Below, an URGENT request for assistance from Silvia Burley, Chairperson of the California Valley Miwok Tribe (CVMT). The Tribal community has lost their land to foreclosure and an eviction notice was issued for their removal. The eviction was scheduled to take place yesterday, June 17, 2009.
In response to the eviction, Silvia Burley and others from the community have barricaded themselves in the Tribal Office building.
The eviction has not been carried out as yet, however, the community is deeply concerned because they have nowhere else to go.
If you can help, please contact Silvia Burley at 209 931 4567. A Petition has also been set up in support of the CVMT. You can sign it at: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/cvmtUCSD/
UPDATES
June 17, 2009 at 9:00pm - I just got off the phone with Silvia Burley. Everybody’s safe at the moment, but the situation is still very much uncertain. She said they barricaded themselves in the tribal office, placing file cabinets against the doors and anything else they could use to secure the building.
They’re now waiting to hear from lawyers to get a TRO (temporary restraining order), but it's unclear if it's going to happen. They do not have any dedicated legal advice
And the BIA is refusing to speak with her. She said they literally hung up on her after saying "she waited too long" even though she’s been doing everything in her power for the past five years to have this situation addressed. They've consistently brushed her and her people off since day one.
At this point, she said they have nowhere to go if the eviction is carried out - and that they are doing what they can to defend their Sovereignty and their Rights as a Federally Recognized Tribe.
I've asked Silvia to send me updates by email. I will post them as they come in. If you can help, please do not hesitate calling Silvia Burley, Chairperson of the California Valley Miwok Tribal Council, at 209 931 4567.
To: Subject: CRISIS AT CVMT - PLEASE CONTACT US AT 209 931 4567
To All:
We need immediate assistance, this is the outcome from Troy Burdick's (Superintendent at the Central California Agency/BIA, located in Sacramento Calif.) continued efforts to illegally interfere into our Tribal Governmental Affairs (and the effects of our rightful Tribal members pleas for assistance, being ignored by the Bureau). We are a federally recognized Tribe, listed in the Federal Register and in the Dept. of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tribal Leaders Directory, Winter 2009.
Because our pleas for help have been constantly ignored, we now have lost our only piece of tribal property to foreclosure and will be removed by force on June 17th, 2009 (Elders and children included). We are asking for your assistance.... if anyone of you that I am contacting have a way to contact Mr. Salazar or Mr. Echohawk to make them aware of our crisis.... please do so!!!!!
PLEASE HELP!!! PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION ON TO ALL WHO CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE.
We need to get the attention of Mr. Echohawk or Mr. Salazar, IMMEDIATELY!!!!
The Tribe has no money and nowhere to go.... we will be forced to barricade ourselves at the property for local and international news crews to hear what is happening to our Tribe and how the BIA is allowing this to happen.
Our Tribe will not go willing on the 17th (we have no where to go) and we will not allow our Tribal Governmental "Confidential" documents to be given to INDYMAC BANK. We are asking that someone help us get this important information to the attention of Mr. Salazar and/or Mr. Echohawk. The Tribe has been located at this property for over 7 years. The "TRIBE" and its legitimate members have vowed to not leave this property until we have a place to move to. That means we need Mr. Salazar, Secretary of the Interior and/or Mr. Larry Echohawk to CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY to help resolve this URGENT MATTER/CRISIS.
Again, PLEASE HELP!!!!
/s/
Silvia Burley
Chairperson
California Valley Miwok Tribe
http://www.californiavalleymiwoktribe-nsn.gov
Tribal Office 209.931.4567 or 209.487.9519
Action Alert originally posted by Tamra Brennan, blogs.myspace.com/savethesacredsites.
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What the hey!!why are we just finding out now?Help is coming my people actually help has arrived.Do not move stand your ground,and film everything put it on this site if you can.We will let the world know and see this injustice.I ask the warriors and medicine people to head out there and protect our people.Take camera’s also.Now just to let you all know my site on google was compramised when i found this out they the FBI the spirits told me stopped my original message to you over an hour ago.But don’t worry great power is watching over you and all that happens in the coming week.If they forcefully move you out woe to the California area.Stand strong my people and do not move but protect the women and children at all costs.
May the great spirits smile upon you and may the Creator keep you safe from harm.
Any updates Ahni?
Hey W. As you might of noticed the site’s been down for the past couple hours.. I just added an update to the top of the post.
I would also like to state that a series of FAKE website have been posted online that claim to be official sites for the CVMT. The only official sites for the CVMT are http://www.californiavalleymiwoktribe.us/ and http://californiavalleymiwoktribe-nsn.gov/
I know it took me awhile but i found that correct site about an hour ago.They are trying to keep the truth from the world but it won’t work great spirits are on our sidei.oh and I have already chatted to those responsable for the downed site about this, should have few problems now .Glad to see you back up and running.If you could find out about their safty would be greatly appreciated.
I donno but I thought that any land that is designated as federal reservation is held in trust to Native Americans and the only one who is authorized to purchase it from the native Americans is the federal government. If this land in question is not a federal reservation and is only a piece of land purchased by the tribe from the Bank then all State laws would apply and federal soverienty would not. Anytime a Bank is involved there is something that is given up, some right. Based on what is written here it sounds like there is some trust land ownership that is not Federally approved by the BIA. Otherwise wouldnt it be the BIA, or Dept of Interior who would be forclosing on the land and not some Bank? I donno
What you’re saying makes sense, but I don’t know either. All I do know, is that the BIA has frozen the CVMT’s trust fund (which currently totals about $5 million)
And that, a few years back a certain non-indian paid $5.00 to become an official member of the Tribe. He then began working, in collusion with a series of lawyers, including a former commissioner from the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC), someone from the department of justice and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Central California Agency to replace the Tribal Council and gain control over the land for the purposes of building a Casino.
Whatever the official reason for the foreclosure, it’s ultimately the result of this underhanded scheme, the likes of which we’ve seen all over the place, eg, http://www.tribalcorruption.com
FYI, a petition has been set up in support of the CVMT: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/cvmtUCSD/
Are you frickin kidding me? “The spirits told you” that the “FBI” was watching you??? C’mon now we have enough ‘plastic shamen’ running around that you have to try to cheaply influence people with this kind of talk.
All I’m saying is that a REAL person of this nature wouldn’t be on here talking that kind of crap. You’ve watched too many old Western Movies portraying the “Hollywood Indain”…or something.
Geeezzzzz, embarrassing!!!
I find your comment to be insulting. Who are you to say what God or spirit talks to whom in the first place. Your response seems to be nothing but brash ego. Shamanism has played an important role in the formation of all world religions and is the foundation of human spirituality. So I will tell you that your miss informed comment is embarrassing. These injustices have been occurring since Columbus landed on the shores of the Americas. With the advent of the Industrial and American Revolution in left open possibilities for abundant resources that white settlers to obtain. The only thing needed to make manifest destiny a reality was to kill the native inhabitants of the Americas; all with the help of the United States Government. 500 hundred years of murder, biological warfare and environmental destruction will come crumbling down upon this wicked Babylon in a full karmic wave. The wheel has been set in motion. Any nation that would try to exterminate entire cultures in order to further their economic gains cannot be trusted; whether the victims be Native Americans, Vietnamese, Afghani, or Iraqi. All Presidential administrations have played their part. The Obama Administration will be no different. Nothing will change as long as Obama continues to embrace Bush Era Economic Policies. So together we must stand strong and fight. The media will say “it’s all going to be ok” but they are the 4th branch of the Government. This country is going to be on the brink of collapse. Too much money is being spent and the weight thrown upon the common people. We will weather the storm, we have before and we will again. Together hand in hand we shall overcome.
Having followed tribal and gaming issues in California for several years this story is just another in a long string of stories about casino shopping tribes and reservation shopping investors. The Sacramento Regional BIA is a corrupt agency with no accountability to anyone. A visit to the CVMT website is filled with a long history of letters to and from DOI and BIA but missing from this lengthy list of correspondence is any reference to any correspondence with IndyMac or any other Bank. Also, missing is any reference to the CVMT’s several attempts to build a casino. If you borrow money to buy land and don’t make the payments the bank will foreclose and take it back. Apparently this concept is lost on the CVMT.
As for the mentions of Buena Vista on the CVMT website. Buena Vista like CVMT is a small tribe (one voting adult member) with a recent leadership dispute because the BIA was doing whatever was needed to build a casino at Buena Vista. The Sacramento Office BIA supported a chairperson (D. M. Potts) until she was proved in Federal court to be a fraud interested only in building a casino on land not eligible for a casino. The situation with CVMT is is simply another case of DOI, BIA, Reservation shopping tribes, and Casino Investor corruption in California that will be swept under the rug so the corruption can continue unabated elsewhere. (Ione, Wilton, Santa Ynez, Rhonert Park etc. )
I donno is on the right track with the questions about foreclosing on “reservations” or “trust lands” of which there are nearly none in California. We have 58 tribal casinos (most illegal) in California and a litany of tribal infighting with disenrollments because the BIA, DOI, and too many tribal governments are out of control and corrupt.
