A faction of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California says tribal members have resolved a leadership dispute through a petition.

The petition asked tribal members to affirm Reggie Lewis as chairman of the council. According to the faction, 337 people signed the petition, more than the 225 required by the tribal constitution.

Lewis is one of three tribal leaders who have claimed control of the tribe. The petition says Nancy Ayala, one of the rival leaders, has been suspended.

“Ultimately, it is up to the general council consisting of all tribal members to determine the governing body of the tribe and that is exactly what happened," Lewis said in a press release that was quoted by The Central Valley Business Times.

In another press release, the Lewis faction said it has started tribal court proceedings against Ayala and her supporters. Ayala has been controlling the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, which missed a $12 million bond payment earlier this month.

A partial payment of $10 million was made in order to satisfy bondholders.

Get the Story:
Chukchansi’s governance goes to a vote (The Central Valley Business Times 4/23)

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Chukchansi Tribe faction makes partial gaming debt payment (4/18)