Factions of Ione Band continue long-running feud

Thursday, February 8, 2007  

Rival factions of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians continue to fight over leadership of the California tribe.

Matthew Franklin is the Bureau of Indian Affairs-recognized chairman. Nicolas Villa Jr. claims to represent the historic tribe.

The two sides claim the other one is illegitimate. Franklin's faction wants a casino but Villa is opposed.

Villa most recently claimed that the Indian Health Service found E.coli in the water system that serves tribal members. But the county says no problem has been detected.

Get the Story:
Possible water contamination sullies ongoing Indian dispute (The Amador Ledger-Dispatch 2/7)

$rl Ione Band of Miwok Indians - http://www.ionemiwok.org

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