Some interesting comments on the California Progress report article
http://www.pechanga.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1755
Friday, December 28, 2007
Exposing Tribal Corruption by Pechanga
We are looking for current information on Larry Miranda, Pechanga Tribal Member who was fired from the Pechanga Resort and Casino. Some news sources are looking to do a story.
If you are FBI, we need to find out who is the contact person for his case. Please contact us at the www.pechanga.info site.
Miranda is the son of former tribal spokesperson Jennie Miranda, one of the conspirators who wanted to remove families from Pechanga's membership rolls. She was the puppetmaster of her mother, who was on the disenrollment committee. The mother, Ruth Masiel, slept through most of our presentation, yet still was able to make a decision.
Will Larry Miranda be disenrolled from the tribe for theft? Or will he still collect his $32, 500 per month?
Vote NO on Prop. 94
If you are FBI, we need to find out who is the contact person for his case. Please contact us at the www.pechanga.info site.
Miranda is the son of former tribal spokesperson Jennie Miranda, one of the conspirators who wanted to remove families from Pechanga's membership rolls. She was the puppetmaster of her mother, who was on the disenrollment committee. The mother, Ruth Masiel, slept through most of our presentation, yet still was able to make a decision.
Will Larry Miranda be disenrolled from the tribe for theft? Or will he still collect his $32, 500 per month?
Vote NO on Prop. 94
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Original Pechanga: Why Tribes will Win
Original Pechanga has a post of why the tribes will win on expanded gaming in CA. He says the opposition to expanded gaming is weak and unorganized. Take a look at the No On Unfair deals website. They've had 5 blogs in a month! Pechanga is running 5 commercials a day. The "no" sites aren't even fighting the tribe's unfounded claims.
The disenrolled people are scattered an many are disenterested.
The disenrolled people are scattered an many are disenterested.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
After Christmas Shopping
There are sales and bargains out there. How much does a politician cost near the end of the year. How much are tribes giving this holiday season?
What does it cost for the Governator?
We must stay vigilant and keep the focus on the pols....
What does it cost for the Governator?
We must stay vigilant and keep the focus on the pols....
Saturday, December 22, 2007
No Unfair Gambling Deals: No on Prop. 94, 95,96,97
www.nounfairdeals.com
This website is against the gaming expansion. This is one of the weakest sites around. Look at the blog and it has something like FOUR blogs in a month. HOW can it hope to pick up momentum.
It's plagued by generalities and doesn't seem to have any real conviction. WHERE are the union members who want representation? Why aren't their THOUSANDS of comments from them on the site? Why haven't the so-called "those against unfair gaming compacts" written to voice their opinions.
Pathetic.
This website is against the gaming expansion. This is one of the weakest sites around. Look at the blog and it has something like FOUR blogs in a month. HOW can it hope to pick up momentum.
It's plagued by generalities and doesn't seem to have any real conviction. WHERE are the union members who want representation? Why aren't their THOUSANDS of comments from them on the site? Why haven't the so-called "those against unfair gaming compacts" written to voice their opinions.
Pathetic.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Another View of NO on expanded gaming
http://www.menifee247.com/2007/12/california-proposition-94-95-96-97.htm
Steve at Menifee 24/7 has his breakdown of why he's not voting yes on expanded gaming. Take a look
Steve at Menifee 24/7 has his breakdown of why he's not voting yes on expanded gaming. Take a look
Schwarzenegger Incompetence
Original Pechanga has a blog up on the Governator's mishandling of our state budget.
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/2007/12/governor-to-declare-state-of-emergency.html
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/2007/12/governor-to-declare-state-of-emergency.html
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Pit River Membership issues parallels Pechanga
Editor:
http://pitriverpeople.org/Template-Admin/LtrEditor8-14-07.html
Thank you for covering the Pit River Tribe Membership Meeting in your newspaper. Please allow me to clarify one point: Those who came to the Membership meeting that are being 'challenged' on Tribal enrollment, did not vote. The votes were only from legal registered voters from within the Tribe.
The 'Silent No More' group is quickly growing and opposes this current Tribal Council that is controlled by one family and their supporters. It has turned into a Council that operates for its own benefit, not the benefit of Tribal Members. Council meetings are called several days a week and Council Members get paid for each meeting so this has become the main income source of several people at the expense of the Tribe. People were recently asked or ordered to sign a loyalty oath, one of the first steps a dictator uses to maintain absolute power. Any Member questioning this group is disenrolled, or threatened with disenrollment.
This current struggle has many parallels to the Pechanga Band which has been in many headlines recently as a corrupt Tribal Council attempts to whittle down the number of Tribal Members to increase their per capita which sometimes runs as high as $20,000 per month. What I find almost incomprehensible in the case of the Pit River Tribe is that we have very few assets. Our per capita runs in the hundreds of dollars per year. This struggle is over power and an attempt to divert Tribal assets into favored families and hang onto what has become a full time income source.
Democracy is new to the Tribe. In the old days, a leader who got too greedy or steered the Tribe on a path that was detrimental, was simply shunned and we followed someone else. The BIA and local governments insist on recognizing only the formal entity which is the Tribal Council, although the BIA is finally beginning to recognize this Council is not representative of the Membership. So we must change this Council in a formal way according to our constitution. That is why two Membership meetings have now voted to seat our duly elected Chairperson and Secretary and make other changes, all of which have been ignored by the current Council.
http://pitriverpeople.org/Template-Admin/LtrEditor8-14-07.html
Thank you for covering the Pit River Tribe Membership Meeting in your newspaper. Please allow me to clarify one point: Those who came to the Membership meeting that are being 'challenged' on Tribal enrollment, did not vote. The votes were only from legal registered voters from within the Tribe.
The 'Silent No More' group is quickly growing and opposes this current Tribal Council that is controlled by one family and their supporters. It has turned into a Council that operates for its own benefit, not the benefit of Tribal Members. Council meetings are called several days a week and Council Members get paid for each meeting so this has become the main income source of several people at the expense of the Tribe. People were recently asked or ordered to sign a loyalty oath, one of the first steps a dictator uses to maintain absolute power. Any Member questioning this group is disenrolled, or threatened with disenrollment.
This current struggle has many parallels to the Pechanga Band which has been in many headlines recently as a corrupt Tribal Council attempts to whittle down the number of Tribal Members to increase their per capita which sometimes runs as high as $20,000 per month. What I find almost incomprehensible in the case of the Pit River Tribe is that we have very few assets. Our per capita runs in the hundreds of dollars per year. This struggle is over power and an attempt to divert Tribal assets into favored families and hang onto what has become a full time income source.
