Visitors to the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, near Fresno, California, witnessed a scene of fervent protest on Saturday as roughly 100 people assembled outside the premises to voice their opposition to the actions of the casino’s owners, the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians. The demonstrators gathered to denounce the tribe’s controversial disenrollment policy, a practice they argue is driven by a desire to monopolize casino revenue by excluding members.
The policy has led to the disenrollment of more than half of the tribe’s members since the casino’s opening in 2003. This includes individuals with documented Chukchansi ancestry, descendants of tribal founders, and some of the last fluent speakers of the tribal language. Such disenrollment strips individuals and their descendants of their tribal citizenship and the benefits that come with it, including housing, healthcare, and a share of the casino’s revenues. While tribes claim disenrollment helps maintain the integrity of their communities, critics argue it is often wielded as a political and economic weapon.
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One protestor, speaking anonymously, lamented the far-reaching impact of the policy. “We lost our home because of this,” he said. “My kids had to move schools, and most importantly, they are losing touch with their heritage.” This sense of loss and injustice was shared by many among the assembled crowd.
Former tribal board member Claudia Gonzales spoke to YourCentralValley.com, revealing that despite providing documentation proving the identity of many members, the tribe continues with its expulsions. “They turn a blind eye because they’re trying to increase their per capita payments,” she asserted.
The unrest has historical roots, dating back to October 2014, when a violent power struggle unfolded within the tribe. About 20 armed men from a rival faction stormed the casino following a disputed election, leading to a chaotic scene as patrons ran for cover. Security guards were marched at gunpoint into a secure area where they were handcuffed and reportedly assaulted. The assailants claimed they were attempting to retrieve overdue accounts to avoid penalties from the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The standoff prompted a federal judge to order the casino’s closure, a decision that kept the establishment shuttered for over a year and cost the tribe millions in revenue. Tex McDonald, the leader of the coup, was subsequently sentenced to 485 days for false imprisonment.
Today, protesters continue to challenge what they see as the Chukchansi Tribe’s manipulation of membership for financial gain, emphasizing the cultural and personal losses incurred by those affected. As the casino generates approximately $43.7 million in revenue annually, the tension between profit and heritage remains at the heart of the community’s struggle.
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