Rival factions of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California are once again battling for control of the tribe.

One group consisting of the Ramirez and Wyatt families has claimed control. They have named their own council, headed by Chairwoman Nancy Ayala.

But a different council, headed by Reggie Lewis, says it's in charge. The group claims to have suspended Ayala.

The Ramirez/Wyatt group has taken over the tribal offices, drawing the attention of local law enforcement. Some 25 officers were sent to the reservation last night as a precaution, The Fresno Bee reported.

"There will not be a repeat of last year. One way or another they are going to have to work out their differences and they have to do it peacefully," a spokesperson for the Madera County Sheriff told the paper.

A year ago this month, rival factions of the tribe ended up in a violent clash. Supporters of the Lewis group were part of the dispute.

This Ramirez/Wyatt group went to federal court to claim leadership authority. But a judge dismissed the case, which was an attempt to reopen the Tillie Hardwick v. US litigation.

Get the Story:
Law officers converge on Chukchansi offices as tribal factions clash (The Fresno Bee 2/27)
Tribal leadership split at Picayune Rancheria (The Sierra Star 2/27)
Fresno State panel on Chukchansi issues set (The Central Valley Business Times 2/27)
Tensions Flare on Tribal Land, Officers Surround Complex (CBS47 2/26)
Chukchansi Indian dispute brings law enforcement (KSFN-TV 2/26)

Related Stories:
Picayune Rancheria continues enrollment purge with another 43 (12/6)