Nooksack 306 ELDERS Face INJUSTICE With NO Legal Representation for their UNJUST EVICTION HEARING

The situation in which three Nooksack306 families face eviction after renting to own their tax credit homes for 15+ years is unjust and morally wrong. These families have invested their time, money, and energy into these homes, with the understanding that they would eventually own them. However, they are now being evicted with no legal representation, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected in a complex legal process. Federal and state authorities have remained silent on this matter, failing to intervene and protect these families from this gross injustice.

Federal and State Authorities Remain Silent as Nooksack306 Families Fight for Their Right to Property Ownership  

The denial of the families' right to counsel is a significant violation of their rights, leaving them without the legal support they need to defend themselves in court. This lack of representation places the elders at a severe disadvantage, as they attempt to navigate the complicated legal system on their own. Without the assistance of experienced lawyers, the families may be unable to effectively argue their case, resulting in their eviction from their homes. This denial of their right to counsel is a flagrant disregard for the principles of justice and fairness that underpin our legal system.

That the families are being evicted after renting to own their tax credit homes for over 15 years is an affront to the idea of property ownership. The families have invested significant time and money into these homes, with the understanding that they would eventually become the rightful owners. However, by evicting them now, the system has robbed them of this opportunity, denying them the fruits of their labor and their right to own property. This is a grave injustice that must be addressed.

Overall, the silence of federal and state authorities, like Washington's U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell  in the face of this situation is unacceptable. These families deserve better, and it is our duty as a society to ensure that they are treated fairly and justly.

The denial of their right to counsel, the loss of their homes, and the violation of their right to property ownership all represent egregious wrongs that must be addressed. It is essential that we stand up for these families and demand justice on their behalf.

Since Time Immemorial Has Santana Rabang, The Future of Native America's Youth, Spotlighted

 

My friend Santana Rabang,  executive assistant to the secretary of Lummi Nation and a student at Fairhaven College has been honored with a story about her in the Bellingham Alive online magazine series SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL
  
We have worked together on tribal disenrollment issues and got to meet in person last year, TWICE! And she did a TikTok video with my cousin Cassie.  We protested together at the NCAI event in Sacramento last year.

She is simply the future of Native America.  Her spirit and spirituality shine through.

Here's an excerpt, the rest is at this link

Would you please introduce yourself? 

My name is Santana Rabang, and I come from Lummi, Nooksack, and First Nations Shxwhá:y Village. My mother is Felicia Lawrence of Lummi Nation, my grandmother was the late Hazel Lawrence, and my grandpa is Felix Gallegos. My great grandparents were the late Madeline Quincy and Peter Paul Lawrence. My father is Robert Rabang, Jr. of Nooksack and Shxwhá:y Village. My grandma was the late Janice Lee Rabang and my grandpa is Robert Rabang Sr. My great grandparents were the late Elizabeth Rabang and Frank Rabang.

You mentioned your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents when you introduced yourself? 

There’s this saying in our culture that you don’t know who you are unless you know where you come from. For me, that’s not only place-based, it’s also ancestral.

SO PROUD to be associated with this young native woman. Read more on the Nooksack 306

Nooksack Elders Win EVICTION STAY in Tribal Court Pending Appeal To Supreme Court

Aunt Ollie Oshiro

 Temporary good news on NOOKSACK 306 elders, as reported by noted Native American rights attorney Gabriel Galanda:

Prayers answered. These two Nooksack Elders were able to trigger an eviction stay in tribal court, pending appeal. They and their loved ones remain safe for now. But with the Nooksack tribal council serving as "supreme court," their evictions still appear inevitable. This situation remains a blight upon all Native nations.

This keeps the elder's eviction on hold, but the stated goal of the Nooksack Tribe is to get them out.  The HIGH COURT, will rubber stamp the eviction.

 This belies the statement in their recent newsletter:    

"Many Native peoples have the teaching that we are all related, our clans and kinship systems show us how we are connected to each other. 

Yeah, right..

The Abuse of Power Against Elders of the Nooksack 306: Formerly Fired Nooksack Police Officer Causing FEAR in the Community; Continues to Menace Families

 

Could have sent a letter

Jeremy Hoyle, the Nooksack police officer who has been terrorizing Nooksack families and elders at their doorsteps for the past year and a half, was previously fired by the Lummi Nation for his "apparent disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of minors." It is clear that Hoyle is unfit to serve in a police uniform, and his behavior is causing immense fear and distress in the community.