Democracy is new to the Tribe. In the old days, a leader who got too greedy or steered the Tribe on a path that was detrimental, was simply shunned and we followed someone else. The BIA and local governments insist on recognizing only the formal entity which is the Tribal Council, although the BIA is finally beginning to recognize this Council is not representative of the Membership. So we must change this Council in a formal way according to our constitution. That is why two Membership meetings have now voted to seat our duly elected Chairperson and Secretary and make other changes, all of which have been ignored by the current Council.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Prop. 94 Will Teach Pechanga A Lesson
That lesson should be: If you don't treat your people with respect and if you don't follow the rule of law (YOUR OWN LAW) you won't get 5500 MORE slot machines.
We will give them to your competitors and leave you on the outside looking in.
We will say, $380,000 is all your are going to get. We are not going to allow you to take your per capita up to $700,000 and have you say, "we don't need to do the right thing"
NO on Prop. 94 No to $700,000 for Concerned Pechanga People
We will give them to your competitors and leave you on the outside looking in.
We will say, $380,000 is all your are going to get. We are not going to allow you to take your per capita up to $700,000 and have you say, "we don't need to do the right thing"
NO on Prop. 94 No to $700,000 for Concerned Pechanga People
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Does California Really Need More Casinos?
http://nounfairdeals.com/uploadedfiles/NoBig4_LA_Times_ARTICLE_3-11-07.pdf
The LA TIMES asks the question. But the answer is YES. But we don't need to give them to the big 4 tribes. There are tribes that have been waiting for their approval for their casinos, poor tribes that can really use the money that casinos will generate.
Pechanga is giving their members $32,500 now that they have terminated 300 people in an act of cultural genocide. Without bonuses, that comes to over $385,000 per year. Wonderful, but should they be given more machines to get them to $700,000 per year, when there are THOUSANDS of Native Americans are making nothing? I think not.
The LA TIMES asks the question. But the answer is YES. But we don't need to give them to the big 4 tribes. There are tribes that have been waiting for their approval for their casinos, poor tribes that can really use the money that casinos will generate.
Pechanga is giving their members $32,500 now that they have terminated 300 people in an act of cultural genocide. Without bonuses, that comes to over $385,000 per year. Wonderful, but should they be given more machines to get them to $700,000 per year, when there are THOUSANDS of Native Americans are making nothing? I think not.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Pechanga Disenrollments = Elder Abuse?
I believe it's a question that needs to be addressed. Pechanga has eliminated from the tribe over 55 Elders of the tribe. Some are now up to 90 years old, being born during WW1.
The young of the CPP/Splinter Group laughed at them and told them to "get a job".
Meanwhile, Pechanga cuts of the health care of seniors, and without healthcare what are they supposed to do? Go back on the government?
One of our family helped build the health clinic and now he can't go there.
These are the types of stories that aren't being told.
Pechanga should be publicly shamed.
The young of the CPP/Splinter Group laughed at them and told them to "get a job".
Meanwhile, Pechanga cuts of the health care of seniors, and without healthcare what are they supposed to do? Go back on the government?
One of our family helped build the health clinic and now he can't go there.
These are the types of stories that aren't being told.
Pechanga should be publicly shamed.
Video on Pechanga's Corrupt Action of Disenrollment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wod-MkEj1xs
Details the story of Lawrence and Sophie Madariaga, elders of the Hunter clan. Abused by Pechanga.
Please watch and tell your friends.
Details the story of Lawrence and Sophie Madariaga, elders of the Hunter clan. Abused by Pechanga.
Please watch and tell your friends.
Expert Contradicts Pechanga Disenrollment
Dr. John Johnson, stands by his Pechanga-paid-for study on the Ancestry of Paulina Hunter
The Disenrollment Committee PAID him and didn't use his findings because it didn't fit their plan.
It's like saying "your guy got 90% of the vote, be he's still not getting elected."
The Disenrollment Committee PAID him and didn't use his findings because it didn't fit their plan.
It's like saying "your guy got 90% of the vote, be he's still not getting elected."
Pechanga Puts Slot Expansion on Hold
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/2007/12/pechanga-waiting-to-install-slots-after.html
Good thinking. Even though the Feds have approved expansion, the voters of California have NOT. Pechanga knows that they have done enough sneaking around the voters backs and they may not have survived another attempt.
KNBC may be producing another story on Pechanga violating civil rights and elder abuse in eliminating them from their health coverage.
Good thinking. Even though the Feds have approved expansion, the voters of California have NOT. Pechanga knows that they have done enough sneaking around the voters backs and they may not have survived another attempt.
KNBC may be producing another story on Pechanga violating civil rights and elder abuse in eliminating them from their health coverage.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
CA Government in Corrupt Bed with Pechanga
OP has the word at: http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com
There are lots of articles about Don Perata, head of the Senate in CA that is still under investigation.
Does anybody worry about Civil Rights anymore?
There are lots of articles about Don Perata, head of the Senate in CA that is still under investigation.
Does anybody worry about Civil Rights anymore?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Website for Tribal Rights
Where is everybody going for their news on Tribal Civil Rights violations?
www.pechanga.info is a good start
www.pechanga.info is a good start
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Open Letter to Pechanga Chairman Macarro
Original Pechanga has a post that is an Open Letter to Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro. He's the one who was on television during the Prop 1A and Prop 5 campaigns. He talks like he has butter in his mouth, but his temper is legendary.
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com
Anyone wonder why they don't use him as spokesman anymore? Could it be because he is not looked at with respect for what he has allowed to happen during his watch?
Please help with the traffic.
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com
Anyone wonder why they don't use him as spokesman anymore? Could it be because he is not looked at with respect for what he has allowed to happen during his watch?
Please help with the traffic.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Standing Together as Family
Standing Together as Family
We have been working togethere as family for years, trying to stave off criminal disenrollment actions. Most of us were willing to fight. But for some now, they have taken a back seat and aren't willing to continue the fight. I find that amazing. Getting beat down isn't a reason to quit, it's a reason to start.
Many of our family have been fighting for a DECADE trying to get in the tribe where they rightfully belong. They belong to the land and all that it offers.
Some have asked, "can we get a celeb to speak out for us?" I respond, "why would they, we can't even get all our family to speak out!" See the rest at:
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
We have been working togethere as family for years, trying to stave off criminal disenrollment actions. Most of us were willing to fight. But for some now, they have taken a back seat and aren't willing to continue the fight. I find that amazing. Getting beat down isn't a reason to quit, it's a reason to start.
Many of our family have been fighting for a DECADE trying to get in the tribe where they rightfully belong. They belong to the land and all that it offers.
