A new documentary, due for release later this year, 'You're No Indian', examines the contentious practice of Native American disenrollment, where tribes remove individuals from their membership rolls.
The film explores how this process has impacted thousands of people, fractured communities, and sparked debates about identity and sovereignty.
Donna Featherstone of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians argues in the film that the issue lies in flawed enrolment processes rather than disenrollment itself.
Her tribe's history includes violent conflicts in 2014 over enrolment disputes, highlighting how these issues divide communities.
"You shouldn't have to go through a huge book to find some thread," Ms Featherstone said.
"It's not a disenrollment problem. It's an enrolment problem."
Directed by Ryan Flynn, the film delves into these disputes and their far-reaching consequences.
Mr Flynn, who is not Indigenous, said his goal is to amplify the voices of those impacted and provoke dialogue.
"This isn't just an Indigenous issue; it's a human issue," Flynn told Native News Online.
He spent seven years documenting disenrollment battles, particularly in California and the Pacific Northwest.
Over the last 15 years, more than 11,000 individuals from 80 tribes have been disenrolled, often under contentious circumstances.
Disenrollment can result in the loss of access to healthcare, housing, education, voting rights, and financial benefits tied to gaming revenues.
Tribes argue disenrollment ensures the integrity of their membership by removing individuals who do not meet eligibility criteria.
Critics claim it is often used to silence dissent or consolidate resources among fewer people.
The film includes the story of Carla Foreman, a former member of the Redding Rancheria in California, who says her family was disenrolled despite DNA evidence confirming their lineage.
Foreman shares how the experience devastated her family, including her father, whose health declined after the decision.
The documentary also highlights how disenrollment isolates individuals, leaving many hesitant to speak out for fear of further consequences.
Mr Flynn noted that few proponents of disenrollment were willing to participate.
"It's hard to justify," he said.
'You're No Indian' was set to premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, but screenings were abruptly cancelled due to scheduling errors.
Mr Flynn suggested the cancellations could be linked to the subject matter, as the festival is near tribes involved in disenrollment disputes.
The festival had not commented at the time of publication.
The documentary is expected to stream soon, with Mr Flynn hoping it will raise awareness and encourage disenrolled members to share their experiences.
While tribal responses may vary, the film is likely to intensify the conversation around this divisive issue.