It was never about casinos or self gain. It was about creating more opportunities for impoverished and disadvantaged (yes, the majority ARE, even in gaming tribes) native people, to have access to food, better healthcare and a good education. Unfortunately, you don’t get very far being an honest person in this country anymore and just because someone wears the suit of an official, it doesn’t mean that you can trust them or that they have the best interests of you and your people in mind.
Hey sconnieguy or whatever why yes it is embarrassing to have so much power to not have any privacy where i can’t even think thoughts and keep them to myself yes it is odd in a way but i am a Shaman creator i work with many mystical creatures like the Thunderbird and Pheonix i also work with dragonflys hummingbirds and whales to keep away earthquakes the list goes on and on.But Shamanism use to be our religion back in the day before the whiteman outlawed it and said we weren’t Shamans we were christians.i am ONE with all things here and yes it sometimes sucks no privacy and all but at other times it is handy to have the power to go after evil people corrupt governments and bully corporations.And sconny when i do go after them something freaky always happens i work with the spirits of the lands seas and the dead i work with our peoples ancestors i work with the elementals even the Gods of old yes it sounds crazy i am even a recluse because of it,when i sing many worldwide hear and feel me.I have true power and i still can’t explain it and it makes me shy when i never have been in my life until the last year or two this power freaks me out but it is needed in this world.Have you not seen an about face of governments worldwide trying to be friends and being kind to my people worldwide now why do you think that is?much change has happened in the past few years.sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad.Now you want to know how crazy it feels sometimes i feel that God works threw me and that is why i have so much true power.I sometimes feel like i am the ONE being connected to so many things here.The list goes on and on i even have the power to find you sconnie if i so chose threw my dragonfly ah it matters not what you think of me what matters is that being a creator i can insure that change happens and if i ask governments or corporations to do something and they don’t freaky things happen their are always repercussions always.Now i am using my power to defend this tribe of my peoples in the Americas and if they violently evict them you will see what i mean for yourself for a great weather system or earthquake will strike the California area if they do try to bully my people and their is nothing i can do about it for it has been spoken and written now if they are not violent all will be well.and if you seen me sconnieguy you probly would be shocked i am almost forty yet i look like i am in my twenties and i am an ex model funny huh.I was chosen the great spirits told me i did not want this gig but i have no choice.You see i don’t fear death or bodily harm i stand up to bullies always have even in school and when i was on the streets.and lastly i am very active on the world stage with world leaders and the such.ye of little faith believe what you will it matters not to me you are but a singular soul out of many.I will speak no more on this sconnie.
How are our people fairing Ahni?
You folks are being suckered. Ms. Burley and her daughters are not legitimate tribal members. They are not descendents of Sheep Ranch Rancheria occupants, which is the origin of this tribe. Through trickery, these people persuaded an elder tribal member to consent to adopting Burley and her daughters into this tribe, so that they could obtain Indian educational benefits. Then they promptly attempted to disenroll this elder. Would you call that a hijacking?
Burley is trying to get you to protest her eviction from her mini-mansion in a wealthy Stockton suburb that she has failed to make payments on for many months. Forget Burley’s pointing fingers. It is not the Indian way.
Is it the whole tribe they are attempting to move or is it this one family?
Amigo
Right on Amigo – and she and her daughters did all of what you speak to build a casino – a casino anywhere in California. Check it out the CVMT were all over the state trying to find a city or community that would agree to a casino. None of this would have been possible without the complete co operation of a corrupt BIA and DOI.
Amigo: do you have any proof to back up your claims? I’ve had a good around and I don’t see anything even remotely resembling what you’re saying, except if you are actually describing the non-indian who bought his tribal status into the CVMT for the purposes of building a Casino (with the backing of the BIA and various other so-called authorities past and present)?
Of course Amigo is dead wrong. The original inhabitant that lived on the Sheep Ranch property was a man named “Indian Jeff” who was the sole individual available in 1934 to sign the Indian Reorganization Act presented to him by the BIA. The current members of the “true” California Valley Miwok Tribe, which doesn’t just include Burley and her daughters but a community, are descended from that individual. Burley, her children and the other members are proper and legitimate members and always had claim to be. Besides, it isn’t their fault that Yakima Dixie brutally murdered Lenny Jeff to steal the claim to the tribe for himself. Also, they WERE brought in legitimately, no one was forced or coerced to do anything.
I say, find out the facts for yourself instead of listening to Amigo’s lies and distorted misperceptions.
I think Amigo is just blind. Because these people at the tribe are normal people just like us. He has no say so saying that the tribe was ‘Hijacked’.. The tribe was claimed fair and square. But people like Amigo are the ones whom are trying to bring down the tribe itself, so he would be considered as an enemy. Probably just one of the goons that come on here to make false accusations and gain the view points of the one those like Chadd ‘Ludwig’ Everone, whom has done nothing but made threats. Chadd Everone is the real enemy, he wants to take over this tribe for his filthy and no good ideals of greed. And if you didn’t side with him, he would make your life miserable. That’s how that friggin’ tyrant works.
I believe that Burley and her daughters are trying to make a difference for the people. I myself would agree and would support them all the way. Their ideals are more to be looked on than Everone’s dark schemes.
Oh yeah. Don’t forget! Yakima Dixie was accused of murder. So is considered as a the REAL criminal and those whom side him, like Everone, is the accomplice and an ally of a murder. Is that what you’d like to see Amigo? The tribe overrun by nothing but child molestors, murderers and killers? Would that put a smile to your face? I bet it would. But it would never make things alright. So you could sit on your ass and whine, cry and bawl about Burley and her daughters. Because people like you, would always be running into the same brick wall over and over again..
Ahni –
In California Valley Miwok Tribe v. United States decided by the District of Columbia Circuit Court, the facts are laid out. See for yourself. Silvia Burley is not descended from any Indian occupant of the the Sheep Ranch Rancheria. She was given tribal status in the 1990′s by Yakima Dixie, whose mother obtained the former rancheria following an attempt to terminate the Tribe by the BIA. Even though the termination didn’t go through, because of his mother’s incapacity, the land is now owned and occupied by Yakima Dixie. It turns out there are more tribal members than Mr. Dixie and that they should have been consulted as to the Burley family membership. Ms. Burley has attempted through litigation and appeals to stall the organization of the Tribe. But, that will soon be over, as neither the BIA nor the State recognizes her as a tribal leader and she cannot show descent through any known tribal member, and the IBIA will soon decide the matter. Let her deny that her supposed tribal council made up of her and her daughters attempted to disenroll Yakima Dixie, whose kindness allowed her to obtain education and health benefits as a tribal member.
Here are a few more facts: The BIA terminated her PL 638 contract and the State of California will not pay her the Tribe’s revenue sharing from the gaming tribes. She has exchanged ownership of the so-called tribal headquarters, a mini-mansion in an upscale neighborhood, between herself as an individual and the Tribe repeatedly. The San Joaquin County title records don’t lie. The mini-mansion she calls tribal headquarters is not trust land and never has been, and the reason she is being evicted by the bank is that she has not made mortgage payments or paid taxes in a very long time. Burley has asked nearly every Indian organization to support her claims. When they find out the truth about her fraud, they all back off.
There are no non-Indian persons who claim membership in this Tribe. The Miwok of Calaveras County want this tribe to be organized and Silvia Burley is doing everything possible to delay that. If Burley could show her descent from any Miwok that ever resided on the rancheria, it would already have been done. The fact that hasn’t happened speaks the truth.
At the very most, Burley could argue that this is an internal tribal matter. Members of other tribes will respect the sovereignty of this Tribe and let the matter be decided among this Tribe’s members.
I am still guessing that Amigo is in cohoots with Chadd Everone. He’s definitely GOT to be a Chadd Everone supporter. Because anyone whom is trying to stick up for a murder and a child molester like Yakima Dixie, definitely has to support his side and be against.
So tell me now, Amigo, what the hell are you doing here? Do you even have a life than to come on here and get a kick out of debating against people? Chadd Everone and his criminals aren’t going to last too long. Yakima Dixie is rotting in a jail cell as we are speaking right now. He is still arrested you know. He has been charged for sexual assault and has a record for murder.. Now his lackeys are doing his dirty work for him. All of them have criminal records. How could the system be so STUPID to try to let criminals.. No.. Monsters try and take over this tribe? Burley has done nothing harmful. She is trying to do what is best for her people and get them out of the gap they are stuck in, all because of Dixie and Everone.. Let me include Velma Whitebear, whom is a heaving sack of fat sitting around with her drug addict kids.
