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Authorities questions status of tiny California tribe
Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Federal authorities are questioning whether a tiny California tribe seeking a casino near Gilroy has been properly organized.

The California Valley Miwok Tribe only has five adult members. One, the son of the last recognized member, is in prison. The other four were "adopted" into the tribe.

Silvia Burley, one of those adopted, is now running the tribe. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs refuses to recognize her as the legitimate leader. Yakima Kenneth Dixie, the one in prison, says he never gave control to her.

The U.S. Attorney is apparently investigating. Burley has submitted a deposition, The San Jose Mercury News reports. The BIA said in a declaration that the tribe has never been "organized."

The tribe was formerly known as the Sheep Ranch Rancheria. The name change was approved during the Clinton administration.

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