Tribes back Agua Caliente Band in contribution case

Friday, January 19, 2007  

Eight California tribes have filed petitions with the California Supreme Court to support the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

The Agua Caliente Band asked the court for a rehearing in a campaign finance case. The justices, by a 4-3 ruling, said the tribe can be sued a state agency for failing to report their political contributions.

Tribal advocates have criticized the ruling. Normally, tribes can't be sued without their consent or without a waiver from Congress. In this case, there is neither.

The files filing the petitions are the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, the Yurok Tribe, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe, the Greenville Rancheria of Maidu Indians and the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians.

Get the Story:
Amicus curiae briefs filed for Agua Caliente tribe (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 1/19)

California Supreme Court Decision:
Agua Caliente Band etc. v. Super. Ct (December 21, 2006)

Lower Court Decisions:
FPPC V. Santa Rosa Indian Community (October 27, 2004) | Agua Caliente Band v. FPPC (March 3, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - http://www.aguacaliente.org
Fair Political Practices Commission - http://www.fppc.ca.gov

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Editorial: California tribes must play by the rules (1/2)
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California's top court to hear tribal contribution case (09/07)
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