The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
Nearly 600 adult members of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California met on Saturday in hopes of resolving a leadership dispute and getting their casino reopened. According to two tribal leaders who have joined forces, the membership voted to affirm the so-called unification council. This body intends to submit an agreement to the National Indian Gaming Commission to reopen the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. "This was a historic moment for our tribe in charting a path to reopen our casino, to restore order to our government, to provide services to our members and to silence any group attempting to sew confusion and discord," Reggie Lewis, the co-chairman of the unification council, said in a press release. "As a proud people, the Chukchansi have had to endure hardship and harsh conditions in order to survive and the overwhelming support that the general council bestowed upon us as tribal leaders is an honor which we take seriously," added co-chair Nancy Ayala. Supporters of rival factions, however, were not pleased with the meeting or its results. According to The Fresno Bee, microphones were turned off whenever they tried to propose alternate solutions, such as an entirely new election. The casino closed last October following a dispute at the facility. A federal judge granted a permanent injunction at the request of the state and the NIGC issued a notice of violation and a temporary closure order to the tribe. Get the Story:
Chukchansi members recognize tribal governing body (The Fresno Bee 1/25)
Chukchansi members select leaders to reopen casino, administer elections (KFSN 1/24)
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