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MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2003

The White Mountain Apache Tribe of Arizona is suing the non-Indian woman who started part of last year's devastating Rodeo-Chediski Fire, which destroyed more than half of the reservation.

The civil suit against Valinda Jo Elliott was filed in tribal court. The six-count complaint seeks up to $4,500 in fines. The tribe lacks criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians.

Elliott started the Chediski portion of the fire while she was wandering around tribal forest land. A tribal member who started the Rodeo fire was indicted on federal arson charges.

Get the Story:
White Mountain Apache Tribe Files Suit (AP 6/27)
DUI jail time for 'Chediski' fire starter (The Arizona Republic 6/28)

Relevant Links:
White Mountain Apache Tribe - http://www.wmat.nsn.us

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