UCLA Student Addresses Sen. Dorgan On Tribal Disenrollments - Opens Up A Can of Worms

[Bobbieo]

"I have to admit that I sat there a bit nervous and for a moment there I was unsure if I should get up and speak -- knowing that my topic may be uncomfortable for some present, however, in these situations I often ask myself, what is the right thing to do? I draw strength from the courage of my elders and ancestors, they were never silent."


The purpose of the listening session was to allow tribal leaders from the region to address Senator Dorgan regarding their priorities and concerns. Representatives from Pechanga, Morongo, San Manuel, and other regional tribes talked about a wide range of issues pertinent to their communities. However, it may have been the remarks of a non-tribal leader that drew the most attention.

An unexpected speaker, a UCLA student, caught many tribal leaders off guard as he came forth and addressed Chairman Dorgan regarding the growing number of disenrollments occurring in Indian Country in general and California in particular.

http://nativeunity.blogspot.com

[JDPriestly]

1. Are the disenrollments motivated by the desire to limit the number

of people entitled to a share of Indian casino revenues? Does anyone have any ideas about this?

[Bobbieo]

2. That is what it is all about!!!

The Pechanga tribe voted that 90% of all net profit goes to per capita.“

1000 members at 15,000 per month is 15,000,000 pot to split. If you cut 130 down, you split the 15,000,000 with 870 people. You cut another 95 and you split that same 15,000,000 with 775 people.

“The tribe is currently paying $30,500 per month in per capita.”