Two Council Members of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians locked themselves in the tribal offices, changed the locks and put up chains on the gates. Council Chairman Reggie Lewis and Council Member Chance Alberta, say they're reviewing election results. But angry members of the tribe claim they're refusing to step down after they were voted out of office and accuse them of corruption.
"All i want is tribe. I want to be Indian and I want my children to be Indian," said Paul Livingston, a Chuckchansi Tribe member.
"I'm here because were doing things legal, so we can be installed," said Harold Hammond Sr., one of the newly elected Council Members.
Those who voted for the new council members say they oppose the disenrollment of tribe members, that has been happening under the old leadership. They say it's happening because of one reason. "One hundred percent nothing else, greed. They want all the money from that thing over there," said Livingston. "That thing" being the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino.
Council Chairman Reggie Lewis, one of the two men that was reportedly voted out of office, says one of the people who was elected is not eligible for office. He would not clarify if it is Harld Hammond Sr. or Dixie Jackson. According to Lewis the elections have nothing to do with disenrollment or money.
"Well that's just an allegation, you're going to hear that from the people who are dissatisfied with the way we are doing things. But we're not doing anytihng illegal," said Lewis.
Lewis says according to Tribal Law, there must be a new election and those results must be validated. Until then, the old council will stay in office. But members who support the newly elected officials say they both meet all the critiria.