NIGC seeks dismissal of Chukchansi Tribe leadership lawsuit

Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Filed Under: California | Litigation | NIGC
More on: bia, chukchansi

The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a faction of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California.

Morris Reid, who says he is chairman of the tribe, sued the NIGC in late March. He claims the agency failed to approve the gaming ordinances that were submitted by his faction.

The NIGC, however, says Reid is not the legitimate leader of the tribe. A mix of two factions led by Nancy Ayala and Reggie Lewis are in charge, the agency said in a motion to dismiss.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has recognized Ayala as chair and Reid as vice chair. Those two leaders continue to dispute each others' legitimacy -- Ayala controls the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino while Reid controls the bank accounts.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians v. Stevens.

Get the Story:
Federal officials want dismissal of Chukchansi faction’s lawsuit (The Fresno Bee 6/18)

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