Some have asked, "can we get a celeb to speak out for us?" I respond, "why would they, we can't even get all our family to speak out!" See the rest at:
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
Friday, November 23, 2007
PECHANGA: NO on 94
For violations of civil rights, human rights and the despicable practice of disenrollment, Pechanga does NOT deserve to receive a gaming expansion
NO on Prop. 94
No to Pechanga
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Original Pechanga's Blog
While I have not been active on this blog, others in the family have been very active in keeping up with the news of civil rights violations by Pechanga and other tribes in Indian Country.
You will not find much of this on Pechanga.net, but at Original Pechanga's Blog you will find more in depth blogging.
Also, my other blog at http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga is still going very strong. Take a look.
You will not find much of this on Pechanga.net, but at Original Pechanga's Blog you will find more in depth blogging.
Also, my other blog at http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga is still going very strong. Take a look.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Concerning Pechanga's Disgraceful Actions
Concerning Disgraceful Actions by the Pechanga Tribal Council
In a notice dated August 7, 2006, the descendants of Paulina Hunter, an original allottee of the Pechanga Indian Reservation, were informed that the Pechanga Tribal Council and the Pechanga Enrollment Committee had denied their appeal to over-turn the Enrollment Committee’s earlier decision to disenroll the family.
The Hunter Family members were disenrolled in March of this year when the Enrollment Committee concluded that their ancestor, Paulina Hunter, was not a Temecula Indian.
Along with disenrollment notices from the Enrollment Committee, a memo from the Tribal Council explained that it had decided that a law passed by the Tribe’s governing body in July 2005 to bar future disenrollments applied to all tribal members except the Hunter Family.
The disenrollment of the Hunter family was initiated when several statements were presented to the Enrollment Committee claiming Paulina Hunter was non-Indian or not a member. One such letter came from a convicted felon currently serving time in the California State Prison system for child molestation.
In response to the allegations, the descendants of Paulina Hunter provided numerous documents as proof that Paulina Hunter was indeed of Indian ancestry and was an original Pechanga/Temecula Indian.
In fact, a report prepared by Dr. John Johnson, the curator of anthropology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, at the request of the Enrollment Committee concluded that a "preponderance of the evidence" from surviving historical records and census documents shows that Paulina Hunter was a Pechanga member who lived in Temecula and was allotted reservation land. There is no greater authority on this issue than Dr. Johnson.
"My feeling is it's a faulty interpretation of the record to reject this family. Paulina Hunter was definitely a core member of the Temecula Band of Luiseño Indians," Dr. Johnson said. "I don't understand the decision other than it is not based on fact. It is based on conjecture and politics."
The disenrollment of the Hunter family is the second such disenrollment of a large family from the Pechanga Band. Each has occurred just months before scheduled tribal elections for Chairman and Tribal Council.
The expulsions of the 2 families removed significant opposition to the current administration and others running for tribal office. Each “disenrollment” was done in violation of both tribal and federal laws which are intended to protect the rights and privileges of tribal members.
Specifically, the members were denied the due process and equal rights protections provided in the Indian Civil Rights Act, as well as language in the Band’s Constitution and Bylaws which mandates that tribal officials uphold the individual rights of each member without malice or prejudice. The disenrollments reduced the Pechanga Band's enrollment by nearly 30%, and each enrolled member, including those responsible for the violations of human and civil rights, could reap additional profits in the tens of millions of dollars.
For more information, please visit www.pechanga.info
In a notice dated August 7, 2006, the descendants of Paulina Hunter, an original allottee of the Pechanga Indian Reservation, were informed that the Pechanga Tribal Council and the Pechanga Enrollment Committee had denied their appeal to over-turn the Enrollment Committee’s earlier decision to disenroll the family.
The Hunter Family members were disenrolled in March of this year when the Enrollment Committee concluded that their ancestor, Paulina Hunter, was not a Temecula Indian.
Along with disenrollment notices from the Enrollment Committee, a memo from the Tribal Council explained that it had decided that a law passed by the Tribe’s governing body in July 2005 to bar future disenrollments applied to all tribal members except the Hunter Family.
The disenrollment of the Hunter family was initiated when several statements were presented to the Enrollment Committee claiming Paulina Hunter was non-Indian or not a member. One such letter came from a convicted felon currently serving time in the California State Prison system for child molestation.
In response to the allegations, the descendants of Paulina Hunter provided numerous documents as proof that Paulina Hunter was indeed of Indian ancestry and was an original Pechanga/Temecula Indian.
In fact, a report prepared by Dr. John Johnson, the curator of anthropology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, at the request of the Enrollment Committee concluded that a "preponderance of the evidence" from surviving historical records and census documents shows that Paulina Hunter was a Pechanga member who lived in Temecula and was allotted reservation land. There is no greater authority on this issue than Dr. Johnson.
"My feeling is it's a faulty interpretation of the record to reject this family. Paulina Hunter was definitely a core member of the Temecula Band of Luiseño Indians," Dr. Johnson said. "I don't understand the decision other than it is not based on fact. It is based on conjecture and politics."
The disenrollment of the Hunter family is the second such disenrollment of a large family from the Pechanga Band. Each has occurred just months before scheduled tribal elections for Chairman and Tribal Council.
The expulsions of the 2 families removed significant opposition to the current administration and others running for tribal office. Each “disenrollment” was done in violation of both tribal and federal laws which are intended to protect the rights and privileges of tribal members.
Specifically, the members were denied the due process and equal rights protections provided in the Indian Civil Rights Act, as well as language in the Band’s Constitution and Bylaws which mandates that tribal officials uphold the individual rights of each member without malice or prejudice. The disenrollments reduced the Pechanga Band's enrollment by nearly 30%, and each enrolled member, including those responsible for the violations of human and civil rights, could reap additional profits in the tens of millions of dollars.
For more information, please visit www.pechanga.info
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Pechanga Tribal Treasurer Abruptly Quits
It was posted on www.pechanga.info/forum
Why would she quit after 10 years so abruptly? The FBI took a member of the CPP who works in the casino away.
Does Christine have some information that Pechanga doesn't want to get out?
Why would she quit after 10 years so abruptly? The FBI took a member of the CPP who works in the casino away.
Does Christine have some information that Pechanga doesn't want to get out?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
CA Compact for selected Tribe only.
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2061726/17459334
See the rest of the story at the LINK to Bryan's Website.
CA Compact Amendment Bills Introduced for Selected Tribe only
I am posting the following text from a bill now introduced into the California Legislative body by Assemblyman Charles Calderon, 58th District (LA County cities). How has the Morongo Band of Mission Indians proven that they are worthy of the type of specialized treatment they are getting from this bill?
I am presuming that this treatment is developing from the clause in this bill that states Morongo must pay a type of tax to the state general fund (which is calculated based upon the reported earnings of the Tribe-which they control the counting, validation and reporting of). It will be a frosty day in the Netherworld before any Tribe who signs this deal pays in what the Governor or this misguided Assemblyman has calculated.