Is this is the future of the California Miwok Tribe we are looking at? To let these criminals, child molesters and druggies in? Only to create more poverty and greed with Casinos running down forestry and beautiful land?
Is that what you want, Amigo? Or should I say ‘Ambitious’?
I will repeat my question Amigo will this eviction effect all the peoples of the Miwok tribe or will this eviction only affect this family?Not much time left here Amigo their is a storm system building near Mexico not far from California does this eviction effect the whole tribe or not??
Thank you for the reasonable Approach, Amigo. I’ve been doing some more reading and see now that this situaition is not as cut and dry as I previously understood. I still haven’t seen anything regarding a “mansion” but I understand that Silvia was adopted in to the tribe by Yakima. However, I don’t think this is really an issue, I mean, adoption is perfectly legitimate. It was common practice for many nations before colonization, and it has continued to be.
That said, it is a concern that Yakima ended up getting kicked out, being the sole “survivor” of this tribe for so long. I say that regardless of the difficulties he has had with alcohol abuse and even murder. I mean, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. And let’s remember the 500 year long assault we’ve endured, that even the us court system has helped to perpetuate, as well as the BIA. It’s had its effect. But even so, all leaders have a certain responsibility to “lead by example” and if Yakima was endangering people then maybe it was appropriate for him to be removed. Dismissal of leadership and even banishment was also common practice, historically.
While there are alot of different layers to all this, I think that, in the end, this overall situation is an internal matter. However the apparent foreign interference involving Chadd Everone and these ex-gaming officials is something that concerns all Indigenous communities in the US. I’m curious, Amigo, what do you have to say about this?
It also appears to me, again based on what I’ve read online, that the foreclosure is directly connected to Yakima and Everone… up to the point where Silvia and the CVMT is completely without financial resources because of the BIA
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
We too have experienced many problems recently. Our children are being taken by non Indian people once again. We have no land left here in California as we once did. We are however strong in that we continue to work with educational programs by teaching our traditional ways.
It is hoped that by teaching in our local school systems the public will gain a better understanding of our ways and why we wish to maintain our identity.
Recently since this new administration we have had many new problems our state senators are telling us that the American Indian religious freedom act only applies to BIA tribes. This is not what was originally inacted. They are trying to tell us that the American Indian Child Welfare Act does not apply to us as we are only a state recognized Tribe.
This is most disturbing to hear. We know that you folks should not have to put up with this and there is no reason for this nonsense.
Please know that we are supporting you.
Wado
Donadagovhi
Dr Robert Nighthawk Vann
805 492-4447
Windtalker –
The eviction is from a residence and affects only those living there. It does not affect other members of the Tribe.
Ahni –
It is unfortunate that Indian communities are so dependent upon resources obtained through the BIA. But, that is the way it is for many tribes. The BIA seems to believe that the Paulk family (name of Burley’s husband) is not the legitimate tribal leadership. But, tribal leaders should be chosen by the members of the tribe. The general council has yet to be brought together because of Silvia Burley’s many lawsuits and appeals. That is wrong. Patience is the way of the people and it will happen.
Ahni, all I know is that he supports this base and ideal. Everone has even gone far to posting social security numbers of the tribal members online, which I think was a very immature act for him to do so. That is what I call a “Terrorist Act”. Everone will stop at nothing to try and destroy the members of the tribe, even if he has to seen hired goons. Where is the justice in all of this? How could they let a horrible tyrant like him try to go and do harm to a family whom are trying to make the better for their people?
Chadd Everone’s gain is to take over the tribe and make sure either he eliminates the members with his dirty schemes, even as going far to get people on his side (Paying them even) to do even more harm. I don’t think there are people that see this but they need to know what is Everone’s plan and the destruction he is trying to cause. Just because Yakima Dixie got locked up, he is trying to create a vengeance plot against Burley and her daughters. Everone himself should be locked up and hopefully rot in his own cell. I say this because. Like attracts like, if one person were to commit such evil deeds or crimes, it will come back upon them; ten fold.
Greed, Lies, and families who only think of them selves…. they should be looking 7 generations down the road…. This is what they served themselves, suck it up and EAT IT.
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW !!!
if this is what you say to a tribe forced off their land, part of me wonders what you would say about the forced sterilization of native american women in the 70′s? let me guess…… Should’ve been born a man, suck it up & REAP WHAT YOU SOW!!! ….right?
FYI: You really don’t HAVE a next generation if there is nothing to hand down….. Without their ancestral land and heritage, there IS NO 7th gen. to look forward to.
Greed, yes. Is Black Wolf Silvia Burley’s white husband? Black Wolf talks like the husband referring to tribal members as criminals and obese. Maybe Black Wolf should call himself White Wolf instead.
In one of Silvia Burley’s many court actions to prevent other members of this Tribe (other than Burley’s family) from benefiting from the Tribe’s annual $1.1 million in revenue sharing, Federal District Court Judge Robertson says (footnote 7):
“At the inception of this suit, Ms. Burley and her two daughters were seeking approval of a tribal constitution that conferred tribal membership upon only them and their descendants. The Tribe received approximately $400,000 in federal funds last year, and could receive $600,000 this year. Because the Tribe is also a non-gaming California tribe, the California Gambling Control Commission, a state agency, makes additional payments to the tribe from the California Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (CRSTF). CRSTF payments are made on a per-tribe basis-the amount does not change based on the number of tribe members-and amounted to about $1 million last year. The Tribe now proposes a revised constitution that includes non-Burley descendants, and it has submitted a list of 29 possible members, but the government estimates that the greater tribal community, which should be included in the organization process, may exceed 250 members. As H.L. Mencken is said to have said: “When someone says it’s not about the money, it’s about the money.”
This is not ancestral tribal land. The ancestral land is the former rancheria located near the remote Sierra Nevada foothills settlement known as Sheep Ranch.
No, this is the mini-mansion in an upscale residential neighborhood of Stockton occupied only by Burley’s immediate family and her mother. They call it the tribal headquarters, because at one time they hoped to build a casino in a more lucrative location than Sheep Ranch. BTW, neither Burley and her family nor her ancestors ever resided at Sheep Ranch. They have had it easy living off the Federal money and over $1 million they used to get from the revenue sharing of the gambling tribes. Guess they spent the money too fast, as they now are being evicted.
All I can say is that the truth will come to light in the end and those who try to control others through intimidation, threats and schemes will not overcome. The enemies are many, but the supporters shall be far greater. Those who know in their hearts that they have striven to do the right thing shall feel no regrets.
The property in Sheep Ranch was awarded by the government and it originally used to be far more than the .92 of an acre it is today. However, it was subsequently taken away and given to an individual, so the Tribe is effectively landless. They have tried to secure land, but the BIA has thwarted every effort in their trying to do so. As far as burning through money, it should be known that for 8 years straight, they passed their audits with flying colors. Anyone can find a record of this if they know how. The only reason it has come to this point is because a non indian (Chadd Everone) working along with corrupt BIA officials and backed by a wealthy out of state developer, forged false documents which created confusion and led to all funds being frozen. Again, the tribe is made up of far more people than just Burley and her family, of course Amigo wouldn’t know this because he/she/it prefers to keep to his/her/its biased views instead of trying to dig for the facts and prefers to spread gossip
Is Amigo really Chadd Everone, who lists a phoney address as his place of residence in Berkeley, though in reality it leads to a Wells Fargo bank. Who has something to hide here?
Ah Blackwolf you are apart of the source i see well i side with you on this,now so it is this one family that will be affected i see well so be it then.Big medicine will not harm the California area now…but that family is still under my wing,i pray for no harm to come to them.For as Blackwolf said earlier it will be reflected back at the senders ten fold.Now big medicine will not affect the entire California area but medicine power is still watching over this family to keep them safe from harm.I hope and pray you sort this out peacefully without violence.Now doctor who had e-mailed earlier about our children it seems to be happening all over Turtle Island I will give you this much I am in Vancouver BC and in Canada this is rampet they take our children and my spiritual investigation is turning toward the U.S now too. So this is being looked into closely their is something amiss here with our little ones,should have more information on this soon.Have been investigating Cults and well lets say their is somethings more i must check out before i speak further on this.Spiritual justice will be dealt if the police don’t deal with this.But we hope the police on both sides of the border deal with this it is best to face mans law,you know what i mean.
PEACE!!
http://eng.habitants.org/noticias
Let me get this straight:
The “tribal land” being refered to here consists of a house?
The “tribe” being refered to here consists of this lady and her family?
This tribe got well over a million dollars last year for what?
What did they do with all that money?
If they are being evicted doesn’t that mean somebody didn’t get paid?
Who didn’t get paid and why?
If money was borrowed where did it go?