The continuous serving of court papers to Elders could easily be done via certified mail or email, rendering Hoyle's armed presence unnecessary. Yet, Nooksack families live in constant fear that he will resort to physical violence while attempting to evict them from their federal tax credit homes. This situation is unacceptable and inhumane, putting the safety and wellbeing of community members at risk.

It is time for the Nooksack Tribe to take action and address the power and thuggery exhibited by Officer Hoyle. The community deserves to feel safe and protected, especially the most vulnerable among them - the elders. The Nooksack Tribe must hold Officer Hoyle accountable for his actions and put an end to this abusive behavior.  Justice must be served, and steps must be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future. The dignity and respect of the community members, particularly the elders, must be preserved at all times.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NOOKSACK 306

NOOKSACK 306: U.S. Settles Judicial Misconduct Claim against NOOKSACK's RAY DODGE and Police Jack-booted Thugs

 The United States has agreed to pay $35,000 to settle judicial and police misconduct claims brought by two Native Americans against a Nooksack judge and several members of the Nooksack police force.

In July 2019, Nooksack elder George Adams, 72, was assaulted and battered by three Nooksack officers at his home in Everson after they arrived one morning to arrest his daughter. With the family’s lawyer on speakerphone, George Adams asked the officers under what pretense they were there to arrest Elile Adams, 36.

NOOKSACK 306 EVICTIONS Three Cases Continued until August 16

 The Tribal Court  granted 86 year-old Auntie Ollie Oshiro and 22 others a continuance until August 16, citing the State Supreme Court’s injunction (but saying isn’t bound thereby) & questioning whether Nooksack is “owner” of the home for unlawful detainer purposes.

From KING 5 NEWS

Saturnino Javier is among the so-called Nooksack 306 – a group that Tribal Council voted to disenroll claiming a fraudulent ancestral link to the tribe that dates back to the 19th century. The 306 has fought this decision for more than a decade.

Over the winter, dozens of members living on tribal managed land were served eviction notices.

“It’s beyond stressful. You have 86- and 74-year-old elders that are not sure where they will live in a matter of days weeks or months,” said Gabe Galanda, an Indigenous rights lawyer who represents the 306.

It's an eviction process that has gained global attention. Back in February, the United Nations issued a statement calling for the US to “halt” what they called “imminent forced evictions” of former Nooksack Indigenous Tribe members.

“They are at risk of losing those homes and having those homes taken without any form of compensation recompense,” Galanda said.

Just two weeks ago, the Washington Supreme Court intervened, calling for a stop to evictions until the court has time to consider the case. But on Wednesday, via zoom, proceedings continued.

“I’m Native American, and that’s what I am. Want to see my pedigree like a dog or what?” Javier told the court via zoom. “I’m waiting to see the legal document that says I am not Nooksack, I’ve never seen it yet."

Ultimately, no decision was reached by Tribal Court on Wednesday.
For the Nooksack 306, the hearing marked the next step in a procedural saga that spanned a decade.

In a written statement, the Nooksack Tribe said Wednesday's hearing concerned three people who no longer qualify for low-income housing because they have no tribal lineage. 

Chairman Rosemary LaClair, Nooksack Leader Sends ARMED POLICE to Serve Elders Eviction. Is this the 21st Century "Indian Way"?

 
We can't tell if this officer is wearing jack-boots, or just acting like it

Will they DRAG the elders from their homes?  When does self-defense come in?

For the second night in a row, Nooksack police returned to Elders' homes last night to serve them with 14-day notices to vacate. 

In February, the United Nations wrote “it was not necessary to have an armed police officer serve the families at home.”

Nooksack 306 attorney Gabriel Galanda writes on his Facebook page

Armed police visits are certainly unnecessary; certified mail would suffice. But this isn't about process or protocol. It's about intimidation and dehumanization, under guise of "tribal self-determination."

Nooksack Tribe Serves 14 Day EVICTION NOTICES to ELDERLY, Infirm. Predatory Seizures of Homes

 You may have seen the ABC News report  earlier this month on this issue, linked here. But now, the dreaded notices that even the United Nations requested be stopped, has begun anew.

OLIVE OSHIRO
She's recovering from pneumonia. She cannot see well, she's had cataract surgeries in both eyes. Nor can she hear well. She cannot walk without assistance. There should be no scenario in which she could be evicted from her home of 24 years--a home she should own outright.  But the act of humanity eludes the Nooksack Tribe

Chairman Rosemary LaClair foreshadowed this act of depravity during the ABC interview.  She lacks heart and continues the abuse the Nooksack 306 has been subject to.  She's no better than the two chairman, including felon Ross Cline, and Bob Kelly.