But even if I am wrong and a Tribe doesn't take lessons from the American Corporations who are masters at shuffling of the expenses to lower reported profitability, I challenge the validity of any legislation that gives such broad authority to any group to violate environmental laws of California while expressly commanding California agencies that they are forbidden from breaking the law.
PLEASE, also check out: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
See the rest of the story at the LINK to Bryan's Website.
CA Compact Amendment Bills Introduced for Selected Tribe only
I am posting the following text from a bill now introduced into the California Legislative body by Assemblyman Charles Calderon, 58th District (LA County cities). How has the Morongo Band of Mission Indians proven that they are worthy of the type of specialized treatment they are getting from this bill?
I am presuming that this treatment is developing from the clause in this bill that states Morongo must pay a type of tax to the state general fund (which is calculated based upon the reported earnings of the Tribe-which they control the counting, validation and reporting of). It will be a frosty day in the Netherworld before any Tribe who signs this deal pays in what the Governor or this misguided Assemblyman has calculated.
But even if I am wrong and a Tribe doesn't take lessons from the American Corporations who are masters at shuffling of the expenses to lower reported profitability, I challenge the validity of any legislation that gives such broad authority to any group to violate environmental laws of California while expressly commanding California agencies that they are forbidden from breaking the law.
PLEASE, also check out: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Jamul FUNDRAISER!
JAMUL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
FOR OUR HEROIC NEIGHBORS
JAC Fundraiser BBQ
Place: just past 17720 Lyons Valley Road
Look for the signs around town
Date: Sunday, April 15th Time: 2:00pm ?til Dark
With your help this fundraiser will raise funds for Walter Rosales, Karen Toggery and her son Louis. They are innocent victims in a ruthless grab of power by Lakes Entertainment and the Indian Village. After being brutally forced from their ancestral land, their long time homes have been destroyed along with many of their possessions. They need our help.
THEY DID NOTHING WRONG. THEY ONLY SAID "NO CASINO"
Entertainment: The Road Kill Band - Raffle and Auction
Cost: $20 per adult $10 per child
Tickets to be purchased at entrance
Beverages available, Desserts too!
RSVP by Thursday, April 12th
(so we can get a head count to the caterers)
jacjamul@yahoo.com or 619-468-4821
(Please leave your name, number of people attending and a phone number)
For those that are unable to join the fun, donations will be appreciated.
P.O. Box 1617 Jamul, CA 91935 or thru Paypal at www.jacjamul.com
Thank you for your support.
************************************************************
Please be sure to RSVP for the Fundraiser. We are still looking for volunteers to help out. Please email Cyndy Hoffman at countrydolphins@cox.net if you have any donations for the raffle. Any Gift Certificates, Services, Crafts would be welcome. Cash works too!
************************************************************
Housing Help: We are looking for a 2 bedroom house in Jamul for Karen. She would really like to stay in Jamul. Please email Marcia Spurgeon at mrsmas@hotmail.com.
************************************************************
The website has been updated with new menus. It is much easier to search and navigate all the information we have for you. If you find a link that is not working or you have additional information that we could post, please email us at feedback@jacjamul.com. Thanks.
************************************************************
Please keep up the letter writing to officials. It does make a difference.
************************************************************
Patrick Webb was sited for trespassing on March 10th. His court date in El Cajon is April 23rd. He would like us to support him at court that day. As soon as we find out the time, we'll pass it along.
FOR OUR HEROIC NEIGHBORS
JAC Fundraiser BBQ
Place: just past 17720 Lyons Valley Road
Look for the signs around town
Date: Sunday, April 15th Time: 2:00pm ?til Dark
With your help this fundraiser will raise funds for Walter Rosales, Karen Toggery and her son Louis. They are innocent victims in a ruthless grab of power by Lakes Entertainment and the Indian Village. After being brutally forced from their ancestral land, their long time homes have been destroyed along with many of their possessions. They need our help.
THEY DID NOTHING WRONG. THEY ONLY SAID "NO CASINO"
Entertainment: The Road Kill Band - Raffle and Auction
Cost: $20 per adult $10 per child
Tickets to be purchased at entrance
Beverages available, Desserts too!
RSVP by Thursday, April 12th
(so we can get a head count to the caterers)
jacjamul@yahoo.com or 619-468-4821
(Please leave your name, number of people attending and a phone number)
For those that are unable to join the fun, donations will be appreciated.
P.O. Box 1617 Jamul, CA 91935 or thru Paypal at www.jacjamul.com
Thank you for your support.
************************************************************
Please be sure to RSVP for the Fundraiser. We are still looking for volunteers to help out. Please email Cyndy Hoffman at countrydolphins@cox.net if you have any donations for the raffle. Any Gift Certificates, Services, Crafts would be welcome. Cash works too!
************************************************************
Housing Help: We are looking for a 2 bedroom house in Jamul for Karen. She would really like to stay in Jamul. Please email Marcia Spurgeon at mrsmas@hotmail.com.
************************************************************
The website has been updated with new menus. It is much easier to search and navigate all the information we have for you. If you find a link that is not working or you have additional information that we could post, please email us at feedback@jacjamul.com. Thanks.
************************************************************
Please keep up the letter writing to officials. It does make a difference.
************************************************************
Patrick Webb was sited for trespassing on March 10th. His court date in El Cajon is April 23rd. He would like us to support him at court that day. As soon as we find out the time, we'll pass it along.
Call in to oppose Pechanga's Amended COmpact
Call-in to Oppose Pechanga Amended Compact
Thanks to all who have faxed letters in Opposition to the Pechanga amended compact. Our voices are being heard.
If you have not yet faxed in your letter, it is not too late. Feel free to use the letter posted on http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga">Paulina Hunter's blog and fax into the Governmental Organization Committee at the number provided.
Now is when we need people to start calling into the GO Committee and to the Committee members. If you can only make 1 call tomorrow, please call the GO Committee and express your opposition to the Pechanga Band's amended compact.
The phone number to the GO Committee is:
[b](916)651-1530[/b]
The phone numbers for the GO Committee members are as follows:
Chairman Dean Flores (916)651-4016
Senator Denham (916)651-4012
Senator Battin (916)651-4037
Senator Maldonado (916)651-4015
Senator Negrete McLeod (916)651-4032
Senator Vincent (916)651-4025
Senator Wiggins (916)651-4002
Senator Wyland (916)651-4038
Senator Yee (916)651-4008
Senator Peralta (916)651-4009
If you are asked why you oppose the Pechanga amended compact, you can tell them your opposition is based on the Pechanga Band's violations of the Indian Civil Rights Act and the fact that thesState Legislature has previously committed to support and enforce the Indian Civil Rights Act.
