New leaders of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California were seated on Monday night but the tribe appears no closer to reopening its shuttered casino.
The election of seven council members was aimed at ensuring the stability of the tribe following the closure of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on October 9, 2014. But rival factions continue to dispute the results, with some not recognizing the new leaders at all.
"It was illegal, and we don’t believe in the results," Luke Davis, the leader of one faction, told The Fresno Bee.
Two separate challenges to the election were rejected last week, the Bee reported. That led to the inauguration ceremony at the Oakhurst Community Center last night.
The tribe needs approval from the state and the National Indian Gaming Commission to reopen the casino.
It remains closed under a preliminary injunction requested by the state and a notice
of violation and a temporary closure order issued by the NIGC.
Get the Story:
Chukchansi tribe seats new council
(The Fresno Bee 10/27)
Election oversight committee upholds Chukchansi election
(The Fresno Bee 10/23)
Related Stories:
Chukchansi
Tribe accused of illegal vote and casino preparations (10/07)
Chukchansi
Tribe picks leaders and hires gaming commissioners (10/5)
Chukchansi
Tribe heads to vote as casino closure hits one year (10/2)
Chukchansi
Tribe brings on former NIGC chairman Phil Hogen (9/25)
Chukchansi
Tribe sees departure of last gaming commissioner (9/22)
Chukchansi
Tribe sees three departures at gaming commission (9/18)
Chukchansi
Tribe won't be able to reopen casino in September (9/16)
Chukchansi
Tribe revamping casino in anticipation of reopening (09/04)
Chukchansi
Tribe still aiming for reopening of casino this month (9/1)
Chukchansi
Tribe aims to reopen shuttered casino next month (8/17)
Chukchansi
Tribe hosts job fair amid hopes of reopening casino (07/29)