A report being evaluated by the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights concludes the the Coast Miwok Tribe of California experienced "indirect prejudice."

Tribal members submitted 38 examples, including newspaper letters and editorials, to bolster claims of racism. Panel members evaluated them based on a "pyramid of hate." Indirect prejudice is the lowest level.

The tribe, also known as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, is being criticized for seeking a casino. Residents wrote things like "Indian speak with forked tongue," "Go back to your Indian land," "The only good Indian is a dead Indian," and "Dead Indians upcoming" on informational cards the tribe sent out.

The human rights panel will vote on accepting the report March 15.

Get the Story:
Summary: Tribe victim of prejudice (The Santa Rosa Press Democrat 3/2)

Relevant Links:
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria - http://www.coastmiwok.com

Related Stories:
Calif. panel members dispute tribe's claim of racism (2/23)
Panel to investigate tribe's hate crimes complaints (2/19)
Calif. county to consider anti-Indian sentiments (01/27)
Calif. tribe accuses county of ignoring racism (1/26)