The Bureau of Indian Affairs has stepped into a leadership dispute within the California Valley Miwok Tribe, also known as the Sheep Ranch Rancheria of Me-Weuk Indians.

On April 1, Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk reversed a decision that said Sylvia Burley was in charge. He says the BIA hopes to determine who the legitimate leader is within a few weeks, The Sacramento Bee reported.

So for now, hereditary chief Yakima Dixie says he's running the tribe. He regrets extending membership to Burley, who is his cousin.

At stake is federal funding, along with $7 million that the tribe is owed from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund. Other California tribes contribute a share of gaming revenues to help tribes without casinos and tribe with small facilities.

The California Valley Miwok Tribe doesn't operate a casino but Dixie and Burley are both interested in economic development.

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Tribe's legacy, riches at stake in battle over California Valley Miwok (The Sacramento Bee 4/7)