Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
Paper Genocide (Lament of the Disenrolled Indian)
I'd like to present a song, written by my cousin, that expresses the sad situation of paper genocide practiced by Pechanga and other tribes in California.
A PAPER GENOCIDE (LAMENT OF THE DISENROLLED INDIAN) WORDS BY 'AMMOKAT: To the tune of Indian Reservation, originally by Paul Revere and the Raiders
WE WERE ONE INDIAN NATION
WHEN THEY PUT US ON OUR RESERVATION
WE WERE AT ONE WITH THE LAND
MADE OUR HOMES WHEN THERE WAS ONLY SAND
WE WERE ONE LAND WE WERE ONE TRIBE
NO CASINO JUST NATIVE PRIDE
BUT SOME OF OUR FRIENDS WE HAD FOR YEARS
CAUSED A PAPER TRAIL OF TEARS
CASINO PEOPLE
SHAMEFUL TRIBE
BETRAYED YOUR OWN
A PAPER GENOCIDE
JUST A FEW YEARS AGO
WE WERE ALL UNITED IN A COMMON GOAL
TO PAVE A WAY TO A BETTER LIFE
BUT OUR SUCCESS IT BROUGHT STRIFE
CASINO PEOPLE
SHAMEFUL TRIBE
DESTROYED YOUR OWN
A PAPER GENOCIDE
MAYBE SOMEDAY WHEN THEY'VE LEARNED
THEN THEIR PEOPLE WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Original Pechanga
Original Pechanga's Blog: Can Tribes Absolve The Federal Govt. of its Legal Agreements with Tribal Members by Disenrolling Them?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Munoa clan steps in on enrollment committee!!
Be careful Becky, do not ask to many questions, your family has been targeted by the CPP for disenrollment. The evil CPP has masterminded the coup of Pechanga government, and will not be content until their plan is completed.
We wish you luck, and hope your heart leads you in the right direction.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Journey at Pechanga
The Temecula reservation was set aside in the late 1882 and was desolate, no running water, and very little wood. Families were strapped and had to move to other reserves or urban areas just to survive. One thing is for sure, tribal identity was never misplaced. Through the probate process on allotted land, tribal elders would be interviewed to maintain correct records of tribal lands. This recorded oral tradition was adopted by the Temecula band for recognition of lineal descendants of original Temecula Pechanga People. However some people could not prove lineal descent through probate records or recorded depositions of elders so they decided to pick and choose what criteria would allow a person enrollment status. This criteria would change from person to person and has never been consistent as some people would leave you to believe.
Journey to Pechanga is awaiting it's review in hopes it will receive its spot in the top 100.
I say until the course reflects the true acts of a corrupt group, it should not be reviewed by anyone.
Sycuan received San Diego's number one golf course for 2008.
Journey at Pechanga deserves no rating at all.
Monday, November 24, 2008
San Pasqual Valley Kumeyaay
The BIA has been looking into this because the San Pasquel Band has a constitution that allows a third party to investigate tribal qualms. This feature will hopefully keep one faction from gaining control of the tribe , as the CPP has taken over Pechanga.
Whats happening at San Pasquel
Monday, November 17, 2008
We have rights
"The UN Declaration lays out the minimum human rights necessary for the “survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world.” These include the right of self-determination, protections from discrimination and genocide, and recognition of rights to lands, territories and resources that are essential to the identity, health and livelihood of indigenous peoples. The declaration also explicitly requires that these rights and protections are balanced with other rights and interpreted in accordance with the principles of democracy, justice, non-discrimination, good governance and respect for the human rights of everyone. " HERE
What about it Mr. Chairman Macarro, will you support our rights as indigenous people? The Pechanga enrollment committee under your direction, violated my families rights.
Monday, November 3, 2008
NAHACHISH
He went to Picha Awanga, Pichanga, 262 between Temecula and Warner's Ranch, and named that place. There were a lot of people there having a fiesta, and there was plenty of food. They passed everything to him, and there was a sort of mush of a light gray color. So he said, "My stomach is picha." So they called the place by that name.
Luiseno Religion
What make's you a Pechanga????
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Decrease in Per-Cap???
$5,000 is the number I've heard. Up to $10,000 by the New Year.
Karma has a way of taking care of things. The CPP has so devastated the tribe. It is a sad day for the rest of our people. Greed has sent bad blood through peoples hearts.
More to come.
I would like to know if anyone has heard about the IRS and Per-Cap Checks?