Why was the money borrowed in the first place?
Ok, I’ve been observing this conversation for a while now, and doing more research to get the bottom of all of this.
I have found myself asking the same questions as the previous commenter. I can’t speak on the money issue, but, for starters, I performed a reverse phone look-up of the number I used to speak to Silvia—and, using google maps, came upon This picture.
It’s not the end of the universe, but I believe it does speak to credibility here because I was led to think this eviction was taking place in a tribal office building on a reserve. Instead, it indeed appears to be happening in an upscale residential neighborhood in Stockton.
Secondly, also based on what I’ve read, the standing list of tribal members for the CVMT is 5 (including Yakima Dixie). There used to be hundreds more–and there are thousands of Miwoks—but many of them associated with the CVMT passed away and disassociated themselves from the tribe. There are, however, many others who are eligible for enrollment.
Further, the CVMT land-base appears to consist of one only acre. On its own merits, I don’t find this the least bit shocking. I mean, tribal lands in America have become so divided and “tucked away” over the years, it’s par for the course. Just look at the Oneida Nation of New York: They only have 32 acres, never mind the rampant corruption of leadership, the abuse of Traditional, and Turning stone Casino CEO Ray Halbritter’s juvenile rejection of the Haudenosaunne Confederacy a few years back. Locking up the longhouse…. it boggles the mind.
I have yet to draw any conclusions about this situation. Which is to say, I can look past the rhetoric and the posturing and the tightly-knit truths of the American court system and I can see all too clearly how this situaiton fits in with the struggle of, say, the Algonquins of Barrier Lake or the Ogiek in Kenya.
As I pointed out in another article recently: it is about money, and power and identity and hope and survival… and us trying to make sense of a degraded life we’ve been forced to live for more than 25 generations. A life that’s taken us so far away from ourselves that we think we are a title and that recognition comes from a piece of paper, and that all we can do is “play the game”…. while forgetting what our ancestors sacrificed, and the name of the “common enemy” as a wise man once said… It ain’t a white man…
Now, at this point, I pray that Silvia and everyone else remains safe, I certainly don’t want to see any harm come to anyone. And, having talked to Sylvia, I believe she a genuinely good person. But I do feel misled and I can’t ignore that.
As for this Chadd Fellow: As far as I’m concerned, he should stop pretending to carry weight beyond that of a hired consultant for Dixie. I mean, it takes alot more to be “Indian”—Onkwehonwe, a Real Person—then getting a piece of paper or getting brought in by someone and that’s that. It also entails a burden of responsibility to a culture and a people that must be upheld.
In other words, we are not in a vacuum or in some crappy restaurant down the street. And regardless of our own desires or opinions or demands that “I’m right, you’re wrong” the truth is, you are neither and you are both. An opportunist.
As for Dixie I can’t say anything more about him or these other people he’s allegedly associated with. But I do hope that he can find in himself what he’s been searching for, all these years, in a bottle. I know he could find that truth if he wanted to.
Finally, I am open to allowing this conversation to continue, but I think both sides have said their piece – and I absolutely refuse to let things degrade into a series of vicious attacks. I’ve had a hard time approving a few comments already, but I decided to let them stay on. However, three people just posted three more comments that I won’t be approving because of the hostility in them.
People, Before posting anymore comments think about how you would speak if there were children here. The fact is, some parents bring their kids here for the movies, others come here for school projects, and sometimes teachers also bring their students here to show them what’s happening in the world day. KEEP THIS IN MIND.
What would be most helpful to those of us out here from whom CVMT is looking for support, are to post more info. here on this site (&/or link to another) on:
1. more detailed facts & background on the 2 (or more?) factions involved, & what’s going on with the Bureau of Indian Abuse in Sacto;
2. whether the Gov. Arnold & his admin. are in anyway involved (he was trying to get more gaming Tribes & convince existing ones to pay 25% tax to help the State Budget problems – up from the constitutional compact’s 10%), & whether the “other group/person” of Tribal members were willing to go for the higher state tax rate as a reason why they were backed;
3. how this Stockton house/land figures into the use as the Tribal Offices, instead of on Rancheria land (as others have mentioned, but not necessarily a problem since they’re apparently a “landless Tribe”), & clarification of what the pre-colonization extent of their Miwok Band’s Ancestral Tribal Homelands & if they ever included Stockton, etc. (which may differ in all likelihood to whatever Rancheria lands were later assigned to them – since the Rez is always at the least desirable portion or often located on “unwanted land” [by non-indians] away from the original lands/range);
4. how they plan to encompass & consolidate the various other Tribal members who are eligible for enrollment under the standing CVMT procedures, & take other steps to resolve these disputes, funding & other matters, in order to move forward as a Tribe/Nation?
More informed supporters are better supporters, and CVMT cannot possibly field hundreds or thousands of calls & emails individually requesting this information, and most people won’t have the time to search it all out themselves. Having “the other side’s” case listed too wouldn’t hurt, since intelligent people can make good decisions on this basis.
This situation reminds me of several other somewhat similar situations in Cal. where Tribes have been split into factions by their members &/or with the “help” of “Gaming Interests,” &/or they try to locate Casinos well away from their Ancestral Homelands. Those who follow the news & listen to the “Moccasin Telegraph” will know at least some of these other examples.
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Well said, Ahni. Couldn’t agree more. We must all respect truth. I believe the bank has given Silvia 30 days more to move and that she has agreed. If so, then the “crisis” of her creation is revealed and over. Nevertheless, I believe she owes an apology to all those sincere individuals, including participants here, that she misled.
Similarly, I believe she owes a PROFOUND apology to the legitimate members of this Tribe and should make amends by immediately terminating all litigation and administrative appeals designed to grab the Tribe’s assets for herself and to prevent the Tribe from organizing
Over and out.
It is to bad you didn’t show what even the evil posts are saying i would of liked to see and feel them for myself but yes many little ones see these remarks that is true…millions.I still call for peaceful resolutions on this issue.Their is rumbling out there and the governers plane almost went down maby their is more to this story going on then you think panel for why would the great spirits be this upset if their wasn’t much going on no our ancestors are displeased over something out there.After i’m done trying to sp[iritually defend the people in Iran i think i will begin a spiritual investigation in California and see why our ancestors are upset.Must get back to Iran but, I’ll be back ha ha just kidding.
God bless!!
PEACE!!
I’m sorry Ahni, but I must correct your statement. The Stockton property functions both as a tribal Office, the food donation service center, a meeting place and a safe haven for tribal members to stay it if they need emergency shelter. I am friends with a woman who is a member of this tribe and she stayed at the property with her daughter for a year or so until she was able to get back on her feet financially. I believe that the tribe has alot at stake if they lose this property and I wish for a satisfactory resolution for them.
I don’t know all of the details of this case myself, but I can share a few things I do know for anyone to use as reference to look up for themselves. I do know that the tribe has no tribal land. They used to, but it was taken away by the government and given to a private individual, so it is no longer considered tribal land, but an individual allotment. The tribe is far more than just Burley and her family. I dont know the exact number of members who are enrolled, but through a friend I know there are at least more than that. I know this because of when my friend’s enrollment application was accepted recently and she called me with the good news. I don’t know anything about any million dollars, but you should be aware that this is a GOVERNMENT. A Tribal government, but a government none the less. They have programs they run for the benefit of the community and those programs take MONEY to run. Also, they have been fighting in court to get their illegally withheld money returned to them. I kind of doubt the million dollars thing, because what my friend told me sounds nothing like that. If they had a million dollars, why are they being evicted? I’ve only met Silvia once, but from that interaction and other things I have heard, she is a very responsible person. I’m sure she’d make a payment on the property if she had the money. The other two questions I have no idea.
Oops, I meant Amigo, not Ahni, sorry.
Mi-chusus:
I serve as the Deputy for the Hereditary Chief and the Putative Member Class
for this tribe. The elders, tribal counsel, and the members
of the tribe, in general, regret the actions of Siliva Burley in the name of the Tribe. The
tribe has elected to not engage in a public dispute with her and to keep the
issue of the Federally Recognized authority within the Courts and the BIA. This really
is an intra-tribal dispute and is to be resolve in that venue and jurisdiction under
the purview of the Federal government and within its trust responsibility. This is
not an issue for the engagement of non-tribal or non-Indian people, unless they
are properly informed of the facts and the principles of resolution for this kind
of dispute.
However, for a more substantive understanding of the issues, please see the following.
1- A recent letter from the BIA to the Attorney General of the State of California regarding
the tribal history and authority -
http://www.californiavalleymiwok.com/2008-12-12-BIA-position-letter.pdf
2 – The actual property which is involved in the seizure for failure to pay the
mortgage is on page 4 of this document –
http://www.californiavalleymiwok.com/2007-10-20-EscondidoPlace-abridged-file.pdf
It is estimated that Ms. Burley spent over $864,000 of tribal money in mortgage payments
on this property, paid not of the principal, and still owes over $1,000,000.
