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
Less Than Two Weeks Remaining For Open Enrollment to Pechanga Tribe: Get your applications in NOW
Open Enrollment to the Pechanga Tribe, according to their constitution, is in January. Call for Application. If they tell you there is a moratorium, simply ask them how that could be with the constitution saying open enrollment. The Pechanga Tribal Council has ruled that the people can't overrule the constitution on membership issues, therefore, the moratorium would be illegal.
The Pechanga Bylaws and Constitution provide for OPEN ENROLLMENT each January, despite their claims that their is a moratorium. If you believe you belong in the tribe, you should request an application. If the tribe believes in their guiding constitution, you should rightfully be enrolled if you can prove your bloodlines
The address from the Pechanga website for contacting their Tribal Government is:
Pechanga Enrollment Committee
PO BOX 1477
Temecula, CA 92593
(951)770-6000
fax: (951) 695-1778
The Pechanga Bylaws and Constitution provide for OPEN ENROLLMENT each January, despite their claims that their is a moratorium. If you believe you belong in the tribe, you should request an application. If the tribe believes in their guiding constitution, you should rightfully be enrolled if you can prove your bloodlines
The address from the Pechanga website for contacting their Tribal Government is:
Pechanga Enrollment Committee
PO BOX 1477
Temecula, CA 92593
(951)770-6000
fax: (951) 695-1778
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Fresno Bee Editorial: North Fork Casino Shopping Plans Should Be Stopped
The Fresno Bee gets it right
The North Fork tribe and Stations Casinos of Las Vegas want to build a 200-room hotel and casino on 305 acres at Avenue 17 and Highway 99. It would include 2,500 slot machines, and other gambling options.
Attempting to build a casino on a major California freeway is nothing more than reservation shopping by the tribe and its Las Vegas sponsors.
They correctly believe that it would be a lucrative location because of the freeway access throughout the San Joaquin Valley. But the amount of gambling revenue generated shouldn't be a consideration.
If this casino site is approved, other tribes will be given an incentive to go reservation shopping in populous areas of the state. That was never intended by California voters when they approved measures more than a decade ago to expand Indian gaming in the state.
The North Fork tribe could remedy this situation by seeking land in a rural area closer to its traditional homeland. The proposed site on Highway 99 is 38 miles from North Fork.
Gov. Brown should move quickly to oppose the Highway 99 proposal. It's time to end this unwise plan to expand Indian gambling.
Read the full editorial
The North Fork tribe and Stations Casinos of Las Vegas want to build a 200-room hotel and casino on 305 acres at Avenue 17 and Highway 99. It would include 2,500 slot machines, and other gambling options.
Attempting to build a casino on a major California freeway is nothing more than reservation shopping by the tribe and its Las Vegas sponsors.
They correctly believe that it would be a lucrative location because of the freeway access throughout the San Joaquin Valley. But the amount of gambling revenue generated shouldn't be a consideration.
If this casino site is approved, other tribes will be given an incentive to go reservation shopping in populous areas of the state. That was never intended by California voters when they approved measures more than a decade ago to expand Indian gaming in the state.
The North Fork tribe could remedy this situation by seeking land in a rural area closer to its traditional homeland. The proposed site on Highway 99 is 38 miles from North Fork.
Gov. Brown should move quickly to oppose the Highway 99 proposal. It's time to end this unwise plan to expand Indian gambling.
Read the full editorial
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Larry Echohawk Complies with Judges Order to Reinstate San Pascual Disenrolled, But Places Their Per Capita in Escrow
Larry Echohawk apparently is able to screw those San Pascual members, under guise of following the IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) saying in his 3 page order that paying per capita, while their fate is still uncertain is a violation of the IGRA.
Larry Echohawks Order can be read here
They are all still tribal members except they won't get paid. Nice Larry.
Larry Echohawks Order can be read here
They are all still tribal members except they won't get paid. Nice Larry.
