Two former council members of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians have signed disenrollment letters to nearly 200 Chukchansi people. The questions include: HOW do these two people have ANY authority in this matter. And WHY wouldn't the BIA step in to halt this abuse of sovereignty?
AND they were signed by only two Picayune tribal council members--the recently ousted Reggie Lewis, Chair, and Jennifer Stanley, Secretary.
Even without the dispute of who actually comprises the "true"
tribal council, the aforementioned letter violates Picayune's own enrollment policy, which states that it takes a 2/3 vote by tribal council for anyone's disenrollment at Picayune.
This should make any action of disenrollment null and void.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
After Stealing $350 MILLION from Its People, Pechanga Will Pay Out $100,000 in Slot Tournament attempt to set record
Interesting PR piece. The largest slot tournament with a payout of $100K total. Yet not getting news, is the fact that Pechanga has pulled off one of the largest thefts in California's Indian Gaming Country: http://www.originalpechanga.com/2011/09/follow-money-per-capita-theft-by-tribal.html Over $350 MILLION has been stolen by the tribe, from rightful members who have had their tribal citizenship stripped. That doesn't include what they've kept from rightful members via an unconstitutional moratorium.
The violations of civil and basic human righs is staggering, as a tribe that practices APARTHEID: http://www.originalpechanga.com/2010/09/does-mark-macarros-tribal-council.html is not called out on it by civil rights groups such as the NAACP and ACLU.
I think that the people of CA should make this attempt a failure. Do not stand with civil rights abusers.
Read puff piece on tourney here
The violations of civil and basic human righs is staggering, as a tribe that practices APARTHEID: http://www.originalpechanga.com/2010/09/does-mark-macarros-tribal-council.html is not called out on it by civil rights groups such as the NAACP and ACLU.
I think that the people of CA should make this attempt a failure. Do not stand with civil rights abusers.
Read puff piece on tourney here
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Gambling Addicts Aren't Smoking Addicts: SECOND HAND SMOKE IN TRIBAL CASINOS A Danger
Many commenters have complained about the smoke in casinos. Pechanga claims to have one of the most advanced air cleaners, but isn't it like having a NO PEEING section in the swimming pool?
Is second hand smoke only dangerous at non-tribal business entities?
San Diego Reader has the full article
Some casinos, such as Pechanga, boast about their air-circulation/ventilation systems. “Ventilation systems may improve odor, but do not remove the serious health risks caused by secondhand smoke exposure,” says Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. “Casino workers even in a ‘well-ventilated’ casino have [metabolized nicotine] levels 300 percent to 600 percent higher than employees in other smoking workplaces during a work shift.”
Is second hand smoke only dangerous at non-tribal business entities?
San Diego Reader has the full article
Some casinos, such as Pechanga, boast about their air-circulation/ventilation systems. “Ventilation systems may improve odor, but do not remove the serious health risks caused by secondhand smoke exposure,” says Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. “Casino workers even in a ‘well-ventilated’ casino have [metabolized nicotine] levels 300 percent to 600 percent higher than employees in other smoking workplaces during a work shift.”
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Is the Snoqualmie Tribal Council as Inept As The Obama Administration, or Just Corrupt
The BIA came looking to our blog yesterday, for information on the Snoqualmie Tribe's enrollment audit. It piqued my interest, so I asked my friend from Snoqualmie what it could be about, and here's that response:
Yes - our "illegal" tribal council is conducting their own enrollment audit. Our constitution calls for an annual meeting and elections every May. This last May they refused to hold the meeting and the elections because they said they had to do an "enrollment audit".
Of course, they will be the only ones to see the result and everyone is just expecting to get a form letter saying they have 30 days to contest each individual results - you will have to make an appointment, which everyone knows will be difficult to get.
It's just another way for those in power to stay in power another year or longer without elections - most of our council's terms have expired but the non-tribal administrator and their attorney's want to keep this "puppet" government in place for their own benefit - purely exploitation and fraud!
Isn't it interesting how the BIA is good at getting rid of Indians, but not at controlling the corruption?
We have links on the right sidebar that tells the Snoqualmie Story >>>
Yes - our "illegal" tribal council is conducting their own enrollment audit. Our constitution calls for an annual meeting and elections every May. This last May they refused to hold the meeting and the elections because they said they had to do an "enrollment audit".