Any amended compact should have language that enforces the ICRA and prevents tribal officials from claiming immunity from suit so as to escape prosecution for their illegal actions.
Thanks to all who have faxed letters in Opposition to the Pechanga amended compact. Our voices are being heard.
If you have not yet faxed in your letter, it is not too late. Feel free to use the letter posted on http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga">Paulina Hunter's blog and fax into the Governmental Organization Committee at the number provided.
Now is when we need people to start calling into the GO Committee and to the Committee members. If you can only make 1 call tomorrow, please call the GO Committee and express your opposition to the Pechanga Band's amended compact.
The phone number to the GO Committee is:
[b](916)651-1530[/b]
The phone numbers for the GO Committee members are as follows:
Chairman Dean Flores (916)651-4016
Senator Denham (916)651-4012
Senator Battin (916)651-4037
Senator Maldonado (916)651-4015
Senator Negrete McLeod (916)651-4032
Senator Vincent (916)651-4025
Senator Wiggins (916)651-4002
Senator Wyland (916)651-4038
Senator Yee (916)651-4008
Senator Peralta (916)651-4009
If you are asked why you oppose the Pechanga amended compact, you can tell them your opposition is based on the Pechanga Band's violations of the Indian Civil Rights Act and the fact that thesState Legislature has previously committed to support and enforce the Indian Civil Rights Act.
Any amended compact should have language that enforces the ICRA and prevents tribal officials from claiming immunity from suit so as to escape prosecution for their illegal actions.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Pechanga Killer gets 44 years!
FRENCH VALLEY ---- After saying this was a "very, very difficult" case to forget, a Riverside County Superior Court judge Thursday sentenced a Pechanga tribal member to 44 years to life for running down and killing a Brawley woman and her young grandson nearly two years ago."I remember this vividly," Judge Albert Wojcik said.
Joey Barrientos, 27, was convicted in November of second-degree murder for the deaths of Martha Romero, 56, and her 9-year-old grandson, Pedro. Two other relatives of the victims, including a 4-year-old girl, were injured but survived the July 23, 2005 crash.
Barrientos, while under the influence of methamphetamine, drove a speeding, full-size Ford pickup into the group who were unloading their vehicle to go to a large family gathering on Autumn Woods Road in French Valley
Is giving $300K to a meth addict a smart thing?
PLEASE read: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
Joey Barrientos, 27, was convicted in November of second-degree murder for the deaths of Martha Romero, 56, and her 9-year-old grandson, Pedro. Two other relatives of the victims, including a 4-year-old girl, were injured but survived the July 23, 2005 crash.
Barrientos, while under the influence of methamphetamine, drove a speeding, full-size Ford pickup into the group who were unloading their vehicle to go to a large family gathering on Autumn Woods Road in French Valley
Is giving $300K to a meth addict a smart thing?
PLEASE read: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
Thursday, March 29, 2007
View Paulina Hunter's Blog on MYSPACE
Her blog is at: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
There are a lot of links. She reports that she has reached over 10,000 blog views.
There are links to KNBC's Video, WITHOUT A TRIBE
Take a look
There are a lot of links. She reports that she has reached over 10,000 blog views.
There are links to KNBC's Video, WITHOUT A TRIBE
Take a look
Here are a couple of other links on Pechanga Corruption
Please make sure you are looking at : www.pechanga.info
and Paulina Hunter of Pechanga's blog at: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
and Paulina Hunter of Pechanga's blog at: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
Letter in Opposition to Pechanga Band Compact
Please help by sending in a fax or letter to CA Senator Padilla
Senator Alex Padilla
6150 Van Nuys Blvd., #400Van Nuys, CA 91401
Phone: (818) 901-5588
Fax: (818) 901-5562
Dear Senator Padilla:
I write to you today in opposition to the Pechanga Band Compact for which you were reported in the Californian newspaper as being the sponsor.
My opposition to the Pechanga Band's compact is based on several issues. I oppose the Pechanga Band compact based on the Pechanga government's horrendous record of human and civil rights violations. I also oppose the Pechanga Band's amended compact because I do not believe that any government or agency which has committed atrocities against its own people should benefit from the public trust.
First of all, the Pechanga Band and its tribal officials have committed numerous human and civil rights violations since the signing and ratification of their last gaming compact with the State of California.
In 2004, just prior to regularly scheduled tribal elections, 130+ adult members and their immediate families were disenrolled from the Pechanga Band. The members were all descendants of Chief Pablo Apish, a historically significant leader of the Pechanga/Temecula people.
Apish's status as Chief of the Pechanga Indians was extolled on the Pechanga Band's Official website prior to and after his descendants disenrollments. It was not until after a story published in the local newspaper, the very same newspaper that mentioned your sponsorship of the bill to ratify the amended Pechanga Compact, pointed this fact out to Chairman Macarro that mention of Pechanga Chief Apish was deleted from the Pechanga Band's web site.
During the disenrollments, the descendants of Chief Pablo Apish were subjected to the very same actions prohibited by the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 ("ICRA"). The descendants were denied due process, equal protection of tribal and federal laws, and were eventually stripped of their tribal citizenship when Pechanga tribal officials applied, ex post facto, language claimed to have changed the tribe's membership requirements. This action too violated the ICRA prohibition on bills of attainder.
Unfortunately, Pechanga tribal officials did not stop there criminal ways. In March 2006, an additional extended family of approximately 100 adults was disenrolled when tribal officials determined that the ancestor from whom they are lineally descended from was not an Original Pechanga/Temecula person. This determination was made despite the fact that a report prepared by a well known anthropologist hired by the Pechanga tribal officials concluded the ancestor was in fact a Pechanga/Temecula person. The most recent disenrollment of 100+ adults and children was especially egregious as the General Membership, the Tribe's governing body, had previously passed a law which (1) repealed the Tribe's disenrollment procedures and (2) made it illegal for the Enrollment Committee to disenroll members.
However, several months after the enactment of the tribal law, Pechanga tribal officials, in private session, decided that the rights and protections enumerated in the tribal law applied to all tribal members except for 1 extended family. And, in a memo dated November 29, 2005, the Tribal Council notified the Enrollment Committee that the Committee could commence with disenrollment against the family.
The Tribal Council had a duty, under tribal law (Constitution and Bylaws, Article V), to ensure that the provisions of the tribal law enacted on July 18, 2005 were enforced and applied equally to all members of the Tribe. In violation of its own Constitution and the ICRA, Pechanga tribal officials breeched their duty.
