Leaders of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians in less disruptive times. Chairman Tex McDonald, back center, was among those reportedly suspended from office. Photo from Facebook

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians of California has been hit by another leadership dispute.

Five council members, including Chairman Tex McDonald, were suspended last night on ethics charges, an attorney said. That leaves just two people on the council, The Fresno Bee reported.

However, one of council members who was suspended said the ethics charges were only filed after members of the Ramirez and Wyatt families took over the tribal offices. Amanda Ramirez is one of the two remaining members of the council.

The tribe has been beset by leadership disputes for more than three years. Efforts by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address the dispute have failed.

Get the Story:
Chukchansi tribal council has another shakeup (The Fresno Bee 8/8)

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