In all respect, I commend the Pechanga bands acceptence of a decrease in Tribal per-cap distribution. Allowing 25% of your per-cap to be deducted has allowed several hundred employees of Pechanga Resort and casino to keep their jobs, and is very good PR. The majority of Pechanga has good hearts. It is the few, that has lead Pechanga to where it is now. Do not let this few shame Pechanga anymore. Down with the CPP.
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Moratorium
The moratorium is illegal as it violates the bands constitution, which calls for open enrollment every January.
What Family or Clan are you from and how long have you been in the moratorium?
What are your feelings, and why do you think the illegal moratorium is in place?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Masiel Carjacks on the Casino Property
The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and is still outstanding. The Pechanga Casino area could be a dangerous proposition for customers.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What is the Enrollment committee doing?
Paulina Hunter's grandparents, as proved by the Temecula Band of Luiseno Indians from the Pechanga Reservation are the ONLY ones that mention Pechanga on their birth records. Notice how the name for the place is the TEMECULA RESERVATION? Pechanga is a PLACE.
Entire blog at:
www.originalpechanga.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
End of Tribal Sovereignty?
Are California’s Tribal Disenrollments the Beginning of the End of Tribal Sovereignty?
By
Original Pechanga
In the 21st Century, who would have thought that the Indian Wars would begin anew? This is not the war of racist whites who wanted to move west no matter who was hurt. This time, it’s greedy Indians who want more money, no matter which tribal members they hurt. The 21st century Indian War is now Indian vs. Indian. Tribes such as Pechanga of Temecula, Redding Rancheria, Jamul of San Diego, Enterprise Rancheria are violating their members civil rights, eliminating them from tribal rolls and denying them their part of the tribe. And because of California Tribe’s use of sovereignty, it can be “we just don’t like you” or “we don’t believe the evidence” (are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?),
In California’s Indian Country, wealthy casino tribes are gorging themselves with cash, the fruits of their casino, thanks to laws passed by the citizens of California. Prop 1A and Prop. 5 were passed overwhelmingly, thanks to ads that promised not to expand gaming and to help tribes with self reliance. To the California populace, this meant that tribes would be able to take care of their own membership. Those living in poverty would be brought forth; non gaming tribes would benefit from a fund that gaming tribes would contribute to. A ‘lifting of all boats’ if you will.
What has happened in that time has in fact helped some tribes. San Manuel of San Bernardino has developed their reservation from dirt poor to one of the wealthiest in the state and tribal members are definitely in the top 1/10th of income earners in California. And they are taking care of their people. Their population is limited, with fewer than 200 members. Morongo of Cabazon is another example of good governing.
Sadly, some tribes could not stand to share their good fortune. Visions of more money, or living at San Manuel standards blinded some with greed and envy.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians is one such tribe. Blessed with an excellent location near a freeway and with easy access and a growing population, the Pechanga Resort and Casino was successful and thriving.
With just over 1,000 adult members, the tribe was, by 2004 able to provide their members with a monthly per capita check of $15,000 and quarterly bonuses. Additionally, the tribe provided health care via Blue Shield, Dental, Eye and extra benefits for elders. Also included was educational assistance including college scholarships for which all was needed was a C average. Even John Kerry and G. W. Bush could have kept a scholarship.
But that wasn’t enough for a splinter group of band members, the Concerned Pechanga People. This group of extremists made threatening advances on tribal enrollment committee members, storming offices demanding that people be disenrolled. The disenrollment process was initiated in a Salem-witch-trial like atmosphere. Letters saying, “I think that family should be investigated” and “there is a person from OHIO that had the same name, we think it was their ancestor. Never mind that one of the ancestors under investigation had land on the reservation for well over 100 years, given to them from President McKinley. The process has been recounted in the article from Harpers “A Paper Trail of Tears” detailing the ouster of the family of the original headman of the Pechangas, Pablo Apis.
The evidence for Paulina Hunter’s family is detailed in “Without a Tribe” an investigative report from KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. The investigation went on for months and as recounted in the piece, Pechanga refused to speak to KNBC until the day before the airing. Comically, Pechanga had to buy a 30 second spot during February sweeps (a bit more costly) to tell their story. In watching the report, it was clear that Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro was caught in a lie, and he was called on it by anchor Colleen Williams.
