Kevin Gover is employed as a consultant to a small California tribe he recognized in one of his last acts as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

On December 29, 2000, Gover signed a decision to put the Koi Nation / Lower Lake Rancheria of California back on the list of federally recognized tribes. He concluded the tribe was never terminated by Congress although its rancheria was sold.

BIA staff questioned the decision, with recognition chief R. Lee Fleming saying it might violate the law. Fleming and his staff also objected to other recognition decisions by Gover.

The Koi Nation is stirring up controversy with its proposal to build a casino near the Oakland airport. The tribe's "restored" status could make it easier to have land for the project placed in trust. The tribe has 53 members.

Get the Story:
Father of a Nation (SF Weekly 3/2)

From the Indianz.Com Archive:
BIA reaffirms status of three tribes (January 2, 2001)

Relevant Links:
Koi Nation - http://www.koination.com

Related Stories:
Tribe's Bay Area casino proposal stirs debate (02/08)
Oakland City Council votes against casino project (01/12)
Oakland city officials wary of proposed casino (01/11)
Opponents blast Lower Lake Rancheria casino bid (12/17)
Another small California tribe seeks Bay Area casino (10/07)