FRESNO, Calif. (YourCentralValley.com) – Tensions ran high outside the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on Thursday as a group of protesters gathered to denounce what they called a “total betrayal” by the tribal council.
The protest, organized by a group of disaffected tribal members, drew a crowd of more than 100 people who held signs and chanted slogans demanding accountability from the casino’s management.
At the center of the controversy is the recent decision by the tribal council to remove several members of the casino’s board of directors, including Chairman Reggie Lewis. The council cited “irregularities” in the board’s management of the casino’s finances as the reason for the dismissals.
But protesters say the move was a politically motivated power grab that will only serve to harm the tribe and its members. They argue that the dismissed board members were instrumental in the casino’s success and have been unfairly scapegoated for broader financial issues facing the tribe.
“This is a total betrayal of the trust that our people have placed in the council,” said one protester, who declined to give their name. “These board members have dedicated years of their lives to building up this casino and now they’re being thrown under the bus. It’s disgraceful.”
The protest also highlighted broader concerns about the transparency and accountability of the tribal council, which has come under fire in recent years for alleged mismanagement of tribal funds. Protesters called for an independent investigation into the council’s actions and for greater representation of tribal members in decision-making processes.
In a statement released after the protest, the tribal council defended its decision to remove the board members, saying it was necessary to “protect the long-term interests of the tribe and ensure the casino’s continued success.” The council also expressed a willingness to engage with tribal members to address their concerns.
But for many protesters, the council’s reassurances rang hollow. As the sun set over the casino, they vowed to continue their fight for justice and transparency within the tribe.
“We won’t back down until the truth comes out and those responsible are held accountable,” said another protester. “The future of our tribe is at stake.”