3 – The photography of a roundhouse in the original Notice or Alert on this issue
appears to be the roundhouse at Point Reyes National Seashore,
which is a U.S. Federal park, and has no relationship
to the Escondido Place residence of Siliva Burley.
Ho!
Thanks to those who have replied to my questions.
From what I gather this person or these people bought this house with the intention of building a casino. They have not made their payments and are now being foreclosed on. If that is wrong please correct me.
If true, this is a far cry from a defenseless tribe having their anscentral land stolen by the big bad government. I had visions of women and children being thrown in the street at the point of a gun.
At best this lady is misleading a lot of well meaning people. At worst its nothing but a scam. For sure there seems to be a lot of funds unaccounted for.
I found some interesting recordings on the tribes .us site (californiavalleymiwoktribe.us) It explains the opinion of Chad Everone as far as Indians go, they’re just like blacks, stupid, according to this Everone, and he’s the deputy of Yakima Dixie?? These recording definately show not only his mentality but also his intentions, very interesting! I’d like to know exacly who he paid off……
I can’t believe you have the audacity to post here. How is your life extension scam working out? By the way, I found what you had to say in the Everone/Ludwig Audio Archive to be very riveting or do I just mean revolting. http://californiavalleymiwoktribe.us/
They haven’t had enough to make their payments because their 638 contracting/revenue sharing money has been withheld for at least a couple of years. That is what they were using to pay for the property. The issue here is that the tribe hasn’t been able to make these payments because the money is ILLEGALLY BEING WITHHELD WITHOUT JUST CAUSE. That’s how it got this bad in the first place. You think that if Everone gets in there he won’t go for a casino? That’s all he’s after and he’s not even indian.
J says that Silvia Burley was using the Tribe’s PL 638 money to finance the family’s mansion in Stockton. Is it right for the Tribe’s money to be used for that? I’ll bet the other members of the Tribe don’t live that well.
The Interior Solicitor says the Tribe has no government (http://www.californiavalleymiwok.com/2008-12-12-BIA-position-letter.pdf), so how can PL 638 money be given to Silvia Burly? J says it is now being withheld, so I guess that is the answer.
J ad Linda keep trying to change the subject. If you look at the Solicitor’s letter referenced above (from Chadd Everone’s post), who could blame them?
Just to clarify, I’m not a CVMT Tribal Member nor of any other California Tribe/Nation, but a Tribal Person living here & one interested in the sovereignty & well being of the Tribes/Nations on Turtle Island nonetheless – lest there be any confusion on who is asking these questions & my intent.
I’ve been talking to one of the people involved in the CVMT Petition to get some further perspective on all of this. He brought up a couple of important points that haven’t really been raised here. See below…
But first, a few comments of my own: As someone outside of the CVMT it is absolutely my right to talk about these issues, even if I know little about them. IN doing so I learn, and I bring a fresh perspective on a situation that has become a closed and rigid war between two groups with the help of many different outside parties and influences.
Aswell, as I previously stated, the CVMT does not exist in vacuum. There are widespread results and consequences for everything in this situation. Not to mention the very nature of the situation itself, which is indeed about landlessness, tribal corruption, the roles and obligations of leaders, historical racism, colonialism, tribal sovereignty and, I gotta say, the bizarre and ironic dependence on the courts. Personally I do not believe any member of any tribe should ever set foot in a colonial court or turn to any outside body like the BIA for anything. I believe we are all capable of handling our own problems no matter how complicated they are. I mean, we did just fine on our own before “the dream” came on a ship 500 years ago. Sure, alot’s changed since then, but that doesn’t mean we cannot live in the Spirit of our Ancestors.
Ok, that’s all I wanted to add in here for the moment. Here’s those comments…
The CA Valley Miwoks (aka Sheep Ranch Tribe) have been displaced multiple times. They were given the opportunity to “purchase” property once they were federally recognized bc the federally government wasnt going to allocate any land or property for such a small group of Miwoks. They have been in that house for about 7yrs. The letter and petition we wrote doesnt state ancestral domain b/c we know that the federally government doesnt recognize ANY native’s ancestral domain rights. Since they were not given the opportunity to have land, the property they “bought” was considered tribal land by law.
Because of this, California doesnt recognize the house as actual native land, but one has to consider the continuous movement of the people and how much they have been dispersed. The WHOLE Sheep Ranch Tribe is in that house though there are less than 100 of them. This sorta thing happens alot here in the United States and in other parts of the world (especially Russia and East Europe where migrating tribes have began to settle). Small tribes given federal recognition, but too small to be given land are constantly harrassed and anytime they “settle,” the land or property isnt considered ancestral domain and therefore, law allows the eviction of the small tribes from “U.S. property.” It gets really complicated here especially for Native Americans who dont have actual national property.
The Miwok nation is composed of many tribes and bands. Only a few of the bands actually are on ancestral domains, but because of the different bands and tribes, not all were allocated or recognized. There are actually a good amount of Miwok bands and tribes not recognized and they are actually in a far worse condition that the Sheep Ranch Tribe. Some rent out multiple apartments beside each other and that is their “tribal area.” I met a tribal counsel member in Arizona who’s tribe wasnt recognized and their “tribal office” was the living room of his apartment in Phoenix.
The condition of Native Americans here in the U.S. is really complicated. The law also states that if you are less then 1/8 of a tribe, you are not considered indigenous anymore. Tribal membership also has a tribal id number and id that they individually have to carry around. The new term came out very recently which my friend did her research on. “Urban indians” are Natives who have settled in urban or even saburban areas and the conditions they have to face. “Urban Nations” are Natives who live in the city and “establish their nations” there bc they are denied federal protection and property.
I hope this helps clear the air a bit. Theres a lot more, but as for now, this is what i can say about it. Regardless of their “property status,” as indigenous peoples, we should raise awareness of the “otherness” the nation-state has placed upon us and how we, in turn, have been displaced not just culturally, generationally, politically, and from our ancestral homes, but also the fact that laws and governments have refused to acknowledge us as a whole. For instance, im about to loose my “indigenous identity” in the Philippines, the Philippine government wants to make us “ethnic minorities” which has a far more negative affect on us as indigenous peoples/Katutubos.
Ahni — What you say above is true, but does not clarify much as regards the current California Valley Miwok Tribe’s circumstances. The stated reason that Silvia Burley’s house is in foreclosure is that the BIA stopped paying her Federal Grant money under PL 638.
Doesn’t the Federal Government have the responsibility to pay a Tribe’s grant money to the Tribe’s leadership?
In this case, as per my prior post, the Federal Government seems to have determined that the Tribe has no current leadership representative of its members. Isn’t that a good reason to cut off the PL 638 grant payments?
One could make the argument that Silvia Burley’s fancy house in Stockton is a waste of Federal money and, in essence, theft of the Tribe’s assets.
So, if the house is being foreclosed, maybe that is a good thing for the Tribe.
Just to clarify on that Blood Quantum which you quoted as being 1/8 for all Tribes/Nations…..in fact that varies by Tribe/Nation – ostensibly with each able to set or change their own membership rules per each one’s constitution or governing rules. Some are Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16, 1/32, & even up to none/no minimum.
And then it really did not matter to them whether you/they were more or less than 1/8 – because in most states even “one drop of Indian blood” made the person subject to anti-Indian laws, removal, etc.! From your prior post, it sounds like you are either Haudenesuanne or familiar with their matters – and would possibly be familiar with the laws in all states east of the Mississippi in effect until the late-1960s & 1970s (Georgia until 1980) which allowed whites to have anyone accused of being any part Indian removed from their home/farm & it put up for auction, as well as precluding them from testifying against whites in court. I also understand that some of these anti-Indian laws were also in effect in CA, AZ & other states.
It should also be noted that the Blood Quantum itself is a Colonial invention dating back to a 1704 Virginia Colony law regarding slaves – initially Indians & later expanded to Blacks, wherein a Mixed-blood Indian was defined as “Mulatto” (also later expanded to black/white mixes), which I believe started with that 1/8 Quantum. Many Tribes/Nations traditionally held to “Adoption” by whatever their cultural & religious practice was, & once one was adopted into that Tribe/Nation & one of their Clans, then they were just that – and not whatever other Tribe/Nation/Clan &/or race(s) they were prior to that. In doing so – prior to the anglo-europeans introducing this “separator” from “their type” – most Indian People didn’t often differentiate by “how much Indian” one was (or perhaps ever?) – you/they either were or were not – period.
Additionally, most of the Tribal names used today are english, spanish or french, etc. corruptions of the actual “real” names of each as spoken in their own language. So both the Tribal affiliation (TEC), blood quantum (CDIB) & names are all also part of the invaders’ anglo-european system – not just the courts and BIA to which you referred.
