Saginaw Chippewa ENDS DISENROLLMENT ACTION Against MAYS FAMILY

 BOOM!   JUSTICE for Saginaw Chippewa family as tribe DROPS their disenrollment actions against them.

An Isabella County family that has been fighting Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe disenrollment since the 1990s has won a third case with the help of genealogists and their longtime, Mt. Pleasant attorney.

Through its attorney, Shawn R. Frank of Jacobson, Buffalo, Magnuson, Anderson and Hogan of St. Paul, the Tribe agreed March 17 to drop the latest disenrollment action against the Mays family.

“The Tribe and their certified genealogist have…determined to not pursue further disenrollment action,” according to the order from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Office of Administrative Hearings.

Attorney Paula Fisher said the family was targeted “on and off” since and that they were first accused of not tracing to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Constitution base rolls, and the Tribe agreed that they collaterally traced to them in 2009, resulting in the dismissal of that case with prejudice, meaning that should have ended further actions.

“Then, in 2014, the Tribe changed their laws and made dismissal with prejudice meaningless by challenging the Mays family yet again and asserted that the Mays family needed to trace lineally to the Tribal Constitutional base rolls,” Fisher said. “The Mays family next proved that they did lineally trace when the Office of Administration hearings granted the May’s family’s motion (to dismiss the case) in 2017.”

Read the full story at the MORNING SUN here  and KEEP WORKING FOR JUSTICE!

Letter to Senate Indian Committee on Tribal Disenrollment and Protecting ALL Native Americans

Dear Senator,

I am writing to bring attention to the urgent issue of tribal disenrollment and the abuse of Native American people by their own tribes. This is a matter of great concern and requires immediate action to protect the rights and well-being of Native Americans.

It is the responsibility of the United States government to ensure that the rights of all Native Americans are protected. This responsibility extends beyond just the Chiefs and Chairman of tribes, but to all members of Native American communities. The government has a duty to intervene when tribes are abusing their own people, particularly when disenrollment is being used as a tool for power and control.

Tribal disenrollment has become a widespread problem throughout Indian Country, and it has devastating consequences for those who are disenrolled. These individuals lose their tribal membership, their identity, and their rights as Native Americans without review or protection by the Federal Government. They are often cut off from vital services, such as healthcare and education, and may be forced to leave their homes and communities.

The process of disenrollment often violates tribal laws, traditions, and values. Many tribes have their own legal systems that have been developed over centuries, and these systems must be respected and followed. When tribes disregard their own laws and ignore evidence in order to disenroll their own people, they are perpetuating a cycle of abuse and disrespect.

We call upon the United States government to take action to protect Native Americans from these abuses. The government should create a task force to investigate instances of tribal disenrollment and ensure that the rights of ALL Native Americans are being protected. Additionally, the government should work with tribes to develop procedures that ensure due process and fairness in disenrollment cases.

It is time for the United States government to fulfill its responsibility to Native Americans and protect them from the abuses of their own tribes. We must work together to ensure that all Native Americans have access to their rightful identity, history, and heritage.

Sincerely,

Native American Leaders Must Act Now Against Disenrollment: Have You No Sense of Decency

BE A LEADER

Native American Tribal Leaders, at long last, have you left no sense of decency? As elected officials, you have a responsibility to protect the rights of your citizens, and that includes the right to their tribal citizenship and heritage.

Disenrollment is a tragic stain on the very fabric of tribal sovereignty and self-governance, and it is up to you to put an end to it. The harm that disenrollment has caused to families and communities is immeasurable and goes against the fundamental values of Native American cultures. 

It's time to take a stand and say enough is enough.

Let us not be remembered as the generation that destroyed the very foundations of our people's heritage and identity.  Let's restore the ancestors to their rightful place in tribal history.

BOYCOTT CHUKCHANSI GOLD CASINO AND THE PRCI FOR ITS HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS ABUSES

 

We cannot allow the Tribal Nation of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi  to continue disenrolling its own citizens and denying them their civil rights. It is time for us to take action and make our voices heard.