RoseMary LaClair

ABC NEWS REPORTS On Nooksack 306 Disenrollments and Evictions

 A good report from ABC News on the Nooksack 306 evictions from their Washington State tribe.  Our friend Michelle Roberts was given ample time to detail what the experience had meant to her and her family.  Santana Rabang did an outstanding job and did the elder Robert Rabang.  I have embedded it here, please watch.

Many of us contributed to the background of the disenrollment issue and it's important that this information got out to national media.  Please share so ABC news can understand how this affects Indian Country.,  Your views, show them many people are interested,.

Nooksack Evictions Resume As Attorney Gabe Galanda Detained For TRESPASS Civil Rights Don’t Matter

 

As Native American advocacy groups show depraved indifference to to octogenarians being thrown into the cold, and their homes stolen, noted attorney Gabriel Galanda was also left outside facin a warning for trespassing.

If what the corrupt Nooksack tribe was doing was just, wouldn’t it stand up to anything an attorney would have say?  Why is the Nooksack acting under cover?

As our Nooksack 306 friend Michelle Roberts reports 

NOOKSACK 306 ELDER EVICTIONS TO CONTINUE Despite Please from UN, BIA & HUD

 The hatred and depraved indifference has reared it's ugly head from the Nooksack Tribe.   The news from the Pacific Northwest is that the delayed evictions of elderly Nooksack 306 are resuming.

14 day Eviction Notice

From Nooksack 306 Facebook

Nooksack 306 UPDATE: Elder EVICTIONS Paused for Two Months

 

 Nooksack 306 attorney Gabe Galanda announced on his twitter (@ndnlawyer) that evictions have now been paused for two months thanks to @UN_SPExperts & the Fourth Estate. Ross Cline's re-election campaign may also be a factor. But it remains a question of when, not if, Nooksack authoritarians will resume evictions. We're standing guard.

The Fourth Estate is media and YOU for sharing the information, thereby keeping pressure on.  DO NOT STOP, re-share and retweet all the previous media.

Over 40 Nooksack stories here

Seattle King 5 News Has Segment on Nooksack Tribe's Eviction of Octogenarians of Nooksack 306

 The MEDIA has focused attention of the cruel eviction process against Nooksack 306 elders by the corrupt tribal leaders.  Please watch and SHARE

Corrupt Nooksack Tribe DEMANDS United Nations RETRACT Their Statement On Forced EVICTIONS of ELDERS

 

The Nooksack Tribe has it's feathers ruffled by the act of the United Nations.   Apparently, they are upset that the UN took the word of Attorney Gabriel Galanda, whom they DISBARRED and banished from their kangaroo court system, because he was kicking their asses so badly.

You can read their letter below.  The Nooksack disenrollment was not lawful.  The Tribal Leaders are NOT to be trusted.  Learn more about the Nooksack issue here   The Nooksack tribe REFUSED to take filings from the 306, should the UN respond in kind?

BREAKING NEWS: United Nations Calls for END of FORCED EVICTION Process for Nooksack 306 Elders

 UN human rights experts* today called on the United States of America to halt the planned and imminent forced evictions of 63 people who self-identify as belonging to the Nooksack indigenous tribe in northern Washington State. 

Twenty-one families face eviction from their homes by the Nooksack Tribal Council, which earlier took steps to remove them from its membership. The move has been prohibited by the tribe’s courts, but their decisions have been ignored by the Council. 

The families’ homes were constructed by the tribe on land owned by the US Government and with funds from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HUD provides the tribe annual funding for public housing at Nooksack in part pursuant to the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA). The families are at various stages of acquiring ownership of their homes, and some are due to take full ownership this year. 

Many are elderly, women and children - some with disabilities and chronic diseases – and have lived in their homes for over a decade. The imminent evictions will significantly impact the health of some of the vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We are also concerned that the forced evictions will deny them the possibility of enjoying their own culture and of using their own language in community with others,” they said. 

NOOKSACK 306 Elders Eviction Action Temporarily Halted, But NOOKSACK TRIBE WANTS THEM OUT

 Former citizens of the Nooksack Tribe, known as the NOOKSACK 306 have won temporary respite from being evicted from their federally-funded homes in Washington state.  Acee Agoyo from Indianz has the story

The tribe agreed to put the evictions on “pause” until Tuesday, Vice Chair Rick George wrote in an email to Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. The move came as the Biden administration investigates a situation that has been attracting more high-level attention in recent weeks.