As a result, nearly 100 eligible voting members were stripped of their right to participate in upcoming tribal elections, to receive the benefits and privileges of membership, and to receive allocations from gaming proceeds in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The Tribal Council's actions are prima facie examples of prejudicial acts intended to deny targeted citizens of rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and tribal law.
I mention these violations of the ICRA because, as a matter of record, the California State Legislature supports and is committed to the enforcement of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1301 and following). Upon its passage, the ICRA was intended to "… protect individual Indians from arbitrary and unjust actions of tribal governments" and to secure for the individual American Indian the broad constitutional rights afforded all other American citizens.
Despite the prohibitions on tribal governments listed in the ICRA, Pechanga Tribal officials have hid behind the Tribe's sovereignty to escape prosecution and prevent the victims from seeking recourse for the injury and harm which have resulted from the human and civil rights violations. Although the tribal officials may be immune from suit, this does not equate to innocence of action.
Whereas the actions taken by Pechanga Band tribal officials are the very same as those prohibited by the ICRA, Pechanga tribal officials and the Pechanga government find themselves at odds with the California Legislature regarding the rights which should be afforded tribal citizens and citizens of California.
It is because of these gross violations of human and civil rights, that I oppose any further benefits be provided to the Pechanga Band until such time as the California Legislature holds hearings regarding the acts taken by the Pechanga government to deny tribal and California citizens rights guaranteed by law. I strongly believe that no entity that participates in, supports, or otherwise partakes in human and/or civil rights violations should benefit from the public trust.
Can the California Legislature trust the Pechanga government and its tribal officials to uphold the rights of other California citizens when they are so willing to strip and deny tribal citizens of the same rights? Is the California Legislature willing to play Pechanga Roulette with the rights of California's citizens?
I think the answer to both questions is a resounding "NO".
It is my firm belief that the Pechanga Band's amended compact should be denied and the State of California should require that the Pechanga Band go back to the negotiating table and agree to language that protects the rights of all California citizens and prevents the Pechanga government and Pechanga tribal officials from claiming immunity from suit for violations of the human and civil rights of California citizens.
Finally, I hope that you and your fellow legislators will not be held hostage by the money the State would gain under the Pechanga Band's amended compact. Such monetary gains could come at the expense of California's citizens if the State Legislature fails to address the issues listed above. I also believe that such gains are not solely tied to this amended compact but could be realized in an additional amended compact which includes protections of California citizens' rights and a form of redress for violations of said rights.Respectfully submitted,
Senator Alex Padilla
6150 Van Nuys Blvd., #400Van Nuys, CA 91401
Phone: (818) 901-5588
Fax: (818) 901-5562
Dear Senator Padilla:
I write to you today in opposition to the Pechanga Band Compact for which you were reported in the Californian newspaper as being the sponsor.
My opposition to the Pechanga Band's compact is based on several issues. I oppose the Pechanga Band compact based on the Pechanga government's horrendous record of human and civil rights violations. I also oppose the Pechanga Band's amended compact because I do not believe that any government or agency which has committed atrocities against its own people should benefit from the public trust.
First of all, the Pechanga Band and its tribal officials have committed numerous human and civil rights violations since the signing and ratification of their last gaming compact with the State of California.
In 2004, just prior to regularly scheduled tribal elections, 130+ adult members and their immediate families were disenrolled from the Pechanga Band. The members were all descendants of Chief Pablo Apish, a historically significant leader of the Pechanga/Temecula people.
Apish's status as Chief of the Pechanga Indians was extolled on the Pechanga Band's Official website prior to and after his descendants disenrollments. It was not until after a story published in the local newspaper, the very same newspaper that mentioned your sponsorship of the bill to ratify the amended Pechanga Compact, pointed this fact out to Chairman Macarro that mention of Pechanga Chief Apish was deleted from the Pechanga Band's web site.
During the disenrollments, the descendants of Chief Pablo Apish were subjected to the very same actions prohibited by the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 ("ICRA"). The descendants were denied due process, equal protection of tribal and federal laws, and were eventually stripped of their tribal citizenship when Pechanga tribal officials applied, ex post facto, language claimed to have changed the tribe's membership requirements. This action too violated the ICRA prohibition on bills of attainder.
Unfortunately, Pechanga tribal officials did not stop there criminal ways. In March 2006, an additional extended family of approximately 100 adults was disenrolled when tribal officials determined that the ancestor from whom they are lineally descended from was not an Original Pechanga/Temecula person. This determination was made despite the fact that a report prepared by a well known anthropologist hired by the Pechanga tribal officials concluded the ancestor was in fact a Pechanga/Temecula person. The most recent disenrollment of 100+ adults and children was especially egregious as the General Membership, the Tribe's governing body, had previously passed a law which (1) repealed the Tribe's disenrollment procedures and (2) made it illegal for the Enrollment Committee to disenroll members.
However, several months after the enactment of the tribal law, Pechanga tribal officials, in private session, decided that the rights and protections enumerated in the tribal law applied to all tribal members except for 1 extended family. And, in a memo dated November 29, 2005, the Tribal Council notified the Enrollment Committee that the Committee could commence with disenrollment against the family.
The Tribal Council had a duty, under tribal law (Constitution and Bylaws, Article V), to ensure that the provisions of the tribal law enacted on July 18, 2005 were enforced and applied equally to all members of the Tribe. In violation of its own Constitution and the ICRA, Pechanga tribal officials breeched their duty.
As a result, nearly 100 eligible voting members were stripped of their right to participate in upcoming tribal elections, to receive the benefits and privileges of membership, and to receive allocations from gaming proceeds in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The Tribal Council's actions are prima facie examples of prejudicial acts intended to deny targeted citizens of rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and tribal law.
I mention these violations of the ICRA because, as a matter of record, the California State Legislature supports and is committed to the enforcement of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1301 and following). Upon its passage, the ICRA was intended to "… protect individual Indians from arbitrary and unjust actions of tribal governments" and to secure for the individual American Indian the broad constitutional rights afforded all other American citizens.
Despite the prohibitions on tribal governments listed in the ICRA, Pechanga Tribal officials have hid behind the Tribe's sovereignty to escape prosecution and prevent the victims from seeking recourse for the injury and harm which have resulted from the human and civil rights violations. Although the tribal officials may be immune from suit, this does not equate to innocence of action.
Whereas the actions taken by Pechanga Band tribal officials are the very same as those prohibited by the ICRA, Pechanga tribal officials and the Pechanga government find themselves at odds with the California Legislature regarding the rights which should be afforded tribal citizens and citizens of California.
It is because of these gross violations of human and civil rights, that I oppose any further benefits be provided to the Pechanga Band until such time as the California Legislature holds hearings regarding the acts taken by the Pechanga government to deny tribal and California citizens rights guaranteed by law. I strongly believe that no entity that participates in, supports, or otherwise partakes in human and/or civil rights violations should benefit from the public trust.