History has shown us that economic sanctions and public embarrassment can be effective tools in bringing down hateful policies. Just look at how the world came together to impose economic sanctions on South Africa to end apartheid. We can use similar tactics to hold the PRCI accountable for their actions.

Citizens of  California must take a stand and boycott Picayune's casino, hotel, restaurants, and powwows. Let them know that we will not support a nation that denies the rights of its own citizens. We must also let our state and federal representatives know that we expect them not to support a nation that engages in such harmful practices.  Read SHOULD THE BIA WITHDRAW RECOGNITION

We cannot allow Picayune, to benefit from their violations of their own laws and the rights of their citizens. We must stand with the over 500 members of the band who were disenrolled and the hundred more with disenrollments pending.  We must demand that Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians follow their own tribal law and respect the rights of their citizens.

It is time for action. We cannot sit idly by while our fellow citizens are being stripped of their identity and their rights. Join us in boycotting Chukchansi and holding them accountable for their actions. Together, we can make a difference and demand justice for all.

PECHANGA CASINO MURDER: Kawhi Leonard's Sister Kimesha Williams, Candace Townsell SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

NBA star Kawhi Leonard’s sister has been given a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole for the killing of an elderly woman.

Kimesha Williams — the Clippers superstar’s sister — was convicted for first-degree murder, robbery and elder abuse in February, and received her sentence on Friday.

Along with the 39-year-old Williams, Candace Townsell, 42, received the same conviction and sentence for the 2019 murder.  The pair followed 84-year-old Afaf Assad to a bathroom at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. .

See Also
 ANOTHER MURDER   at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Kawhi Leonard's Sister Kimesha Williams STILL in Jail for 2019 Pechanga Murder. Why So long for JUSTICE?

Accused Pechanga Casino Murderers Kimesha Williams and Candace Townsel Get HIGH PRICED Attorneys

NCAI's Credibility at Risk: Failure to Create Task Force to Protect Tribal Citizenship Rights Draws Criticism

We protested last year at the NCAI Marketplace, and confronted NCAI's Vice President Mark Macarro over his tribe's denial and ending of tribal citizenship.  

The adoption of Resolution 20-001 by the NCAI spearheaded by noted Native Armerican attorney Gabriel Galanda was a positive step towards protecting Tribal Citizenship rights, but the failure of the Executive Committee to create the task force suggests that there may be issues with the organization's commitment to its own resolutions.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. It was founded in 1944 and represents tribal governments across the United States.   Do they deserve the respect?

CA Democrat Party Accepts Donation/Sponsorship From Apartheid System, Civil/Human Rights Abusing Pechanga Tribe

 

Color me NOT SHOCKED.  that the CA Democrat Party accepts donations/sponsorships from APARTHEID system, civil rights abusing tribe (shown here on Pg 17) 

While researching some issues with US Senator from California, Alex Padilla I came across the CA Dem Party Flyer from 2022, linked above.  Padilla is on Twitter talking about ethical standards for the Supreme Court, yet, what are the ethics of taking money from tribes that abuse their own people?   Hypocrite, thy name is Padilla.

Political candidates have a responsibility to ensure that their campaign contributions come from legitimate sources that do not violate the basic human rights of individuals or groups. Accepting donations from entities that violate human rights can compromise the integrity of the political process and lead to a perception that the candidate is willing to overlook serious abuses in order to gain power.

Accepting donations from such entities can create a conflict of interest and compromise the candidate's ability to act in the best interest of their constituents. It can also undermine the legitimacy of the candidate's platform and their ability to advocate for social justice and equality.

HOW DARE YOU DEMOCRATS? We remember when you accused the sovereign state of Arizona of possibly violating the civil rights of illegal immigrants, why doYOU TAKE MONEY from tribes that have ALREADY violated the basic civil and human rights of CALIFORNIA citizens of Native American ancestry.

Why aren't you STANDING UP for US?

GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM: Urgent Request to Ban Travel to Tribal Casino Enterprises with Civil and Human Rights Abuses

 Dear Governor Gavin Newsom,

I am writing to urge you to impose a ban for all government employees on travel to and attending any function at a tribal casino enterprise where civil and human rights have been violated. As you know, California has taken a strong stance on issues related to civil and human rights, and it is important that we continue to uphold these values even when it comes to our own tribal communities.

I am particularly concerned about the reports of abuse of civil and human rights at certain tribal casino enterprises. As a state, we cannot condone or support any business that engages in such behavior, particularly when it involves the exploitation of our own people.

I understand that California already has a ban on travel to certain states due to their laws, and I believe that this same approach should be taken when it comes to tribal casino enterprises that have violated civil and human rights. By taking a stand against such behavior, we send a strong message that we will not tolerate any form of discrimination or abuse, regardless of where it occurs.

I urge you to consider implementing a ban on travel to and attending any function at a tribal casino enterprise where civil and human rights have been violated. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

Sincerely,

CA's CHUKCHANSI TRIBE CONTINUES DISENROLLMENTS. TIME FOR A BOYCOTT of their CASINO

 Members of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians who were targeted for disenrollment earlier this year were kickedout of the tribe in March — and now a new group of more than 60 members is facing the same fate, according to an attorney representing the majority of the impacted tribal members.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR MORE CHUKCHANSI ABUSES at Original Pechanga Blog

Attorney David Dehnert told The Bee the disenrollments and the new pending disenrollments are in violation of the tribe’s constitution and several other tribal laws. Dehnert represents about 39 of the 49 who received notices in mid-March saying their names would be removed from the tribe’s membership roll. Dehnert is from Southern California, and he typically represents tribes, but said he believed the tribe’s actions were so egregious that he decided to change spots in this case to litigate the tribe.

The tribe, he said, has now selected another group of around 62 members who will be part of another wave of disenrollments. He represents about 36 of them. According to a copy of one of the notices, the affected members’ disenrollment hearing is April 22.

Dehnert said there’s no “accountability, no judicial review,” and “no checks and balances at all” with the actions of the Chukchansi Tribal Council.  OP:  MORAL OUTRAGE IS NEEDED

“It’s deplorable what they are doing to their own people. They should be taking care of their people,” he said.

At stake is a piece of the profits from the tribe’s sprawling Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on Highway 41 north of Fresno. According to an online estimate, the casino in 2022 had revenue of $43.7 million.

Affected members who spoke with The Bee in January said the disenrollments are being driven by greed and designed to significantly swell the monetary benefits for some tribal families. Another 60 to 70 members were disenrolled last year.

SEE THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

BIA ACTS IN ARBITRARY and CAPRICIOUS MANNER in ENDING CDIB FOR NATIVES INCLUDING DISENROLLED

 

Sample not for use as CDIB

We have written on the BIA/CDIB Issue a few times  linked here:

NCAI Takes A STAND on BIA's CDIB FOIBLES & Failures  and Gabe Galanda: The BIA's BLOOD TROUBLE

Now, NATIVEPEDIA and Emilio Reyes have extensive scholarship on the arbitrary and capricious action 
San Diego, California, April 14. 2023:  Today, Nativepedia, a  California Native American company specializing in  research, education and advocacy,  has released  extensive research  on a silent issue affecting Native Americans:    Non-Federally Recognized California Indians: The Rescission of the CDIB policy. There is no question that the Department of the Interior; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other departments within the Interior are entirely responsible for this matter. As a result,  thousands of Native Americans are affected. 

Attached please find: "Non-Federally Recognized California Indians: The Rescission of the CDIB policy." Alternative link via WeTransfer: https://we.tl/t-XcLlWw9VwR & Scribd: 

Cherokee Genealogist DAVID CORNSILK on PRETENDIANS Seminar

 Coming from noted genealogist and current Cherokee Nation leadership candidate David Cornsilk this Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. ET at Indiana University and via Zoom simultaneously.
David wrote on CLEARING UP MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CHEROKEE IDENTIFICATION    And supported the TREATY RIGHTS of the Cherokee Freedmen, where they were victorious.