Of course, they will be the only ones to see the result and everyone is just expecting to get a form letter saying they have 30 days to contest each individual results - you will have to make an appointment, which everyone knows will be difficult to get.
It's just another way for those in power to stay in power another year or longer without elections - most of our council's terms have expired but the non-tribal administrator and their attorney's want to keep this "puppet" government in place for their own benefit - purely exploitation and fraud!
Isn't it interesting how the BIA is good at getting rid of Indians, but not at controlling the corruption?
We have links on the right sidebar that tells the Snoqualmie Story >>>
Monday, January 23, 2012
Indian Tribes Betting BIG on Jerry Brown to RAISE OUR TAXES. How about they pay their "fair share"? Those living on the Reservation pay NO STATE TAXES.
Remember when the tribes tried to keep Californians from voting?
Now, many tribes are behind Jerry Brown's plan to RAISE OUR TAXES. It's not enough that so many are out of work, or that many of the tribes have take our per capita from us to the tune of $500 billion.
KNBC has the story:
Gov. Jerry Brown's campaign workers have been on the streets less than a week, gathering signatures to qualify his temporary tax proposal for the November ballot.
But already, it's apparent that some California gaming tribes are placing a big bet on Brown's plans.
They are among a handful of deep-pocket donors that, collectively, have contributed more than $1.4 million to the governor's ballot committee in recent weeks.
Data available on-line from Secretary of State Debra Bowen show that, at this early stage, the tribes are kicking in some serious cash.
The list of large contributors includes the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, who kicked in $100,000. The San Pablo Band also contributed $100,000.
The Morongo Band of Indians, which operates a big casino near Palm Springs, wrote a check for $25,000. And the California Tribal Business Alliance, which represents several tribes that operate casinos, gave $75,000.
Read MORE
Now, many tribes are behind Jerry Brown's plan to RAISE OUR TAXES. It's not enough that so many are out of work, or that many of the tribes have take our per capita from us to the tune of $500 billion.
KNBC has the story:
Gov. Jerry Brown's campaign workers have been on the streets less than a week, gathering signatures to qualify his temporary tax proposal for the November ballot.
But already, it's apparent that some California gaming tribes are placing a big bet on Brown's plans.
They are among a handful of deep-pocket donors that, collectively, have contributed more than $1.4 million to the governor's ballot committee in recent weeks.
Data available on-line from Secretary of State Debra Bowen show that, at this early stage, the tribes are kicking in some serious cash.
The list of large contributors includes the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, who kicked in $100,000. The San Pablo Band also contributed $100,000.
The Morongo Band of Indians, which operates a big casino near Palm Springs, wrote a check for $25,000. And the California Tribal Business Alliance, which represents several tribes that operate casinos, gave $75,000.
Read MORE
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Redding Rancheria's ANNIVERSARY of SHAME: Foreman family on 8 years of Termination
Much of the latest news on disenrollment focuses on the despicable Picayune Rancheria, but this month marks the eight year of terminations for the Foreman family. We have detailed their story before, but Carla Foreman Maslin shares her story with us. You can look in on their family website the fine TribalCorruption.com, which has a lot of stories about the shameful acts on Indian people, perpetrated BY Indians
From Carla:
I remember this month as every year it comes to haunt me. This month January 2004 is when my family's tribe, the Redding Rancheria, unjustly dis-enrolled my whole family.
We are true lineal descendants thru my great grandmother Virginia "Lela" Ortis-Timmons. As Martin Luther King Day recognizes civil rights, I can't help but think of my sister Debbie during this time.
She was fired by the Redding ...Rancheria as she was the last "Foreman" family member standing in her job. They have been trying to get her out for some time. Debbie worked for the Indian Health Service for almost 40 years. She started as a young single mother & stayed working for the Native American community long before the Redding Rancheria got it's tribal status. She is a California Pit River Indian on her Father's side. She was very dedicated to the people & watched many of the patients grow from babies to adults.
Debbie's rights as a tribal member was violated along with her family in 2004, and now her rights are violated as an employee & to think she was voted "Employee of the Year" just prior to her tribal dis-enrollment. Debbie went to work with her head up everyday under the tyranny. A place that is supposed to be healthy for the employees & patients is now an unhealthy place & to think it is funded by federal dollars.
