"News that the federal Department of the Interior's Office of the Inspector General is investigating allegations of fraud involving the local Amah Mutsun tribe is encouraging.

If that investigation delays the application for federal recognition of sovereignty submitted by one faction of the tribe - the faction bent on developing the Sargent Ranch - so be it.

These claims involving forged documents, which might affect who controls the tribe, are serious charges that have the potential to involve millions of dollars. One faction, headed by Irenne Zwierlein, has submitted an application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and another faction, headed by Valentin Lopez, charges that her application includes forged documents."

Get the Story:
Sovereignty, But Not Fraud (The Gilroy Dispatch 12/13)

Amah Mutsun Recognition Bill:
H.R.3475

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

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Ohlones in California gather to promote culture (10/04)
Pombo orders review of alleged fraud in recognition bid (09/13)
Forgery alleged in Amah Mutsun recognition bid (8/30)
Editorial: Congress shouldn't micromanage BIA (8/26)
Tribal group joins fight over Gilroy development (09/17)