You're only an Indian if the government says so

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Posted by Daffodil J. Altan in Main

November 28, 2007 12:35 PM

Permalink | Comments (4)

Forget that the Juaneno Indians helped build Mission San Juan Capistrano, or that they had a very real and very different name (the Acjachemem) before the Spanish renamed them after the Mission, or that they've been around for 9,000 years. The federal government just ain't buyin' it.

The blow came today, when the The Bureau of Indian Affairs rejected two separate applications for federal tribal recognition by members of the Juanenos, which were once scattered all over Orange County.

Recognition as a tribe would have guaranteed the Juanenos federal money for schools and health care and would have permitted the tribe to buy land and build a casino on that land. But the Bureau said tribal members did not meet four of the seven criteria required for recognition. Tribal members have fought in the past, not surprisingly, over whether to build a casino. The group is now divided into two factions, one in San Juan Capistrano and the other in Santa Ana.

At least one person, Rep. John Campbell (R-Irvine) is convinced all the tribe wants is recognition so that they can build a casino. He's done what he can to block their federal recognition, including introduction of a bill that would block any newly recognized tribe from building a casino for 25 years. He's even considering a bill that would block all future tribes from receiving federal recognition.

Juaneno tribal members say they will continue with their appeals to the Bureau, which they initiated when they first began the long process for recognition in 1982. Read past coverage of the Juanenos in the Weekly here.

Pictured: Jacque Nuñez, a 'living history character,' courtesy of www.sanjuancapistrano.net.

Comments (4)

JSerra Catholic HS says:
November 28, 2007 19:30

The Juaneno tribal members are the indians that were gracious enough to compromise with the JSerra Catholic HS creators .... Where were they when the Juaneno tribe needed support? Or, is this just another Republican power game?

Dean Whinery B. says:
November 28, 2007 20:14

Since the Catholic Diocese of Orange is the landlord at Mission San Juan Capistrano, one would think the descendents of the actual builders could get at least a little public support from the Bishop's office. Didn't the plate just pass for the Human Development fund?

Isn't there at least the price of a stamp there for a letter of support of the Juaneños?

Casino or no casino, they were here, they are here, and God willing, they will continue to be here.

Bob Squalonero says:
November 29, 2007 07:02

Another, appropriate title for this blog would be, "You're Only An Indian If It's To Uncle Sam's Financial/Political Advantage To Say So". ;-)

Juaneno member says:
December 8, 2007 21:43

I am very happy to see comments like these. most comments people leave say good now no casino, go sip rum in your teepees, its very hurtful. thank you guys for that much support. it is open comment period if you want to write a letter in our support!!

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