CANCELED
The blood quantum, the tribal method of citizenship determination, has a long and sordid history, with significant controversy over the seemingly simple question: “Who is Indian?” In 1924, tribes obtained the right to limited self-governance if the tribe enacted a constitution that was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Since that time, tribal sovereignty expanded, allowing tribes greater control over their constitutional structure. This constitution structure allows tribes to offer members rights and benefits that exceed those offered by the U.S. government. However, by reducing membership, a tribe might maximize both profit and benefits for remaining members. Anecdotal stories of systematic tribal disenrollment, following the development of successful business ventures or increased tribal resources, have been reported by the media in recent years. This paper examines the co-evolution of tribal citizenship, membership rights, and economic development to determine under what circumstances tribes expand rights or restrict citizenship, and the economic causes and consequences of such actions.
