PORTLAND, Ore. – An Oregon woman says 86 members of her family have been disenrolled from an American Indian tribe that operates the state's largest tribal casino, as leaders review the tribe's rolls and enforce new enrollment requirements.
Family spokeswoman Mia Prickett says she's shocked about being stripped of membership from the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, since one of her ancestors was a chief who signed a treaty that helped establish the tribe.
The council that governs the 5,000-member tribe had been considering disenrolling the family for nearly a year, saying they no longer satisfy enrollment rules.
Grand Ronde officials declined to confirm the number of people removed or exact reasons for removal, citing the "confidential nature" of enrollment proceedings.
Those removed lose health care and housing benefits, educational assistance and about $3,000 annually in casino profits.
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