It should also be noted that there are many true Full Blood Traditionalists who never “enrolled” in their own Tribe/Nation under US imposed laws/rules, particularly in OK during that Termination period, as well as some Terminated or simply ignored &/or their Treaties not ratified by the US Senate – & are therefore considered “non-indians” by the Federal &/or States’ governments. These Indian People are often those carrying the traditions, ceremonies & culkture of those Indian Peoples, and are usually well respected by their own People – contrary to the “official anglo governments’ position” (similarly in Hawaii, Canada, Central & South America & throughout the world)!
The property in Stockton IS NOT SILVIA BURLEY’S PRIVATE RESIDENCE, IT BELONGS TO THE TRIBE and by that, I mean ALL MEMBERS OF THE TRIBE. The deed to the property is in the Tribe’s name. The property was acquired for the good of everyone in the tribe, not just for a particular family.
I did not say that the Tribe was specifically using 638 money to pay for the house. They were probably using revenue sharing money for that. 638 money is for programs only. Alot of people have been able to receive help through this tribe, for food and health care that they might not have been able to get help with otherwise, so the community as a whole benefited from this, whereas other tribes in the area turned them away. Where will they go if this tribe is terminated?
Ahni & Bear –
It is uncommon for California rancheria tribes to have blood quantum requirements, because these tribes are typically so small as to make marriage within the tribe an impractical restriction that results in the children of many members being ineligible for membership. This has happened, for example, in the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians aka the Colusa Indian Community. Lineal descent without any minimum blood quantum, however, is the usual requirement for these tribes.
With regard to the Miwok people in particular, before europeanization they were one of the most successful groups in California ranging from the coastal Miwok to the Sierra Nevada. Typically organized in villages without more centralized authority, many of the Miwok people suffered extreme displacement and mortality during California’s gold rush period.
The rancherias were created generally in the early 20th century and generally for homeless Indians without regard to historic village locations, and, the Federal Government has acknowledged as a tribe each rancheria (occupants & descendants) that was not eliminated during the termination era or that has since been restored. A number of the rancheria tribes include members of different tribal and linguistic groups. That is not the case, however, with respect to the Miwok of the Sierra Nevada foothills, other than Shingle Springs. I mention all these things, because the experience of California Indians, who have no treaties, has been quite different than that of Indians in other parts of the U.S. Although there are many commonalities between California Indians and other Indians in the U.S., there are certain things that are unique and, of course, there are some significant cultural as well as legal differences based upon experience since europeanization.
It must be recognized, however, that rancheria tribes are, in essence, a legal creation of the Federal Government. Membership in a rancheria tribe is, in the first instance, based upon occupancy of the particular rancheria. Like other tribes, rancheria tribes possess the attributes of sovereignty, although, in all candor, the basis for that is modern rather than historic.
In order to have a firm grasp of the issues raised by, and legitimacy of, Silvia Burley and her group, it is necessary to recognize these and other nuances that differentiate rancheria tribes from others.
There are out there quite a number of persons descended from occupants of the Sheep Ranch Rancheria, who are entitled to participate in selecting the Tribe’s leaders. They have been denied that right largely through the obstructive acts of Silvia Burley and her daughters.
While each of us is entitled to his or her opinions, I would hope that those opinions would be based upon facts and knowledge, rather than simplistic generalizations concerning historic injustices. I’m sorry, but these things need to be said. As you have discovered, the issue at hand is not Indians being kicked off their rez. It’s failure to make payments on a seven-figure house in a tony neighborhood represented as a tribal headquarters, but which mainly serves as the luxurious residence of Silvia Burley and her family and which was previously paid for by taxpayer dollars.
Amigo: Personally, I have a hard time reconciling the situation with the house. It does seem to be a little much, possibly a theft, but I still don’t know all the circumstances. Maybe Sylvia was conned into buying it. Maybe she just wanted her people to live like she was told she had to live by America. Or maybe it was greed (don’t think this is the case though).
Doesn’t the Federal Government have the responsibility to pay a Tribe’s grant money to the Tribe’s leadership?
Yeah, the Federal Government has a fiduciary responsibility to Tribes (not to Leaders… to the People!) and it may have been appropriate for BIA to freeze the monies, but in-so-doing they have forced Sylvia and the CVMT to the brink of desperation. Regardless of what happened to all other monies, or the leadership dispute or reasoning behind the house…
That aside, in the long run it would be best to get rid of the house and get some actual land. But for the time being, it’s all CVMT has.
The issue is not about indians getting kicked off the rez because there is no rez. It was stolen by the government and given to an individual. The tribe is landless, but has not been able to acquire land. This property was bought with the community in mind.
If this is such a big mess across the nation, why don’t we do away with indian tribes altogether and make them equal with the rest of us?
J’s latest raises and interesting point. She says the property is in the Tribe’s name. Well, it seems that title to the property has bounced back and forth several times between Silvia Burley and the Tribe. The last time the Tribe became owner was in mid-2008. One thing is for sure, the last time Burley refinanced the house to take out the equity, she put it “underwater” for years to come. The house isn’t worth close to what she’s borrowed on it. So, it isn’t much of an asset to the Tribe, is it? Anyhow, the Tribe doesn’t live there; Burley and her family do — for about another month.
Bear I appreciate the clarification, I still have a pretty limited knowledge about the technical history. I know the relationship, but not much of the details.
It’s all pretty much the same here in Canada. In fact, there’s a lot of concern now that, because of Blood Quantum , dozens of Bands/Tribes are on the verge of becoming legally extinct. There’s alot of new assimilation schemes moving ahead too, like private home ownership on reserve.
Well, I’ve been writing almost the whole day now, and it’s really time for me to take a break. Thanks again, Bear.
That’s called cultural genocide…
I was aware of this, and that many of the SoCal Rez’s are of Mixed-Tribal Heritage & I think that some are also “direct lineage/no min. blood quantum” as well. The Cherokee Nation in OK is similar in the latter, and all of the so called “Five Civilized Tribes” were also essentially left landless after Statehood in 1907 & their Allottments preceding that, but have been buying back land there over time, as have some Eastern Nations.
As you said – there are many similarities, as well as differences, including Tribal leadership and constitutional/charter hassles.
Of course that never happens in white politics, Daniel! …Gov. Blagoyavich was really a straight shooter! …right!?
Like it or not, Daniel raises a question that a great number of non-Indian people share. Other cultures have maintained their traditions without being part of any tribe or similar organization. I’m not advocating that in any way, but it is a very good question.
So what has happened with this situation Ahni?are they safe? is it peaceful?
Ahem………!!!!!!!!
Daniel, …did you ever think that most often the problems in Indian Country are already made worse by – if not caused by – non-indian private & governmental meddling? You can’t possibly be that naive!?
As to your “suggestion” above, I must ask – WHY?
…was it not enough for “your kind” to have taken 99% of Our Ancestors’ Lands & Resources upon which they/we depended, and then thoroughly mucked it up with over use, industrial type harvesting & pollution; and then to have conveniently “Lost” 10′s of Billions of Dollars in Royalties due to the Tribes/Nations & Individual Indians (Cobel v. Norton), etc., etc.????
….whatever your belief system – is not THEFT against your morals, ethics & laws??? ….oh, but that only applied to civilized whites – NOT heathen savages!!!!
…was it not enough to have pursued a 500+ year war of EXTERMINATION – killing off between 10 & 60+ Million Native Peoples which were here in North America when the Vikings & then “wrong-way” Columbus got over here, and many more since then – including using Biological Warfare with Smallpox & other infected blankets & trade goods????
….whatever your belief system – is not MURDER against your morals, ethics & laws??? ….oh, but that did not apply to heathen savages!!!! …why even a Pope said so in his 22nd Papal Bull!!!
…was it not enough to have “STOLEN” & outlawed our Languages, Traditions, Ceremonies & Cultural Practices; and then to ROB the Sacred Sites, Graves & Resting Places of Our Ancestral Sacred Objects & Remains; and then to TRY to turn us all into “good little white folk”????
…BUT who never were REALLY “the same as everyone else” – as was proven by the ETHNIC CLEANSING & REMOVAL of 100′s of Tribes from their paltry few remaining acres of Lands Reserved by Treaties east of the Mississippi, in the Southwest, Pacific Coast….oh heck – Coast to Coast & Pole to Pole & The Islands!!!!!!!!
….AGAIN – whatever your belief system – is not THEFT against your morals, ethics & laws??? ….oh, but that did not apply to heathen savages!!!!
I could go on & on – but then it is really up to YOU to educate yourself & KNOW the disgraceful true history of this hemisphere & elsewhere hurt by colonialism! …perhaps then you wouldn’t put such senseless comments on this nor any other website dealing with Indian issues.
