National | Politics

Leadership controversy continues within Chukchansi Tribe





Members of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California voted in a dispute election on Saturday.

Chairman Reggie Lewis, who was voted out of office in December, won a seat on the council. The tally was 447-64 according to news reports.

However, as many as 40 tribal members weren't allowed to vote. They were told that they couldn't enter the casino premises, where the election was held, because they were reportedly involved in a clash there late last month.

Lewis is due to be sworn back onto the council later this month. He will be joined by Morris Reid, Dora Jones and Dixie Jackson, who were elected in December.

Reid claims Lewis is illegally holding onto power.

Get the Story:
Chukchansi vote to fill tribal council vacancy goes to Reggie Lewis (The Fresno Bee 3/10)
Chukchansi Election Doesn't Settle Fight (KMPH-TV 3/11)
Chukchansi Tribe Election Stirs Up More Controversy (KSEE-TV 3/11)
Chukchansi election complete, controversy continues (KFSN-TV 3/11)

Related Stories:
Members of Picayune Rancheria to vote in disputed election (3/8)
Cooling off period ends for rival factions of Picayune Rancheria (3/6)
Chukchansi factions agree to extend cooling-off thru weekend (3/2)
BIA agrees to mediate Chukchansi Tribe's leadership dispute (3/1)
Editorial: Plenty of blame to go around in Chukchansi dispute (3/1)
Chukchansi factions cooling off after clashes at headquarters (2/29)
Chukchansi faction occupies tribal headquarters in dispute (2/28)
Disenrollment affects Picayune Rancheria leadership fight (2/27)
Rick Cuevas: Disenrollments nothing short of tribal terrorism (2/17)
Opinion: Quit being sovereign and just become Americans (02/24)
BIA won't get involved in Chukchansi disenrollment dispute (2/10)
Opinion: BIA intervention required for Chukchansi dispute (02/02)

Join the Conversation