Faction calls on BIA to intervene in Chukchansi Tribe dispute

Monday, April 29, 2013  

One faction of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California wants the Bureau of Indian Affairs to intervene in a tribal leadership dispute.

Reggie Lewis claims he is the rightful chairman of the tribe. He says the Obama administration should recognize his leadership.

"A hands-off approach is not working and the longer the federal government waits to act, the more harm that will be done to tribal members and our business partners," Lewis said in a press release last week.

But a rival faction led by Morris Reid has an appeal pending with the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, The Fresno Bee reported. That prevents the BIA from taking action, a spokesperson for the agency told the paper.

A third group led by Nancy Ayala also claims to be in charge.

Get the Story:
Tribal faction attempts to reshuffle Chukchansi council (The Fresno Bee 4/28)

Rival faction of Chukchansi Tribe disputes outcome of petition (4/25)