And as I pointed out above SIR – you’re hardly “one pot to call another kettle black” with the disgraces of white politics in this country! ….NOBODY is perfect, but that does NOT justify denying everyone their rights as you suggest!
Your comment really belongs on a Neo-Nazi, KKK, Skinhead, White Supremacist, etc. website – NOT here!
Ooo-Ooo….Wait! I have a better idea than yours!
Why don’t you & all of your kind get back on your boats and go back to where ever you & your ancestors came from, and leave the lands & all here to their rightful Caretakers – as most all of our Native Ancestors believed that we were made responsible by the Creator to care for this land’s & it’s creatures, plants & parts – even stones! …it was the anglo-european custom of carving it up into little pieces which was forced upon us here, as with everything else.
Respectfully,
One Riled Up Bear
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Look All –
I won’t claim to have the answers on this, but one thing was made clear by “Mr. Daniel’s” comment above:
These types of fractious Intra-Tribal disputes hurts ALL of Indian Country, and lay us ALL open to those types of attacks to dismantle Indian Sovereignty!
I really encourage these two factions of the CVMT to try to work their differences out together – without outsiders, whether Tribal People or non-indians, courts or government entities – and find a way to be inclusive of all of your rightful Descendants. And I’m not saying not to bring in your own Miwok “objective third party” Elders from other Bands, if any of them can help you reach a consensus “in the Old Way.”
Otherwise, you risk a solution which you won’t like – or worse – you may lose your Tribal status all together! …and that will be no good for any of the immediate nor next 7 generations & beyond!
That is what is far more important than anything else being discussed here!
The rest of us here are just a “peanut gallery” watching & awaiting your solving your issues!
Geesh! & Ah-yoh! I must be getting old after this set of speaches of mine here! …pardon my going on like this.
Respectfully – and not tongue-in-cheek this time!
A Hopeful Bear
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Ahni – you’re doing fine. Likewise, I’m not as knowledgeable about the Reserves situation up north, as you are. We all bring something to the table – hopefully with a good mind & a good heart in all cases! …a few commenters need to think about that latter part a bit, I think, though.
J –
That sounds the same as Allottment, which happened to many other Tribes’/Nations’ “Common Tribal Lands,” which were carved up by the Feds & given to individual Tribal Members as Allottees. The States’ LOVEe that, because they can usually charge property taxes on it after so assigned to a private party!
And nothing says that the family in question could not put that land back into Tribal Trust status again at some future point.
Perhaps other properties could likewise be transferred, donated &/or acquired elsewhere to the Tribe, in order to build a land base legacy for the future generations of CVMT!?
I can’t keep up with all the comments, AHHHHHHHHHHH!!! lol just kidding. It’s really nice to see, even if there isn’t a consensus.
From what I’m hearing, everythings OK, Windtalker. Amigo mentioned that the bank extended the eviction for another 30 days. Given all the bureaucracy though, I think they’re going to have to leave then.
With all due respect Questios – he does NOT have a valid point!
…only a bigoted & exculpatory one!
The “other cultural groups” to which you refer have come here of their own choice, in order to settle on”free” lands stolen from others! At some level – it WAS their choice to come here or stay in their own homelands, whatever the difficulties there. Ergo, it is more appropriate for them to have non-governmental cultural groups.
In the cases of the Native Peoples of this Hemisphere, THIS WAS NATIVE LANDS & WE ALREADY HAD GOVERNMENTS HERE. These are the “descendant forms” of the local or regional Native Governments today, whose precedents & establishment go back Millenia, to a time when anglo-europeans & others around the world were still living in mud & grass huts!
Others from ELSEWHERE came here, recognized those Native Govenrments (if we can call them that for the convenience only of this discussion) and had dealt with them on a government to government basis – as convenient to them – whether by treaty & negotiation, war or otherwise.
This right & recognition is in the US Constitution, was recognized by most all of the colonial powers at some level. I think that there is something similar for Canada as well (Ahni – correct me on this?). As with the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1898, when it became less convenient to “recognize” Tribal Rights & Sovereignty, & to uphold the non-indian governments’ responsibilities in same, they skated on their duties & then held the Indians responsible!
What Daniel is saying – & what you’re supporting – is negating all of that millenia of history & bodies of law – to get rid of all Indian Rights & Sovereignty!!!!!!!
Tribes are NOT “Cultural Clubs” nor “Ethnic Enclaves” – even though many have been reduced to living like such, due to overbearing & overreaching of outsiders & their governmental organizations!
If this is a landless tribe, then why not buy some land instead of this mansion? It just doesn’t make any sense. It seems the only ones benefitting from this place is Silvia and her family.
Well i am grateful that things are well out there mind you their is something amiss in California with the treatment of our peoples can anyone fill me in on the treatment of our peoples.Why are our ancestors so upset?besides the things i already know.Are our people being mistreated or abused in any way?how is the California government treating all our people out their? or local white folks maby.To many earthquakes in your area out their,goes to show that something is up that is not in the major media.Any imformation would be helpful on things major media doesn’t show us .Thanks
God bless!!
Dear Hopeful Bear –
Some time ago nonbinding mediation was offered to the two factions, but the (tiny) Burley faction declined to participate. Unfortunately. The matter of organizing the Tribe is now at the IBIA on appeal by Burley and a decision is expected shortly. If the BIA proposal is accepted by the IBIA, the BIA will invite all known lineal descendants of the Sheep Ranch Rancheria Miwok to meet and decide their organization and future. The BIA will not be involved, other than providing a venue and the notice. Under the circumstances, that may provide the best outcome for this Tribe.
Well, to bring an end to some unanswered questions, and probably open a while new line of comments…. Here is an email from Sylvia Burley originally posted here. I’m pasting it below due to some formatting issues on the other site. Also, her email is in response to some queries by AIM, who looked in the situation a couple days ago (an email from them is here)
The Miwok Response To Allegations Against Them
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 3:53:09 PM GMT -08:00
US/Canada Pacific
In response to your email, we are in receipt of your email of June 18th, I’m sorry if we weren’t able to reply to you as timely as you would have liked regarding the information you forwarded. We’re currently in a STAND OFF and people here are on edge, skittish, worried ….. I’ve been trying to keep things CALM!!! We made many calls, emails, etc… and have been receiving an enormous response from the public. As for AIM, I know a couple of AIM members came by a couple days ago to assess the situation and to ask how we were doing, other than that, I don’t know if AIM is involved or not???? I REALLY DON’T KNOW…..
Thank you for bringing this up. These kind of IMPORTANT questions are exactly what need to be answered and I am more than willing to get the truth out there.
First of all, it is true that our Tribe had contacted Mr. Banks a while back in regards to asking for his help to stop outside influences (non-Indians like Chadd Everone and A.D. Seeno Jr) from being allowed to interfere in to our internal Tribal Governmental Affairs. As some of you may have noticed on our DOT GOV website, we had not disclosed our Tribal information prior to 1997/1998 due to the fact that Chadd Everone was stealing our history and shaping it to fit his own agenda of how our Tribe began….
Our Tribe does not consist of just one family. Our Tribe was formerly known as the Sheep Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California and because so many people kept asking us how many sheep do we own, or how big is our ranch, we finally decided to officially change our name to the California Valley Miwok Tribe, because we are not Sheep Ranch Indians but we are MIWOK. We are not a Tillie Hardwick Tribe, nor was our Tribe ever terminated. Mr. Yakima Dixie was never a hereditary Chief, nor were any of his brothers. Hattie Hemandez (my Grandfather Manuel Jeff’s sister) stated on the 1928 Application for Enrollment with the State of California under the Act of May 18, 1928 (45 Stat L 602) that her first husband Joe Hodge died in 1913) Mable Hodge Dixie (Yakima Dixie’s mother) was born in 1918 in Angels Camp, California, five years after Joe Hodge died. Hattie also states that her second husband Raymond Hermandez is from Mexico. Our Tribe also has in its possession a death certificate stating that Joe Hodge committed suicide and his ethnicity was recorded as Black.
It hurts us to once again see people forwarding these untrue rumors out to the public without coming to the Tribe and seeing first-hand our factual documentation for
themselves, but that’s ok… we understand that you believe its for the best that the Tribe speak up and tell what is REALLY going on.
