National
BIA opens rolls of Calif. tribe to employees


The rolls of the Ione Band of Miwoks in California have expanded in recent years to include Bureau of Indian Affairs employees and their relatives, according to the Associated Press.

Amy Dutschke was acting director for the BIA's Sacramento Region when she authorized an election for the tribe. Soon after, Dutschke and 68 relatives joined the rolls.

Before the BIA approved the election, there were only about 70 members, according to the AP. Now, there are 535.

The newly enrolled members support a proposed casino but the older faction does not. The other faction claims the new members belonged to a terminated tribe.

The BIA just finished taking comments on a land-into-trust application for about 208 acres.

Get the Story:
Probe of Calif. Tribe's Membership Sought (AP 2/23)

Related Stories:
Landless tribe in Calif. faces obstacles for casino (02/03) Landless tribe in Calif. faces obstacles for casino (02/03)
Faction accuses 'imposters' of promoting casino (05/02)