I find that when a Health Director who was hired to do the dirty work & has a past of embezzelment, sexual harrassment, lying & cheating, it will all become even more unhealthy for the patients. I never thought that I would be so ashamed of my tribe. Debbie & I served on the tribal council as we were voted in for many terms & we always wanted things to be done right with moral & ethical values for the people. I love my sister & many patients are upset about this injustice.
Prayers to my sister & may the Creator make her a stronger woman & bless her for standing strong in the face of the evil injustice & betrayal.
Read More about the Foreman family HERE and follow the links
From Carla:
I remember this month as every year it comes to haunt me. This month January 2004 is when my family's tribe, the Redding Rancheria, unjustly dis-enrolled my whole family.
We are true lineal descendants thru my great grandmother Virginia "Lela" Ortis-Timmons. As Martin Luther King Day recognizes civil rights, I can't help but think of my sister Debbie during this time.
She was fired by the Redding ...Rancheria as she was the last "Foreman" family member standing in her job. They have been trying to get her out for some time. Debbie worked for the Indian Health Service for almost 40 years. She started as a young single mother & stayed working for the Native American community long before the Redding Rancheria got it's tribal status. She is a California Pit River Indian on her Father's side. She was very dedicated to the people & watched many of the patients grow from babies to adults.
Debbie's rights as a tribal member was violated along with her family in 2004, and now her rights are violated as an employee & to think she was voted "Employee of the Year" just prior to her tribal dis-enrollment. Debbie went to work with her head up everyday under the tyranny. A place that is supposed to be healthy for the employees & patients is now an unhealthy place & to think it is funded by federal dollars.
I find that when a Health Director who was hired to do the dirty work & has a past of embezzelment, sexual harrassment, lying & cheating, it will all become even more unhealthy for the patients. I never thought that I would be so ashamed of my tribe. Debbie & I served on the tribal council as we were voted in for many terms & we always wanted things to be done right with moral & ethical values for the people. I love my sister & many patients are upset about this injustice.
Prayers to my sister & may the Creator make her a stronger woman & bless her for standing strong in the face of the evil injustice & betrayal.
Read More about the Foreman family HERE and follow the links
Friday, January 20, 2012
Woman Convicted of Stealing Pechanga Casino Prize WInnings Pleads Guilty
You can't even enjoy winning at Pechanga, when thieves are around. If the security guards don’t beat you down, or get carjacked by a tribal member, the scammers come after you.
A woman who stole a Pechanga casino jackpot winner's prize money by convincing the victim she could invest it for an easy profit, in what turned out to be a scam, pleaded guilty today to grand theft and was immediately sentenced to three years probation.
Josefina Tuyet Nguyen, 40, of Westminster could have faced four years in prison had a jury convicted her of the single felony count.
Under a plea deal with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Nguyen dodged jail time in return for agreeing to make full restitution to the victim. Deputy District Attorney Paul Svitenko said the plea agreement was not expected, and the defense made the offer.
Superior Court Judge Elaine Johnson ordered the Department of Probation to conduct an analysis of the defendant's finances to determine her ability to repay the money and over what period of time.
According to sheriff's officials, Nguyen was present last March when a 43-year-old Temecula woman gambling at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula won $50,000.
Nguyen approached the victim, whose identity was not released, and began spinning a yarn about how the woman could make $20,000 to $30,000 in a few months by backing an exporting venture, said Sgt. Patrick Chavez.
The defendant and victim became well-acquainted, he said, and the latter was eventually persuaded to provide Nguyen with $40,000 of her winnings for the enterprise, which purportedly involved shipping electronics to Vietnam.
A woman who stole a Pechanga casino jackpot winner's prize money by convincing the victim she could invest it for an easy profit, in what turned out to be a scam, pleaded guilty today to grand theft and was immediately sentenced to three years probation.
Josefina Tuyet Nguyen, 40, of Westminster could have faced four years in prison had a jury convicted her of the single felony count.
Under a plea deal with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Nguyen dodged jail time in return for agreeing to make full restitution to the victim. Deputy District Attorney Paul Svitenko said the plea agreement was not expected, and the defense made the offer.
Superior Court Judge Elaine Johnson ordered the Department of Probation to conduct an analysis of the defendant's finances to determine her ability to repay the money and over what period of time.