Monday, January 16, 2012
In an era where Pechanga Tribe created homeless, Agua Caliente helps the homeless
Pechanga, well known for stealing benefits and per capita from 25% of their tribe, leaving some to lose their homes, gets schooled by Agua Caliente on how to treat people.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage has donated $17,000 worth of clothing to Martha's Village & Kitchen, a charity geared toward helping the homeless get back on their feet.
The garments that will be donated are resort uniforms that include male and female suits, blouses, shirts, ties, and work pants in colors and styles that are either not used by Agua Caliente any longer or were discontinued by its vendors.
Lorena Landeros, manager of Agua Caliente's wardrobe department, spearheaded the clothing donation.
Landeros also volunteers at Martha's Village and says she's seen firsthand what a difference these types of donations can make
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage has donated $17,000 worth of clothing to Martha's Village & Kitchen, a charity geared toward helping the homeless get back on their feet.
The garments that will be donated are resort uniforms that include male and female suits, blouses, shirts, ties, and work pants in colors and styles that are either not used by Agua Caliente any longer or were discontinued by its vendors.
Lorena Landeros, manager of Agua Caliente's wardrobe department, spearheaded the clothing donation.
Landeros also volunteers at Martha's Village and says she's seen firsthand what a difference these types of donations can make
Santa Ysabel Order to Pay San Diego County $3 million after reneging on their agreement
Edward Sifuentes of the North County Times has the story
A North County tribe was ordered last month to pay the county $3 million for failing to make payments for public safety and other services under an agreement signed in 2005, according to court documents.
The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians struck the agreement with San Diego County in January 2005 as a condition of the tribe's gambling deal with the state.
The money was supposed to help pay for the off-reservation effects of the casino, including additional law enforcement, emergency and fire services.
The payments were also supposed to help pay for gambling addiction programs and the prosecution of casino-related crimes.
Santa Ysabel Casino opened in April 2007 but apparently failed to generate the kind of revenue the tribe anticipated. OP: Apparently means that the books are not open and the tribe self-audits
According to the county, the tribe never made any payments, about $600,000 a year.
After nearly three years of missed payments, the county asked for arbitration negotiations in January 2010, according to court documents.
Attorneys for the tribe did not dispute that Santa Ysabel owed the county money, but they said it owed less, according to court documents
OP: Well, at least we didn't hear about sovereignty being used to justify non payment....yet. The tribe also qualified for $1.1 million PER YEAR in payments from larger tribes. That should have been used to pay for services.
A North County tribe was ordered last month to pay the county $3 million for failing to make payments for public safety and other services under an agreement signed in 2005, according to court documents.
The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians struck the agreement with San Diego County in January 2005 as a condition of the tribe's gambling deal with the state.
The money was supposed to help pay for the off-reservation effects of the casino, including additional law enforcement, emergency and fire services.
The payments were also supposed to help pay for gambling addiction programs and the prosecution of casino-related crimes.
Santa Ysabel Casino opened in April 2007 but apparently failed to generate the kind of revenue the tribe anticipated. OP: Apparently means that the books are not open and the tribe self-audits
According to the county, the tribe never made any payments, about $600,000 a year.
After nearly three years of missed payments, the county asked for arbitration negotiations in January 2010, according to court documents.
Attorneys for the tribe did not dispute that Santa Ysabel owed the county money, but they said it owed less, according to court documents
OP: Well, at least we didn't hear about sovereignty being used to justify non payment....yet. The tribe also qualified for $1.1 million PER YEAR in payments from larger tribes. That should have been used to pay for services.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Chukchansi Indians FIGHT to Control Tribe: Two Faction, One, the Elected Winners, Other Wants to Steal Power
Marc Benjamincontinues his fine reporting of the Chukchansi tribal election debacle and the ineffectiveness of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Two groups claim to be in charge of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indianstribal council. One holds meetings in a private banquet room on the top floor of the Chukchansi Gold Casino, self-exiled from the tribal council building. The other has been meeting 12 miles away in an Oakhurst community hall, trying to figure out how to take control of the tribal government.