“I am hopeful that this investigation will be the last, as this issue has been depriving deserving enrolled Nooksack tribal members of housing for more than six years,” George wrote in the January 12 message.

Look at the last line... depriving deserving enrolled Nooksack of housing....  the Nooksack 306 elders WERE enrolled when they got housing.  Build NEW homes for the current members, instead of giving them old homes....

BOYCOTT SOVEREIGN TRIBAL ENTITIES LIKE NOOKSACK THAT ABUSE THEIR PEOPLE VIA DISENROLLMENT

The Nooksack 306 are beginning to put together a boycott of Nooksack businesses.  Actually, it's in response to the Nooksack's treatment of their elders, whom the tribe has stripped of their free meals. Recently the tribe has refused service to some N306 people, even placing then on a do not serve list.

I wrote this piece quite a while back, and I think it's time to resurrect the idea of a BOYCOTT for all tribal entities that have violated the civil and human rights of their people.  The State of CA was working to boycott neighboring state AZ businesses a decade ago, because of the tough immigration laws that hadn't even take affect. Yet, these same entities won't stand up for tribal people that have actually been HARMED by their tribes.

WHAT DO YOU THINK, shouldn't WE take a stand against the abuses of civil and human rights by these tribes?  Please share on social media

Nooksack 306 Evictions DELAYED Due to Bad Weather. Chairman Ross Cline Vows the Elderly WILL BE EVICTED

 Not because it was to protect the elderly residents from the planned eviction, but because the jack booted tribal police couldn't brave the snow and ice, according to the N306's tribal attorney Gabe Galanda

Tribal Chairman Ross Cline confirmed in an email to Indian Country Today on Wednesday that the recent poor weather appeared to have delayed the eviction process but didn’t say how long he expected the pause to last.|

Nooksack Tribal Chairman
ROSS CLINE

He said the evictions will proceed nonetheless. The tribe has said the 63 people must vacate because a 2019 policy change prohibited non-tribal members from living in tribal housing. The tribe has said those homes are needed for Nooksack citizens.

Read about the evictions here   The concerns prompted the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to first ask the tribe to delay the evictions in September. That same month, HUD recommended the Department of Interior launch an investigation.

Since then, other federal agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have pressed the tribe to delay any eviction proceedings until the Department of the Interior completes its investigation and determines whether the tribe is violating civil rights or other federal laws in moving forward.

Read the FULL Indian Country Today article 

Nooksack Tribe of Washington DEPRAVED INDIFFERENCE To Their 306 Elders. Evictions For Christmas

I am still recovering from Covid 19, but seeing this on attorney Gabe Galanda’s twitter, got my blood boiling.  Years of elder abuse of the Nooksack 306 is coming to a head with evictions scheduled DESPITE the HUD protestation.  Sadly, deathly silence from Washington’s two Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

Galanda: Despite a 2nd @HUDgov request to Nooksack to halt evictions pending @USIndianAffairs investigation of ICRA violations, tribal politicians refuse. They sent cops to @nooksack206 homes twice since getting this letter. 12/28 is the first slated eviction. 3 days after Christmas

These are @HUDgov- & @WSHFC-backed Low Income Tax Credit homes, which our clients have leased to own for as many as 23 years. They enjoy home equity, if not own the units outright. But they are being evicted without due process or access to counsel, in violation of federal law.

The Nooksack 306 struggles have been documented here on this site since the beginning.At this late date, only a fliurry I’d your support could make a difference.  Spotlight is the best disinfectant.

Nooksack Tribe of Washington Serve 80 Year Old Elders EVICTION NOTICES.

For the second weekend in a row, this Nooksack goon (who was recently fired by Lummi for police misconduct) is arriving at the Nooksack 306's doorsteps to terrorize them with eviction notices that could much more easily be delivered by certified mail. It's NOT going to be a good Thanksgiving holiday.

Nooksack officer
Jeremy Hoyle

Here are the Elders who got a visit from this goon tonight. Olive Oshiro, age 85. Cisco Rabang, age 80. Mike Rabang, age 79. Norma Aldredge, age 74.  Here are several of them gathered not long ago (Mike in the middle, Cisco at right, Ollie seated).

Remember when Nooksack attacked the children?  I do
We've continuously reported on their progress, their trials and tribulation and the abuses by those in power.

Nooksack:  1800-Disenrollment
Abuse of Nooksack Children by Bob Kelly Council
KUOW on Nooksack Playing Roulette with Native Lives
NOOKSACK 306: BIG WIN from IBIA in Washington DC! Disenrollment order VACATED AND REMANDED