Register here: https://iu.zoom.us/.../tZwtf-ihrDwrE9dlXHRHD3xYU1HWRegcSOVX

Be sure to pay attention to motives and biases of all involved.  (h/t Rob Capriccioso-Indigenous Wire)

PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND and tell your friends..

Congress Urged to Take Action on Disenrollment Crisis Over 11,000 Native Americans Stripped of Tribal Citizenship. Not Including the Ancestors

 

Here's a letter you can copy and fill in to send to your Congressperson  See HOW TO CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSPERSON

Dear Members of Congress,

I am writing to express my grave concern about the ongoing disenrollment of Native Americans from their tribes, which has resulted in the stripping of tribal citizenship from over 11,000 individuals. This egregious practice, which has been carried out by some tribal leaders without regard for due process or tribal constitutional guidelines, represents a serious violation of the rights and well-being of Native Americans across the United States.

Disenrollment is a deeply traumatic experience that can result in the loss of cultural identity, community ties, and access to critical resources such as healthcare and education. Moreover, disenrollment often occurs without due process or adherence to tribal law, leaving individuals and families without recourse to challenge the decision or seek redress.

It is unacceptable that this practice continues to occur in the United States, and it is imperative that Congress takes immediate action to address this issue. Specifically, I urge you to:

10,000 Native Americans Disenrolled and Denied Healthcare: The Tragic Consequences of Inaction by Congress, Government Agencies and Advocates

Disenrollment of indigenous people is a grave injustice that must be addressed by those purporting to support and defend Native Americans.

This despicable practice, the stripping of tribal citizenship, proven to be born of corruption and greed, has been allowed to flourish under the guise of sovereignty by some tribal governments.

Congress must take action to hold accountable those who misuse their sovereign powers to harm their own people.

As we confront this issue, it is important to recognize the complexity of the historical and cultural context in which it arises. Achieving meaningful and lasting change requires sustained engagement and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders, including indigenous communities, government agencies, legal experts, and Native advocacy groups (NARF, NCAI) and all of US.

As Elie Wiesel famously said, "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim Silence encourages the tormentor never the tormented"

Nowhere is this more evident than in the issue of disenrollment of indigenous people, which has devastated tribal communities across the United States. As individuals, as organizations, and as a society, we must speak out against this injustice and take action to hold those responsible accountable. Neutrality in the face of disenrollment only perpetuates the harm and oppression faced by indigenous people, while silence enables those who perpetrate these abuses. 

It is time for all of us to come together and work towards a more just and equitable society for all, one that upholds the dignity and rights of indigenous communities and respects their unique identities and cultures. The Congress, BIA, DOJ, White House, NCAI, NARF, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and all other stakeholders must take action to halt the destruction of tribal communities and promote healing and reconciliation.

How to Fight the Dark Side of Tribal Sovereignty: Uncover and SHARE the Truth About Disenrollment To Restore Fairness and Equality to Tribal Communities

 

Doing the right thing isn't HARD

Attention all defenders of civil rights! Have you ever felt powerless in the face of corruption and mistreatment by tribal councils? Are you tired of seeing your friends and loved ones disenrolled, hurt, and violated by those in power? It's time to take action and demand justice for all.   

Where are the tribal leaders who will stand for justicd?   Holding our tribal leaders to a higher standard of integrity and transparency will ensure that tribal sovereignty truly benefits all members and not just a select few.  BE A LEADER in this fight.

But the very few of us can't do it alone. We need YOU to join us in the fight against disenrollment on a consisten basis. We need your voices, your passion, and your commitment to help us make a difference. Don't just sit back and watch as your fellow community members suffer. Ask yourself: what can I do to help?

We understand that life can be busy and it may be difficult to get involved in person. But there are many ways you can help from the comfort of your own home, such as visiting blogs regularly to help drive up awareness and let those in power know that people are watching by sending emails, it's so easy.

We cannot let corrupt tribal councils continue to violate our civil rights. It's time to band together, honor our ancestors who suffered at the hands of an oppressive government, and defend our rights. We need OFFENSE, not just defense.