Can the California Legislature trust the Pechanga government and its tribal officials to uphold the rights of other California citizens when they are so willing to strip and deny tribal citizens of the same rights? Is the California Legislature willing to play Pechanga Roulette with the rights of California's citizens?
I think the answer to both questions is a resounding "NO".
It is my firm belief that the Pechanga Band's amended compact should be denied and the State of California should require that the Pechanga Band go back to the negotiating table and agree to language that protects the rights of all California citizens and prevents the Pechanga government and Pechanga tribal officials from claiming immunity from suit for violations of the human and civil rights of California citizens.
Finally, I hope that you and your fellow legislators will not be held hostage by the money the State would gain under the Pechanga Band's amended compact. Such monetary gains could come at the expense of California's citizens if the State Legislature fails to address the issues listed above. I also believe that such gains are not solely tied to this amended compact but could be realized in an additional amended compact which includes protections of California citizens' rights and a form of redress for violations of said rights.Respectfully submitted,
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Learn More about Tribal Disenrollments
Tribal disenrollments, such as what the Pechanga Tribal Council did to their people, is a heart-wrenching act.
Please look at the blog Paulina Hunter of Pechanga at: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
There is a ton of information, links to news articles.
PLEASE link to my blog, you will be helping me to get the story out.
Please look at the blog Paulina Hunter of Pechanga at: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
There is a ton of information, links to news articles.
PLEASE link to my blog, you will be helping me to get the story out.
PECHANGA GREED knows no bounds
Pechanga is trying to get 3,000 more machines. FOR WHAT?
They have massacred 25% of their tribe, eliminating more Indians this century than any other nation.
They have taken the per capita of the disenrolled members and divvied it up amongst themselves. WHY would they need more income? They are NOT helping their rightful members, they are not adding members, they are denying their members civil rights.
See Paulina Hunters Blog on myspace: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
They have massacred 25% of their tribe, eliminating more Indians this century than any other nation.
They have taken the per capita of the disenrolled members and divvied it up amongst themselves. WHY would they need more income? They are NOT helping their rightful members, they are not adding members, they are denying their members civil rights.
See Paulina Hunters Blog on myspace: http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
Monday, March 26, 2007
Pechanga Disenrollment: Todays Genocide
There is much more informationa and articles at:
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga PLEASE visit that blog too.
Pechanga Disenrollment: Today's Genocide
Beautiful article written by Tamra Brennan of www.NDNnews.com about the genocide that tribes like Pechanga practice on their people:
http://www.ndnnews.com/Tribal%20Dis-Enrollment%20Issues.htm
Please visit her site and tell your friends where they can find NDNnews.
Today's genocideTribal dis-enrollment and the blood quantum issue are spreading throughout Indian Country like a deadly cancer, eating away the cells of our existence. Tribal gaming has attributed to and brought the dominant cultures disease, greed. Before the existence of tribal gaming, tribes suffered from poverty, unemployment, apathy and no sense of a brighter future to come. The sudden wealth that tribal members have experienced has forced them into a new realm they have never known. California gaming tribes pay their enrolled members amounts up to $45,000 a month in gaming revenues. Tribal gaming has ignited old family feuds and corrupt leadership in several cases. If tribal members do not agree with council decisions they risk tribal dis-enrollment, in a few cases it has been entire families. This leaves more revenues available to divide among the remaining tribal members. This has become a lucrative benefit adding thousands of dollars in their corrupt pockets. Many of these reservations have non-Indians running their tribal councils. These people are part of families that were adopted into the tribe many years ago and have taken control, dis-enrolling families that have been on the reservation for generations. Many of the California Tribes have been severely affected by this epidemic, with approximately 1500 dis-enrolled tribal members and many more currently being threatened. Several tribes have diversified in their economy and have succeeded in benefiting their people. Many have invested millions of dollars in developing programs to care for elders, children, preserving their culture and language. Unfortunately, for some the other side is greed, which has resulted in tribes turning on each other, family feuds, hate, drugs, violence and attempted murder in several cases. Many of the dis-enrolled tribal members have filed lawsuits with the courts, have requested investigations from the B.I.A. and other agencies, only to continually be rejected or told it is a family issue not a federal issue. The dis-enrolled tribal members are left with nowhere to turn and to defend themselves. What this amounts to is, a modern day cultural genocide and is resulting in what we have been fighting since 1492, only now, it is Indians ~vs.~ Indians. We are falling into what the dominant society has been attempting to accomplish for hundreds of years; to conquer and divide. All Native people will be affected by this in the end. Our ancestors fought against genocide with thousands giving their lives to protect the way of life for the people. I think they would be disgusted and appalled with this disease that is tearing apart and dividing Indian Country. Our survival as Native people will only be achieved though unity and living as one people inhabiting Turtle Island. Tribal gaming should have strengthened tribal sovereignty, brought financial freedom to the people and given hope for the future generations. Instead in to many cases, it has brought disunity, greed and spiritual sickness. Some of these cases of tribal dis-enrollment have developed due to the blood quantum issues. Tribes can change their guidelines on what percentage constitutes being "Indian" and/or a tribal member. For generations tribes have mixed with other tribes, whites and many other cultures. A tribal member or entire family can possibly be dis-enrolled due to this change in policy, even if they have resided on the reservation for generations and can attest to their lineage. There have been dozens of cases of tribes being denied federal recognition by the B.I.A. because they can not prove their blood quantum. There are full blood Indians that can not get a tribal card because they either are not from a Federally Recognized Tribe, or they have mixed Native blood and do not have enough "blood" from one specific tribe to enroll. In these cases the bottom line is, you are told by the government, you are not recognized as being "Indian". One thought that comes to mind is; why is the B.I.A. still governing and determining who is and who is not, Indian? The blood quantum policy is undoubtedly a self imposed recipe for extinction. If tribes were to maintain the required blood quantum of their members from generation to generation, they would have to intra-marry (marry within the tribe) in an ever decreasing pool of people with the "appropriate" blood quantum level, giving rise to genetic diseases that would surely finish us anyway. So here is a very clever catch-22 imposed by the federal government with the sure outcome of our extermination. To prevent this, the only option is to change this policy and take control of how we determine who belongs to each of our Nations.
