Chukchansi Tribe missing out on funds amid leadership dispute

Tuesday, September 3, 2013  

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California is missing out on millions of dollars in federal funds due to its leadership dispute.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is withholding $2 million from the tribe because it doesn't know who's in charge. The Environmental Protection Agency is withholding about $318,000.

Both agencies say they won't release the funds until the Bureau of Indian Affairs identifies who is in charge. Two factions -- one led by Nancy Ayala and the other by Reggie Lewis -- each claim to be in control while a third led by Morris Reid also claims to be in charge.

Get the Story:
Federal funds held due to Chukchansi tribe battle (The Fresno Bee 9/3)

BIA asked to intervene in Chukchansi Tribe leadership dispute (07/11)