Chukchansi dispute becomes violent

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Author(s): 
The Madera Tribune

Sheriff intervenes after fights, stabbing

By Charles Doud and Janice Ware

COARSEGOLD — An election dispute between two factions of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians grew more violent Monday night and early Tuesday until Sheriff John Anderson intervened and both sides in the argument left the tribal administration building across Picayune.

The tribal administration building had been occupied Sunday night by followers of Tribal Council members who had been elected Dec. 3, but locked out of tribal administration facilities since Dec. 26 over disagreement about whether the Dec. 3 election was valid.

At least one side in the feud wasn’t happy with the sheriff’s intervention.

“We think what happened today was unlawful,” said Morris Reid, who was elected chair by the new council. “The sheriff has no authority on tribal land.” ...

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