Another variable of the blood quantum issue that currently divides Indian Country is people that have mixed blood; Indian with white, African American, Asian and many other ethnicities. For hundreds of years Native people have been intermixing with many other cultures resulting in varied physical appearances. Many eastern tribes have people who are full blood tribal members and have lighter features than many western tribes. There are people that have been mistaken as being "white," by other native people, when if fact they are not. How is telling a mixed blood or non tribally recognized person that they are not Indian, any different than the racism that has happened to all Native people for 513 years? My response to that is simply, "I'm part white but can't prove it." It is bad enough that we continue to fight for our rights and what we are entitled to with the government, why continually fight each other? Today we continue to be suppressed, ignored and our cultures disrespected. The continual division in Indian Country over tribal gaming, dis-enrollment issues and blood quantum issues could ultimately destroy us. If everyone would unite as one people, one nation, we would become stronger and more powerful. This would be a step forward in ensuring as Indian people we don't loose our ways, or let them succeed in the pursuit of Native People's extinction. Written by: Tamra Brennan Director of NDN News
"helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga PLEASE visit that blog too.
Pechanga Disenrollment: Today's Genocide
Beautiful article written by Tamra Brennan of www.NDNnews.com about the genocide that tribes like Pechanga practice on their people:
http://www.ndnnews.com/Tribal%20Dis-Enrollment%20Issues.htm
Please visit her site and tell your friends where they can find NDNnews.
Today's genocideTribal dis-enrollment and the blood quantum issue are spreading throughout Indian Country like a deadly cancer, eating away the cells of our existence. Tribal gaming has attributed to and brought the dominant cultures disease, greed. Before the existence of tribal gaming, tribes suffered from poverty, unemployment, apathy and no sense of a brighter future to come. The sudden wealth that tribal members have experienced has forced them into a new realm they have never known. California gaming tribes pay their enrolled members amounts up to $45,000 a month in gaming revenues. Tribal gaming has ignited old family feuds and corrupt leadership in several cases. If tribal members do not agree with council decisions they risk tribal dis-enrollment, in a few cases it has been entire families. This leaves more revenues available to divide among the remaining tribal members. This has become a lucrative benefit adding thousands of dollars in their corrupt pockets. Many of these reservations have non-Indians running their tribal councils. These people are part of families that were adopted into the tribe many years ago and have taken control, dis-enrolling families that have been on the reservation for generations. Many of the California Tribes have been severely affected by this epidemic, with approximately 1500 dis-enrolled tribal members and many more currently being threatened. Several tribes have diversified in their economy and have succeeded in benefiting their people. Many have invested millions of dollars in developing programs to care for elders, children, preserving their culture and language. Unfortunately, for some the other side is greed, which has resulted in tribes turning on each other, family feuds, hate, drugs, violence and attempted murder in several cases. Many of the dis-enrolled tribal members have filed lawsuits with the courts, have requested investigations from the B.I.A. and other agencies, only to continually be rejected or told it is a family issue not a federal issue. The dis-enrolled tribal members are left with nowhere to turn and to defend themselves. What this amounts to is, a modern day cultural genocide and is resulting in what we have been fighting since 1492, only now, it is Indians ~vs.~ Indians. We are falling into what the dominant society has been attempting to accomplish for hundreds of years; to conquer and divide. All Native people will be affected by this in the end. Our ancestors fought against genocide with thousands giving their lives to protect the way of life for the people. I think they would be disgusted and appalled with this disease that is tearing apart and dividing Indian Country. Our survival as Native people will only be achieved though unity and living as one people inhabiting Turtle Island. Tribal gaming should have strengthened tribal sovereignty, brought financial freedom to the people and given hope for the future generations. Instead in to many cases, it has brought disunity, greed and spiritual sickness. Some of these cases of tribal dis-enrollment have developed due to the blood quantum issues. Tribes can change their guidelines on what percentage constitutes being "Indian" and/or a tribal member. For generations tribes have mixed with other tribes, whites and many other cultures. A tribal member or entire family can possibly be dis-enrolled due to this change in policy, even if they have resided on the reservation for generations and can attest to their lineage. There have been dozens of cases of tribes being denied federal recognition by the B.I.A. because they can not prove their blood quantum. There are full blood Indians that can not get a tribal card because they either are not from a Federally Recognized Tribe, or they have mixed Native blood and do not have enough "blood" from one specific tribe to enroll. In these cases the bottom line is, you are told by the government, you are not recognized as being "Indian". One thought that comes to mind is; why is the B.I.A. still governing and determining who is and who is not, Indian? The blood quantum policy is undoubtedly a self imposed recipe for extinction. If tribes were to maintain the required blood quantum of their members from generation to generation, they would have to intra-marry (marry within the tribe) in an ever decreasing pool of people with the "appropriate" blood quantum level, giving rise to genetic diseases that would surely finish us anyway. So here is a very clever catch-22 imposed by the federal government with the sure outcome of our extermination. To prevent this, the only option is to change this policy and take control of how we determine who belongs to each of our Nations.
Another variable of the blood quantum issue that currently divides Indian Country is people that have mixed blood; Indian with white, African American, Asian and many other ethnicities. For hundreds of years Native people have been intermixing with many other cultures resulting in varied physical appearances. Many eastern tribes have people who are full blood tribal members and have lighter features than many western tribes. There are people that have been mistaken as being "white," by other native people, when if fact they are not. How is telling a mixed blood or non tribally recognized person that they are not Indian, any different than the racism that has happened to all Native people for 513 years? My response to that is simply, "I'm part white but can't prove it." It is bad enough that we continue to fight for our rights and what we are entitled to with the government, why continually fight each other? Today we continue to be suppressed, ignored and our cultures disrespected. The continual division in Indian Country over tribal gaming, dis-enrollment issues and blood quantum issues could ultimately destroy us. If everyone would unite as one people, one nation, we would become stronger and more powerful. This would be a step forward in ensuring as Indian people we don't loose our ways, or let them succeed in the pursuit of Native People's extinction. Written by: Tamra Brennan Director of NDN News
"helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?
Will Native American Rights Fund HELP those Disenrolled?
Paulina Hunter's MYSPACE blog asks the question: WILL NARF HELP THOSE who were disenrolled from Pechanga and whose civil rights were violated?
If not, WHY NOT? What would make them choose a corrupt government's side versus those who have been wronged?
Please check out that blog at: Paulina Hunter's blog
Pass it on to your friends and feel free to link back to my blogs.
If not, WHY NOT? What would make them choose a corrupt government's side versus those who have been wronged?
Please check out that blog at: Paulina Hunter's blog
Pass it on to your friends and feel free to link back to my blogs.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
KNBC Video on Pechanga Disenrollment
WITHOUT A TRIBE
The link has a compelling video, catching Mark Macarro in a lie right off. Please view and rate the video
The link has a compelling video, catching Mark Macarro in a lie right off. Please view and rate the video
Paulina Hunter Blog
Please check out Paulina Hunter's Blog on MYSPACE:
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
It also tells the tale of CORRUPTION at Pechanga
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
It also tells the tale of CORRUPTION at Pechanga
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