printer friendly version
LA Times: Explosion of wealth changes Chumash Tribe
Friday, December 3, 2004
The Los Angeles Times runs a front-page story on the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and how the tribe has been affected by the success of its casino.
Tribal members lived in poor conditions for much of the past 300 years. The Chumash population was reduced by 90 percent by the mid-1800s, the result of disease, encroachment and the removal of tribal ancestors from traditional lands.
The situation didn't improve even after a reservation was established in Santa Barbara County for the Santa Ynez Band. Attempts to generate revenue through bingo and other ventures failed until the tribe turned to slot machines. Then the profits started rolling in.
Each month, every enrolled member receives a per capita check of nearly $30,000. Only those who have at least one-fourth Chumash blood qualify for the payment, leading to disputes among families and attempts to remove some people from the rolls.
Some elderly tribal members feel guilty for the newfound wealth and the homes, cars, properties and lavish lifestyle it created. Other members have had trouble managing the money.
Get the Story:
A Life of Payouts, Not Handouts
(The Los Angeles Times 12/3)
Username:
indianz, Password:
indianzcom
Blood Feuds Over Lineage (The Los Angeles Times 12/3)
Username:
indianz, Password:
indianzcom
Relevant Links:
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians -
http://www.santaynezchumash.org
Related Stories:
Neighbors fear Chumash Tribe's development
plans (11/24)
Chumash Tribe still
in talks for major development (10/05)
Editorial: The never ending Indian wars in
California (06/30)
Residents challenge
county to fight Chumash Tribe (06/16)
Chumash Tribe's development deal stirs
opposition (06/07)
Davy Crockett actor
under fire for working with tribe (05/17)
Chumash Tribe to turn land into housing
community (03/16)
Once outspoken, county
official now mum about tribe (03/23)
County official won't resign for calling tribe
uneducated (03/10)
Elected official
called Calif. tribe unsophisticated (3/5)
Copyright © 2000-2004 Indianz.Com
