A tiny California tribe with just a handful of adult members can engage in gaming on its rancheria, the National Indian Gaming Commission ruled on June 30.

In a memorandum [Link], the NIGC's acting general counsel said casino proposed by the Buena Vista Band of Me-Wuk Indians satisfies the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The casino is located on Indian lands and the tribe, which was terminated illegally, has jurisdiction over those lands, the memo stated.

The tribe consists of one woman, who serves as chair, and another woman and her adult children. A feud erupted when the two women each claimed control.

Lobbyists and lawyers representing the women waged a high-stakes battle that eventually led to the firing of former Bureau of Indian Affairs deputy Wayne Smith, and a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing [Witness List | Video].

The dispute was later settled with Rhonda Morningstar Pope taking control. Before he was ousted, Smith was prepared to uphold a decision that recognized Pope as the legitimate leader.

A Republican operative working for Donnamarie Potts, Pope's rival, claimed credit for a campaign against Smith that suggested he was using his influence to help a former business partner land clients.

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Indian gaming panel backs casino (The Sacramento Bee 7/9)
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