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Members of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians are continuing their fast at the state Capitol building in Sacramento, California.

The fast started a week ago last Tuesday. Tribal members are drawing attention to their failed bid to open a casino off the reservation.

"We're tired and hungry and suffering," John Cassell, one of the participants, told The San Bernardino Sun.

Francine Kupsch, the tribal secretary, is also taking part. She was featured prominently in advertising campaigns in support of Indian gaming.

But now she feels abandoned by wealthier tribes, who have opposed her tribe's off-reservation casino. "They don't even want to acknowledge that we're brothers and sisters. In Indian country, that's sad," she was quoted as saying.

The fast will continue until state lawmakers approve the compact or until August 31, the last day of the legislative session.

Get the Story:
Tribal protest persists (The San Bernardino Sun 8/23)
Casino Tribes Try to Keep Entire Pot (The Los Angeles Times 8/23)
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