California tribes clash over off-reservation casino

Tuesday, September 14, 2004  

Two California tribes are at odds over one tribe's proposal to build an off-reservation casino near Gilroy.

The five-member California Valley Miwok Tribe is eyeing land for a large casino resort. The tribe has no reservation.

But the Amah-Mutsun Ohlone Tribe is saying no way. The tribe, which is not recognized, says Gilroy is its ancestral territory. Tribal members say the Miwoks are motivated by "greed" in the pursuit of the casino.

The Miwoks are under scrutiny because chairwoman Silvia Burley joined the tribe under odd circumstances. After bringing in her three children and grandchildren, she wrested control of the tribe from a convict who was considered the "last" descendant.

Get the Story:
Local tribe unhappy with casino proposal (The Hollister Free Lance 9/14)
CRAPS takes on casino (The Hollister Free Lance 9/14)