The distance between their meetings is symbolic of the wide gulf separating the two sides after a contested election last month.
The key issue dividing them: disenrollments based on bloodlines. The group meeting in the casino favors disenrollment, while the Oakhurst group opposes it.
OP: A correction, one opposes THIS disenrollment, but was for some previous disenrollments. We posted an OP/ED from Cathy Cory, who set us all straight in an OP/Ed in the Sierra Star News: Bring all the Chukchansi People Home…
Who's in charge?
The two tribal councils claim to be legally elected. But for now, only one of them has the power to issue checks, sign contracts and continue the work of tribal government -- the group led by Reggie Lewis, who was voted out in last month's election.
His group claims the election was tainted because one ineligible candidate won election. The tribe's election committee then invalidated the election and scheduled a new one, over the objection of committee vice chairwoman Rockele Lutz. Ten days later, Lutz lost her job at the casino, and she and her family are among about 150 Chukchansi who face disenrollment, tribal members say.
OP: If the election is a fraud then the two who were ousted should ALSO not have a vote on the council as their terms expired.
BIA's role
Today, the federal government takes pains not to intervene because tribes have constitutions and are sovereign nations within the U.S.
Only five tribes of the 55 in the BIA Central California jurisdiction are in a category that allows for BIA intervention.
Even in tribes where the agency can intervene, the BIA has chosen a hands-off approach. Last month, for example, it took a federal judge to overturn disenrollment of members of the San Pasqual tribe in Southern California; the BIA had not intervened in the disenrollment.
OP: MAYBE IT'S time to further cutback the BIA's budget since they seem unwilling to get involved. Why are they getting their full salary? DO SOMETHING! Stand up and be counted. Get our federal dollars back from this tribe that enrolled "fake" members. With interest.
Two groups claim to be in charge of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indianstribal council. One holds meetings in a private banquet room on the top floor of the Chukchansi Gold Casino, self-exiled from the tribal council building. The other has been meeting 12 miles away in an Oakhurst community hall, trying to figure out how to take control of the tribal government.
The distance between their meetings is symbolic of the wide gulf separating the two sides after a contested election last month.
The key issue dividing them: disenrollments based on bloodlines. The group meeting in the casino favors disenrollment, while the Oakhurst group opposes it.
OP: A correction, one opposes THIS disenrollment, but was for some previous disenrollments. We posted an OP/ED from Cathy Cory, who set us all straight in an OP/Ed in the Sierra Star News: Bring all the Chukchansi People Home…
Who's in charge?
The two tribal councils claim to be legally elected. But for now, only one of them has the power to issue checks, sign contracts and continue the work of tribal government -- the group led by Reggie Lewis, who was voted out in last month's election.
His group claims the election was tainted because one ineligible candidate won election. The tribe's election committee then invalidated the election and scheduled a new one, over the objection of committee vice chairwoman Rockele Lutz. Ten days later, Lutz lost her job at the casino, and she and her family are among about 150 Chukchansi who face disenrollment, tribal members say.
OP: If the election is a fraud then the two who were ousted should ALSO not have a vote on the council as their terms expired.
BIA's role
Today, the federal government takes pains not to intervene because tribes have constitutions and are sovereign nations within the U.S.
Only five tribes of the 55 in the BIA Central California jurisdiction are in a category that allows for BIA intervention.
Even in tribes where the agency can intervene, the BIA has chosen a hands-off approach. Last month, for example, it took a federal judge to overturn disenrollment of members of the San Pasqual tribe in Southern California; the BIA had not intervened in the disenrollment.
OP: MAYBE IT'S time to further cutback the BIA's budget since they seem unwilling to get involved. Why are they getting their full salary? DO SOMETHING! Stand up and be counted. Get our federal dollars back from this tribe that enrolled "fake" members. With interest.
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