham Herald 5/22)

Relevant Documents:
Complaint | Motion for Temporary Restraining Order | Declaration of Sonia Lomeli | Declaration of Norma Aldredge | Declaration of Secretary Rudy St. Germain | Declaration of RaeAnne Rabang | Declaration of Terry St. Germain | Declaration of Gabriel S. Galanda

Judge promises ruling in Nooksack Tribe disenrollment suit (5/17)
Hearing scheduled over mass disenrollments in Nooksack Tribe (04/12)
Nooksack Tribe aims to remove more than 300 from the rolls (03/20)