The report featured noted anthropologist, Dr. John Johnson, curator of the Natural History Museum in Santa Barbara, and an expert in his field, possibly without equal. What is the significance of Dr. Johnson? Well, the Pechanga tribe hired him to research Paulina Hunter’s ancestry. They went for the best and he found the truth about Paulina; she was indeed Pechanga, “100%” he said. Now keep in mind that this gentlemen has worked with California Mission Indians for decades, heavily researching Las Padrones, the historical record of the priests of Mission San Luis Rey (from which Luiseno comes)
Some authors, who are concerned that sovereignty issues outweigh any damage to families of disenrolled, ask the question: Are they violating tribal law or US law, because US law wouldn’t apply to a sovereign nation. Well the answer is: They are violating tribal law. Pechanga’s constitution requires open enrollment every January with specific requirements for enrollment. There is no blood quantum required; the requirement is lineal descent from an original Pechanga person.
Pechanga has a moratorium in place which has kept new members from joining the tribe. The moratorium is not authorized in the constitution. There was a petition brought forth to the tribe, it was ruled valid and voted upon. The moratorium, unconstitutionally, was passed. The Tribal Council explained that “the people have spoken” and it’s now law until repealed. Later, when a petition was brought forth to end all disenrollment, it was ruled valid and voted upon, after the question of the Hunter family’s disenrollment process was brought up, Chairman Macarro said, “all means all”. The people voted to end all disenrollments. The will of the people was spoken. Months later, the tribe was sent a letter saying that the Hunter family disenrollment couldn’t be stopped by a vote of the people; they had to right to vote on enrollment matters. Okay so the people had a right to STOP new members coming in, but not to stop lifelong members from going out? I think this answers the question of violations of law.
This is sovereignty that is wielded like a club, not for the good of the members, but to their detriment.
These websites and blogs can help answer questions, and there will be more articles like this one.
Without a Tribe
http://www.pechanga.info/
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
http://www.tribalcorruption.com/
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/
Original Pechanga is a disenrolled member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Another Word on CPP GREED!
What is “good business”?
Some aspects of a “good business” are creating a profit that supports… Shareholders, Community, and maintains a labor pool that grows to meet demands.
I would like to argue that the 400 announced for layoff is a significant number. What about the other 200+ that have been terminated “at will” for the slightest mistakes that would have been overlooked just a couple of months ago? I would say that the core reason for this sudden reduction in labor is…
Fact: In July of this year enrolled tribal members had a reduction in monthly percapita. This is the first time since the inception of the casino percapita has dropped. This reduction in percapita has affected the tribe. The loss of $1,000.00/member/month over the age of 18 who receives percapita is reason for alarm. Now instead of clearing $30,000.00+/month/member over 18--July’s percapita reduced to $29,000.00/member.
In turn… This fact outraged the CPP’s who will never get enough. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the tribal hall at the June/July members meeting to hear the raised voices of CPP’s dismayed at this outrageous turn of events… down economy… loss of percapita…. building… building… less money… What do you mean less money? “WE HAVE TO MAKE CUTS” they cry…. Hoots and howlers rise out of the prison ward in the back of the room where the criminals sit for purpose to intimidate and over talking anyone who opposes their greed. Can you hear the “SIT DOWN”… “BOO”… “GET A LIFE”…
I would even say, given past experience, a few threats were made and Mark Maccaro asked the unruly to “take it outside”…
Answer this Original Pechanga People (OPP)…..
Tell a few more mistruths or outright lies Corrupt Pechanga People (CPP)…
Good Business Decision? Or Greed?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Concerned Pechanga People
The recent steps you have used to attack the Original Pechanga People is about to be exposed for all to see. I'm sure you thought you could use the sovereign shield of our village to escape prosecution. Unfortunately you and the small group you represent will be the bitter end to our freedom as native people. The use of elected positions, to commit a crime is not going to keep you immune from the law. Since there is no government body willing to stop the abuse of power within our community we have no where to turn, and we will use any means possible to bring you to justice. You made a mockery out of our constitution and bylaws. You used key government positions to spread lies and misinformation. You used the same positions to illegally terminate extended Original Pechanga families and keep them from voting in two tribal elections.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Who runs the tribe?
According to the letter signed by the Tribal council interpreting the will and voice of the people and its directive to the enrollment committee to continue with the disenrollment process, clearly shows violations of the Bands bylaws and Constitution. Only the people can determine membership rights. As they have decided on enrollment issues in the past including adoption into the tribe. The General membership also enacted the current moratorium on membership, illegal as it violated tribal law and custom. Only the General Membership can make decisions, the councils job is to follow them not interpret them.
What say you?
Friday, July 25, 2008
What happens here stays here!
The answer is YES!
