The tribal council and the gaming board of the Yakama Nation of Washington are trading allegations over the operation of the tribe's casino.

The tribal council voted 9-4 to suspend the five-member gaming board. The council accused the board of overstepping its authority by distributing casino profits directly to tribal programs, taking over hiring and firing at the casino and buying office furniture and hiring new attorneys.

But members of the gaming board said they are being penalized for seeking an outside audit of the casinos funds. They said casino profits aren't going to tribal programs as they should.

Tribal leaders defend the action, saying it was recommended by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Allegedly, one board member refused to submit to a drug test.

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Yakima Nation suspends tribal casino board of directors (AP 10/20)