The leadership dispute involving the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians is becoming more common among gambling tribes as members battle for the power to control casino profits. In the latest turn, the newly elected tribal council at Chukchansi has been locked out of the tribal headquarters. The defeated tribal council simply refused to leave, and changed the locks, even though the election was certified.
In an editorial posted today, The Fresno Bee editorial board urges the Bureau of Indian Affairs to quickly determine the rightful members of the tribal council. While there are jurisdictional questions, the BIA can help sort this out by recognizing one faction or the other. After all, the BIA must deal with the tribe, and it appears the bloc in power was not properly elected.
The BIA says this is an internal matter between tribal members. That hands-off attitude is not helpful. There is much at stake, including a disenrollment campaign being waged by the group that retains control. At least 70 members of the tribe have been thrown off the rolls. The newly elected group would stop the disenrollment process.
I agree with the BIA. This is an internal matter between tribal members. Native Americans want to have soverignty then they will have to deal with the issues that arise under their jurisdiction. Having worked with Native American groups for over ten years (I admit I may have some bitterness), generally speaking, I have found there are two types of tribal members; those that actually care about their tribe and their heritage and those that only care about what being a member of tribe can get for them. I prefer the former and wish them the best.
Much at stake for who...a bunch of folks trying to score on the weakness of others to lift themselves up?...it's predatory welfare to me...I have no sympathy for either party and it just shows where their heart is at.
Are you talking about the gambling casino Brian... but I thought you liked capitalism??
Kim...not "Casino Capitalism"...it would be like supporting the "Drug Cartel" because they're making money...my brother-in-law and I went into Table Mountain ,after golf for the buffet,and the negative energy was overwhelming...depressing,extremely depressing.