You May or may not be aware that each time you cross from Pechanga Parkway onto the Casino you are essentially leaving US governed territories. Oh you didn't know! Well you should, and moreover you should be able to read what rights you are losing before you make that decision.
When you cross the border anywhere from the US there is a large sign telling you clearly that you are now crossing into another country and you are essentially governed by a different set of laws. When you step onto Casino property you are also leaving the US and you should read the following stories which may make you think twice before you do it again.
OP Blog
"Anonymous said...
Isn't it funny how they use the laws to suit them?...my Aunt was gambling at the Casino and 2 tribal girls got in a fight and threw their beer mugs at each other..one of the beer mugs crashed into my Aunts head...the Casino wouldn't even let the police come into the building...we all had to go outside in the street..the Casino wouldn't even offer to pay for any medical..and as we were waiting outside for the police...they snuck the 2 tribal girls out and said that they were banned from the Casino...and by the way...we were 7 Star players at the time and they totally blew us off..people should know that they have no rights inside these Indian Casino's...and now it sounds like even the cops have no rights...they didn't shoot them because they were Indians minding their own business...they were causing trouble and shooting guns..quit using the race card..."
Extracts taken from an article, "Some learn Indian justice the hard way".California tribes enjoy the same immunity from civil suits as that granted to foreign countries.By Stephen Magagnini -- Bee Staff Writer
"If you get into a car accident with a tribal employee on tribal business, are injured at an Indian resort or casino, or are fired without just cause, you can't sue the tribe in California court. If you're owed money in a business dispute or are sexually harassed, you can't sue, either.The tribes alone determine civil justice in Indian territory because, as sovereign nations, they enjoy immunity from civil suits -- the same immunity granted to states and foreign countries."
These are just a couple of instances. Feel free to post your thoughts.
One suggestion is:
"When you cross the border anywhere from the US there is a large sign telling you clearly that you are now crossing into another country and you are essentially governed by a different set of laws."
Do you think you should know what your rights are when you visit Pechanga or any indian Casino?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Posted Timeline
There are no tall tales the CPP can put out there to refute this line of events.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Incredible Shrinking Tribe
Pechanga has eliminated 25% of its enrolled membership and is still looking at ways to cut costs.
The next round of cost saving efforts will be the elemination of Full time employees. 1/3 of the Pechanga Resort and Casino employees are being targeted for expulsion, cutting the salaries and benifits to over 200 full time employees.
Well the actual Numbers just reported are up to 400 full time employees.
The economy was blamed for the near 9 percent trim on its workforce.“This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make since beginning operations,’’ Amy Minniear, president of the Pechanga Development Corp., said in a statement.“For months we have resisted the pressure to lay team members off,’’ Minniear said. “But because of the prolonged economic downturn, we must downsize in order to adjust to the current market conditions and position ourselves for success once the economy recovers.”The definite number of job cuts has not yet been determined, nor has the job type. Minniear noted that a comprehensive severance package, including outplacement services, would be developed.
Per capita payments are at stake, and struggling to stay the same. They are currently paying tribal members $30,000 a month. Instead of decreasing percapita payments because it's a "business" they will allow the terminations of Hundreds of full time employees.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Enrollment issues
To another view,
Yes corrections in memberships have been performed in Pechanga history. The corrections only involved individuals not entire extended families. Extended families that meet the Bands requirements as discovered by the Bands own hired expert Dr. John Johnson.Not only greed but a play for political power is the driving force behind tribal Factions such as the CPP (Concerned Pechanga People). This faction is full of criminals, and the FBI and BIA are fully aware of what is going on. The CPP by action will be the downfall of Pechanga.
San Pasqual tribe could expel about 80 members
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tribal Elections 2009
Mark Macarro 285-Elected
Andy Masiel 129
Gloria Wright 23
Dianne Aryanno 89-Elected
Donna Barron 197-Elected
Raymond Basquez Jr. 111
Marc Galac 234-Elected
Mark Luker 234-Elected
Linda Markstrom 109
Anthony Miranda 116
Brabdy Miranda 58
Russell "Butch" Murphy 236-Elected
Ken Perez 245- Elected
Gabriel Pico153-Elected
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Mediation OK'd in split by tribe on membership
Why could you not do the same thing for your tribe?
"The disagreement has split the tribe into two camps, which the Bureau of Indian Affairs is working to reconcile. "
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080717/news_1m17pasqual.html
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thank You!
