Tucson, AZ (May 11, 2015) - The editors of Arizona Law Review are pleased to announce the publication of Issue 57:1 which features the article "Curing the Tribal Disenrollment Epidemic: In Search of a Remedy" by Gabriel S. Galanda and Ryan D. Dreveskracht.
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of tribal membership, and the divestment thereof— commonly known as “disenrollment.” Chiefly caused by the proliferation of Indian gaming revenue distributions to tribal members over the last 25 years, the rate of tribal disenrollment has spiked to epidemic proportions and is without a remedy.
The article, using historic and contemporary case studies, details the federal government’s role in promoting disenrollment and describes how disenrollment operates in ways that are antithetical to tribal sovereignty and self- determination. In concludes with potential solutions to cure the tribal disenrollment epidemic.
“This article is the most important, and most thoroughly researched and argued treatment of the tribal disenrollment available in literature,” says Professor Robert A. Williams, Jr., Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona. He adds, “It is a must read for all of Indian country.”
Galanda is a 2000 graduate of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and is an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. He is a founding partner of the law firm Galanda Broadman, PLLC, in Seattle; his firm represents tribal governments, businesses and members in all varieties of dispute resolution and business matters.
Galanda's practice focuses on complex, multi-party litigation and crisis management, representing tribal governments and businesses. As an emerging leader in the legal profession, he was named to the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s “Native American 40 Under 40” lists.
Galanda also serves on the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy’s International Advisory Council. Galanda recently served as the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, lecturing on issues such as disenrollment and working with students.
Co-author Ryan D. Dreveskracht is a 2009 graduate of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. At Galanda Broadman, PLLC, his practice focuses on representing businesses and tribal governments in public affairs, gaming, taxation, and energy development.
Dreveskracht writes prolifically about matters critical to Indian country, and has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and law reviews. In 2013, he was named a “Rising Star” by the Super Lawyers rating service and Seattle Met Magazine.
Arizona Law Review is a student-edited journal that publishes four issues annually. "Curing the Tribal Disenrollment Epidemic: In Search of a Remedy" and archival issues can be viewed at www.arizonalawreview.org.
