Rival faction of Chukchansi Tribe disputes outcome of petition

Thursday, April 25, 2013  

A leader of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California is disputing a petition that was circulated by a rival faction.

The petition asked tribal members to affirm Reggie Lewis as chairman of the council. According to his faction, 337 people signed the petition, more than the 225 required by the tribal constitution.

But Nancy Ayala, who also claims to control the tribe, says the petition was a sham. Tribal members were told to sign it in order to pick up their per capita checks, The Sierra Sun reported.

"This statement from the Lewis faction is pure fiction," Ayala said in a press release quoted by the paper.

A third group, led by Morris Reid, is also vying for control of the tribe.

Get the Story:
Tribe still struggling (The Sierra Star 4/24)
Chuckchansi governance dispute still rages (The Central Valley Business Times 4/24)

Group claims petition resolves Chukchansi leadership dispute (4/23)