We have file cabinets of information proving are ancestry and Miwok lineage to the Sheep Ranch Rancheria (and many governmental documents and BIA correspondence that dates years prior to any such person’s coming in and interfering in to our governmental affairs. Individuals such as Velma “Corea” Whitebear who grew up in Fresno, California and her father being from Portugal. Her grandfather being from Mexico….. Chadd Everone (non-Indian) calling himself
Doctor Internet, says he has a Ph.D from Berkeley and who hides behind the curtain so to speak because the address he uses is a Wells Fargo Bank in Berkeley, CA. Mr. Everone is good friends of Le Roi Chapelle and William Bill Martin (original Developers, who want to build a casino) and who eventually brought Mr. Albert D. Seeno Jr. into the picture. And as for Mr. Yakima Dixie (who Is in and out of prison each and every year (with a lengthy violent criminal history including murder, sexual assault and battery, burglary, etc…)
Disenrollment is a MAJOR issue but there are times (and each Tribe has its own set of rules it follows) when in the best interest of the Tribe and its members, it
becomes necessary to take that road. I don’t know about the cases of where people are getting dis-enrolled due to the distribution of casino funds…. All I know is what our Tribal issue was. We have correspondence from the Bureau of Indian Affairs in which Mr. Dixie’s allegations were brought against me as the Chairperson.
Mr. Dixie was afforded DUE PROCESS to bring his allegations before the Tribal forum, Mr. Dixie did not present any evidence to the Tribe or to the BIA , as a
matter of fact, Mr. Dixie sat at official Tribal Meetings for months, signing in as Vice Chairman, even in the presence of BIA Officials who were in attendance (but
of course, Mr. Everone, Velma Whitebear or everyone else wouldn’t know this because they aren’t part of our Tribe, nor were they anywhere around until Prop-5 and
Prop 1-A passed and the our Tribe started looking like a $$ pit for greedy developers to make easy money.
It is true that we are related to Mr. Yakima Dixe and at one time, he was the Spokesperson but we did hold an official election in 1998 with the Central California
Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs Representatives present at our election. Mr. Dixie was elected Chairperson and I was elected Secretary, at that time, the position for
Vice Chairperson remained vacant.
If you want the time line on the exact date and times… go to our DOT GOV website and click on Archives the Tribal TIMELINE is from May 1997-March 2009.
Yakima Dixie resigned in April 1999 he called the tribe to set up a date for a new election of officers (we have the original signature page in ink, in his own writing) the new election of officers date was set for May 8, 1999. I was elected Chairperson, Mr. Dixie was elected Vice Chairperson and Rashel Reznor was elected Secretary-Treasurer.
The certification is on file at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Unbeknownst to the Tribe, it was not until Mr. Le Roi Chapelle and Mr. William Bill Martin signed a casino
deal) that the story was concocted to lead people to believe that there was a leadership dispute.
In the year 2000 when Mr. Chadd Everone was brought in by Mr. Chapelle and Mr. Martin is when the outside interference began and our Tribe began fighting developers with $$$ wanting to destroy us so that they and Yakima Dixie could build a casino. False documents were sent to the BIA by these individuals and the lies began to build. Our Tribe had to use its RSTF monies to fight frivolous law suits, and still try to run its Tribal Programs also using the RSTF monies to cover shortfalls to keep our programs in tact while waiting for Congress to appropriate the next fiscal year funding. Unfortunately for us, we are a landless Tribe that has
to pay housing taxes and land taxes just like any other citizen of the United States. We do not have trust land to build any kind of economic development of which the Tribe can sustain itself. And the greedy developers used that fact that an individual in our Tribe has an individual allotment of land for which he did not need to worry how long it took his associates to destroy us. Mr. Dixie cares nothing about preserving the Miwok culture otherwise he wouldn’t be in and out of prison each year (especially for violence against women). All Mr. Dixie cares about is getting casino money so he can show off that he is something BIG other than the
habitual criminal he is. He and his associates should be in prison for Identity Theft, Fraud, and for conspiring to interfere into our internal Tribal Governmental
Affairs.
Awhile back I did contact Mr. Banks because we were tired of Chadd Everone continually getting his nose into our Tribal affairs and instigating Mr. Dixie to go along
with lying to the Bureau Officials. False documents were being forwarded to the Bureau (written up by Mr. Everone and Mr. Dixie (mostly from his prison cell) was more than happy to sign anything as long as cash $$ was coming his way that he didn’t have to declare to the IRS. Well Mr. Everone puts this smoke screen out
there that poor Yakima has this tiny little house in Sheep Ranch (of which he’s hardly there anyway because the prison cell is more his home than that piece of land) they tend to leave out the fact that he uses that land as a SAFE HAEN to run back to each time he is released from prison. Maybe if he had to worry about his land being taken away (like what has happened to the Tribe) then he wouldn’t have so much extra time on his hands to get involved with non-Indian developers who are dead set on destroying the legitimate Tribe and replacing us with their phony tribe lead by a murderous felon (who murdered my great uncle Lenny Jeff in 1978,
Be in known that Lenny was also on the Distribution List along with Mable Hodge Dixie). They happened to be arguing about the land when Yakima murdered him.
Lenny’s blood level was 3times the level of being drunk and he had one leg. Yakima drug him off the couch, repeatedly stabbed him in the heart and lungs and shot
him 3 times in the face and then went to the bar to have a drink (with Lenny’s body in the trunk of the car) after his drink, he took Lenny to the Avery dump and threw his body there). While in Jail, he told his girlfriend to say that her son killed Lenny Jeff, when she said NO… he then tried to blame it on his dad Romie Dixie. This information is in the court documents.
After putting up with Mr. Dixie’s continued death threats against Tribal Members the Tribe warned Mr. Dixie that he should quit telling lies about the Tribe and actually
do something positive by participating in the Tribal activities. Mr. Dixie and his associates (3rd group of phonies) sent notice to us that they now are the Sheep
Ranch Tribe, we warned him that he cannot be in two Tribes and he can call himself whatever he wanted to but if he starts up a new tribe he could be dis-enrolled from the California Valley Miwok Tribe. Mr. Everone, Mr. Chapelle, Mr Martin and Velma Whitebear sent documents to the BIA saying they are the Sheep Ranch
Tribe. Our Tribe has official documentation that the disenrollment process took place and after about a 9 -12 month ‘DUE PROCESS” Mr. Dixie was dis-enrolled. I
think that was near the end of 2005.
1. Previously, we were asking the American Indian Movement to help us get Mr. Everone and Mr. A.D. Seeno Jr. out of our internal Governmental Affairs (they are not Indian and have no business causing havoc within our tribal governmental affairs just so they can get a casino developed in our area, since Indian Casinos
are taking profits away from Nevada casino owners. If Mr. Dixie wants to be a good citizen and come back to the Tribe than he should STOP being used by greedy developers, and reapply to the Tribe and STOP using his associates to intimidate our Tribal Members and individual applicants who are coming to the Tribe to go through the rightful enrollment process.
2. I’m sorry but due to DEATH THREATS…. The majority of the Tribe does not want me to release the information of how many members are in our Tribe.
3. Yes, the property at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton California 95212 was being purchased with our Revenue Sharing Trust Fund Monies. I, Silvia Burley,
Chairperson was asked by the Tribe to use my credit because the Tribe had no credit history. I signed the loan, the Tribe paid its down payment and made every payment after that. The deed is in the Tribe’s name (the Tribe is the owner of the property) and I never used any tax right offs or credits. We have internal ocuments that gives’ the necessary authority. We have passed all federal and state audits. Everything is legal. Again, there are people out there who do not know the internal documents that were given to the BIA, et., al regarding the purchase of the property because its none of their business. I know of no other Tribe who goes out and tells their Tribal Financial affairs to people who are not in the Tribe.
4. The justification for purchasing Tribal property is so that the Tribe would have a place to conduct its Tribal Affairs, Tribal Programs and for Tribal Members to live as need be. Remember, we have no TRUST LAND, we are a landless Tribe. We are the Tribe and we are making ends meet the best we can.
5. YES! We are enrolled Tribal Members (please see our Time line on our DOT GOV Website). It’s our names that our on file at the Bureau of Indian Affairs not the phony group of individuals who are in possession of fake $5.00 dollar cards issued to them by Chadd Everone and Velma Whitebear.
6. We are a federally recognized Miwok Tribe that has suffered many years of abuse, what is happening to us now is another reason as to why we felt it important to stand our ground. We are tired of people believing the worse of us (as Indians) and are extremely tired of the word of non-Indians and criminals holding more creditability than us. WE ARE THE CALIFORNIA VALLEY MIWOK TRIBE… it’s shameful that we have to continue to defend ourselves. It’s our Tribal Members who elect our Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary Treasurer. It’s our Tribal Members who have to put up with the DEATH THREATHS on a daily basis. It is US who has been fighting the BIG $$$$ Casino Developers from stealing our Tribal heritage and it is US who are now standing our ground to save our only home we have.
We would GLADLY welcome a CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION into the actions of Albert D. Seeno Jr., Chadd Everone (the man behind the curtain who is pulling the strings and raising the SMOKE SCREEN), Velma Whitebear, Yakima Dixie, Troy Burdick, