A woman claming to be the leader of a tiny California tribe isn't talking amid questions over her legitimacy.

Silvia Burley joined the California Valley Miwok Tribe in 1998. She brought along her two daughters and her granddaughter, boosting the tribal membership to a whopping five people.

Burley later became chairwoman of the tribe, taking control from Yakima Dixie, who is currently serving some jail time. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs doesn't recognize Burley as the legitimate leader.

Burley's lawyer says questions about the tribe's status are not valid. The tribe is federally recognized and was once subject to termination.

The lawyer says Burley will remain quiet about a proposed casino until a deal is reached. The tribe is looking at land near Gilroy, to the objection of another tribe.

Get the Story:
A look into Miwok Tribal history (The Gilroy Dispatch 7/7)

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