Thank you for stopping in. It is important that we post our feelings. You may not agree with what I post, but your feedback is important.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MywHE6Nt4Fg
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Elders being denied health care, children being taken out of schools on the reservations, peoples houses being bulldozed over to make room for casino's. People, if this was happening anywhere beside Indian country you would stand up. We send troops overseas to put down dictatorships, why would we stand by and let this happen here?
Indians are having their Civil rights violated by corrupt governments. They try to spread this false information and hope these people die off and no one notices.
http://nativetimes.bizweb5.tulsaconnect.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=55
Saturday, July 12, 2008
WE HAVE THE TRUTH!
''The future preservation and prosperity of American Indians will not be decided in the halls of Congress or state legislatures, nor will it be adjudicated within the solemn chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court,'' said Anthony Pico, former chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. ''It will be decided in the court of public opinion. ''How we are viewed in the eyes of the nation - and our ability to deliver our message to the public, the press, elected officials and federal and state policy makers - is of crucial importance to our grandchildren, their grandchildren and future generations of Native Americans. ''Perception is reality,'' Pico continued. ''Truth is our ally. If we don't take steps necessary to promote and accurate image of contemporary Native America, if we do not tell our story completely and accurately to all who will listen, the pillars of economic, social and governmental progress tribes have begun building over the last 30 years will come crashing down around us. Sadly, I fear cracks are already growing in the foundation.''
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417707
What the CPP fails to have is TRUTH! They will be the downfall of Pechanga. For our Children, Grandchildren and all Future generations of Pechanga! We must expose the CPP, we have Truth on our side.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Pechanga Indian Removal Acts
Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Original Pechanga
The explosion of Indian Gaming in California has lead to some acts that tribes such as Pechanga Band of Temecula would like to keep as “family secrets.” Removing Indians from tribes, pronouncing them non-Indians, had the same effect as Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Acts had in 1830’s America. Get the Indians we don’t want or like out of the way.
In 2004 and 2005, as part of the Concerned Pechanga People’s Indian Removal Policy, members of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians were forced to give up their membership in the tribe whose reservation is in Temecula, CA. Life-long members, who have had land on the reservation for centuries were forcibly expelled from the tribe. This act of paper genocide has had devastating effects on 25% of the Pechanga people.
Elders no longer qualify for the health care that they lobbied the tribe to provide for all its members. The young are not allowed to attend the reservation’s school, being forcibly blocked and told to leave, much in the manner of the white racists who blocked black children from integrating schools in Little Rock in the 1950’s.
Those who were removed, face an unsecured financial future. Many worked for the tribe, were part of all events, meetings, have their dead buried in the Pechanga Cemetery. Now, that has ended. In order to increase the per capita ($15,000 per month at the time of the first removal) some of the descendents of Pablo Apis, the family of Manuela Miranda were terminated from the tribe. Per capita grew to $20,000 per month (plus bonuses) for those remaining, members of the Concerned Pechanga People initiated a misinformation campaign, one that has successfully terminated over 300 Native Americans of Pechanga descent at the time of the second removal (the descendents of Paulina Hunter.) The per capita is now reportedly $40,000 per month.
Blood relatives are banished from the reservations, families who are no longer in the tribe, but live on the reservation property that they’ve owned since the late 1800’s live in fear that the tribe will take away their water, which has been threatened by some of the remaining tribal members. Will Pechanga really turn off their lifeblood, as easily as they took away their civil rights? It’s not difficult to think so, after the atrocities that the CPP have already committed.
The Concerned Pechanga People
This is the group of people that let the blackness of greed take over their hearts and minds.
The Splinter Group
This group is an offshoot of the 1980’s Splinter Group, led by Russell Murphy and assisted by Frances Miranda and Ihrene Scearse (later on the enrollment committee and committed to removing tribal members). Non-enrolled members of Pechanga, they started attending meetings and disrupted the regular goings on of the business. They announced that they were separating from the band and forming their own Tribe. They petitioned the BIA to recognize them, but the BIA refused.
With few exceptions, no member of the splinter group applied for membership because they knew they could not meet the constitutional requirements established by the Pechanga Band.
The actions of the splinter group raise legitimate questions: Are they really Pechanga? Are they able to document their lineal descent from an Original Pechanga Temecula Person as the Pechanga Bands Constitution and Bylaws require? Did they figure that disruption of tribal matters was the way to go?
This is not the portrait of a tribe in need, asking the people of California to allow tribes to have Las Vegas type gaming such as portrayed in the Prop. 1A and Prop. 5 television commercials of the 1990’s. This is about power, greed and violations of civil rights, voting rights, and elder abuse. It’s about tribal governments wielding sovereignty like a club and it’s about individual Indians that have nowhere to turn for justice.
