Indian Group Sues to Gain Casino Profits
A group of American Indians is suing the federal government, saying they have been illegally denied full membership in the Mooretown Rancheria.
If successful, the nearly 70 Maidu Indians would be able to claim a share of the profits from Oroville casinos in Butte County.
The case stems from a 1983 judgment that reversed a policy allowing tribes to take over rancherias if they forfeit their status as Indians and the benefits that come with federal designation.
The suit contends the Bureau of Indian Affairs is misinterpreting the ruling to hold that only American Indians who had received distribution of the rancheria’s assets under the defeated policy can now take part in tribal affairs.
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