According to sheriff's officials, Nguyen was present last March when a 43-year-old Temecula woman gambling at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula won $50,000.
Nguyen approached the victim, whose identity was not released, and began spinning a yarn about how the woman could make $20,000 to $30,000 in a few months by backing an exporting venture, said Sgt. Patrick Chavez.
The defendant and victim became well-acquainted, he said, and the latter was eventually persuaded to provide Nguyen with $40,000 of her winnings for the enterprise, which purportedly involved shipping electronics to Vietnam.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Unelected Chukchansi Tribal Council Members BANISH Elected Officials
Carmen George of the Sierra Star News has another good article on the latest in the shameful saga of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians
We have posted articles from Carmen: Chukchansi Disenrollments Confirmed… and Chukchansi Issues Termiantion Letters…
In her latest article, karma has come back to strike at some elected tribal officials, who were fine with OTHER members being disenrolled. But now, they cry foul when they are BANISHED.
Following an election last month that ousted Chukchansi tribal council chairman Reggie Lewis and treasurer Chance Alberta, letters signed by Lewis have been sent to winners of the election stating they are to be stripped of all tribal benefits and services for 10 years, excluded from all Chukchansi meetings for five years and forced to pay restitution and expenses associated with the disruption of a tribal meeting Dec. 26.
At least 16 letters are believed to have been sent out, said Morris Reid, the newly-reelected chairman who also received one of the banishment letters.
The letters state members violated an "anti-violence" ordinance by disrupting the Dec. 26 tribal council meeting.
Opposition arose from many tribal members at the meeting when they were told the council they elected would not be allowed to take their seats Dec. 26 as scheduled. An announcement was made that a new February election was scheduled for one of the four seats after an appeal against a winner was filed. Until that time, the existing council would continue to serve, Lewis said
It seems the POLICE believe there was no violence:
Madera County Sheriff's Department deputies were present at the Dec. 26 meeting to ensure the peace was kept. Erica Stuart, department spokesperson, said there was no violence at the meeting that would have warranted detaining anyone. Only one official complaint was filed with the department regarding pushing and shoving, Stuart said.
The BIA admits it's ineffective and unnecessary:
"BIA is more or less an administrative body in dealing with contracting programs for these things that have to come through us for review and approval, but they are minimal," said Troy Burdick, superintendent of Central California Bureau of Indian Affairs in a previous story. "Most of the tribe's handle their own affairs pretty much on their own
Read the full article at the Sierra Star News
We have posted articles from Carmen: Chukchansi Disenrollments Confirmed… and Chukchansi Issues Termiantion Letters…
In her latest article, karma has come back to strike at some elected tribal officials, who were fine with OTHER members being disenrolled. But now, they cry foul when they are BANISHED.
Following an election last month that ousted Chukchansi tribal council chairman Reggie Lewis and treasurer Chance Alberta, letters signed by Lewis have been sent to winners of the election stating they are to be stripped of all tribal benefits and services for 10 years, excluded from all Chukchansi meetings for five years and forced to pay restitution and expenses associated with the disruption of a tribal meeting Dec. 26.
At least 16 letters are believed to have been sent out, said Morris Reid, the newly-reelected chairman who also received one of the banishment letters.
The letters state members violated an "anti-violence" ordinance by disrupting the Dec. 26 tribal council meeting.
Opposition arose from many tribal members at the meeting when they were told the council they elected would not be allowed to take their seats Dec. 26 as scheduled. An announcement was made that a new February election was scheduled for one of the four seats after an appeal against a winner was filed. Until that time, the existing council would continue to serve, Lewis said
It seems the POLICE believe there was no violence:
Madera County Sheriff's Department deputies were present at the Dec. 26 meeting to ensure the peace was kept. Erica Stuart, department spokesperson, said there was no violence at the meeting that would have warranted detaining anyone. Only one official complaint was filed with the department regarding pushing and shoving, Stuart said.
The BIA admits it's ineffective and unnecessary:
"BIA is more or less an administrative body in dealing with contracting programs for these things that have to come through us for review and approval, but they are minimal," said Troy Burdick, superintendent of Central California Bureau of Indian Affairs in a previous story. "Most of the tribe's handle their own affairs pretty much on their own
Read the full article at the Sierra Star News
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