I’ll explore this more in future posts, with thoughts on expanded gaming in California and what it feels like to be told you aren’t who you know you are.
- Original Pechanga
Terminated Member of The Pechanga Band of Mission Indians
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
10 Things you can do
1. Call, Write, and Email your Congressional representatives and tell them that the violations of human rights and civil liberties must be stopped and the violators must be prosecuted.
2. Write letters to the editors of your local newspapers describing the violations of human rights and civil liberties occurring in Indian Country.
3. Boycott Indian Casinos owned by those tribes whose tribal officials have violated the human rights and civil liberties of its citizens and customers.
4. Get others to boycott with you.
5. Stand beside those who have been wronged - walk the protest lines.
6. Speak out about the injustices occurring in Indian Country. Don't hide behind the fear "that you might be next".
7. Stand up to your tribal leaders and show them that you won't tolerate being a part of creating another era of dishonor and genocide against Indian People. Do not hide behind the shame of what is being done to your family and friends
8. Join and support the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization or any other organizations that work to promote, protect and preserve human rights and civil liberties in Indian Country.
9. Persuade local business and community leaders not to accept Casino money from tribal officials that violate the human and civil rights of any individual.
10. Support and encourage those who have had their human rights and civil liberties violated by tribal officials.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Who is next?????
Occasionally, the OP blog will have guest bloggers. Today my cousin Wiaasal has a contribution. Thank you cousin.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The CPP part 1
The Splinter Group
What is the Splinter Group? Who are its members? What is its relationship to the so called Concerned Pechanga People? Why did they spearhead the Pechanga disenrollments?Here is some information about the Splinter Group and the Concerned Pechanga People and their role in the most recent disenrollments of legitimate Pechanga tribal members.
The information provided is available to the public and can be obtained from federal agencies through the Freedom of Information Act process. All quotes are taken directly from tribal and government documents obtained through the FOIA process.Origins of the Splinter Group
In 1978 the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians adopted a Constitution and By Laws and an Enrollment procedure, all of which were to become effective on January 1, 1979. During 1979, the Band began operating under its Constitution and By Laws and began its first full year of accepting enrollment applications.Everything went smoothly with these various processes until about mid-1980 when a small group of dissident individuals led by BM began attending meetings and opposing everything that the Band had been working for the past ten years. This group voiced its opposition in the name of “custom and tradition.”
They so disrupted the regular Band meetings that nominations for the tribal council elections could not be held and had to be postponed until March of 1981 with the election to follow in April.In the meantime, in October, 1980, BM and his followers announced that they were breaking away from the Band and forming their own tribe. So, in January, 1981, they held their own elections and elected a spokesman and four council members, none of whom were enrolled members of the Pechanga Band. This self appointed “tribe”, whom the Pechanga Band referred to as the “splinter group”, then went to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and requested formal recognition as the official Pechanga Band.
This recognition was granted the splinter group in spite of the fact that (1) the Council members were not enrolled tribal members; and (2) the BIA had been previously advised that this was just a splinter group; and (3) the real Band’s election was to be held in April, not in January.After the Pechanga Band’s April election, the real Pechanga Band was once again recognized by the BIA.However, BM, leader of the splinter group, appealed the decision of the BIA to recognize the Pechanga Band’s duly-elected council pursuant to the April 25, 1981 election.
The Pechanga Band expended significant effort in responding to BM’s Appeal. This was necessitated by the fact that BM’s Appeal “shows an alarming and blatant disregard for the true facts. That appeal document …is replete with half truths, lies, misstatements and misinformation, and as such is wholly irresponsible”.
Please stay tuned for MORE information.
http://www.pechanga.info/
Open Letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern and Los Angeles Lakers Owner Dr. Jerry Buss
The Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly and KNBC News have done numerous stories detailing the activities of the tribe, including “Tribal Flush: Pechanga People Disenrolled En Masse.” and “Without a Tribe” reported by Colleen Williams of KNBC.
- The Pechanga Band has eliminated 25% of its citizenship and denied them due process, equal protection under tribal and federal laws, in violation o
of the Indian Civil Rights Act.
- The tribe stripped elders of their health care benefits and access to the tribal clinic.
- Forcibly removed the children of some members from the tribal school.
- 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. In violation of its own Constitution and the ICRA, Pechanga tribal officials breeched their duty.
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/