The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has moved another step closer to the possible disenrollment of an entire family that traces its lineage back to one of the founders of the modern tribe. 

In a letter sent to family members last week, the tribe’s enrollment committee essentially reversed a decision made unanimously by previous committee members nearly 30 years ago. 

Mia Prickett is one of 78 descendants of Chief Tumulth now facing disenrollment. 

In 1855, Tumulth played an important role in the confederation’s founding as one of the signers of a key treaty with the U.S. government. 

Prickett says in 1986 the enrollment committee determined her family met the eligibility requirements of the tribe’s constitution.  She says it’s not clear why the committee is now reversing course.

“I can only think that they’re trying to skim down the numbers, that they’re trying to kick us quote unquote urban Indians out who, who don’t live on the reservation and this is the only way that they can do it,” said Prickett.

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s Siobhan Taylor said she’s unable to discuss individual cases because of confidentiality rules.

Tribal council is expected to act on the committee’s recommendation on April 30.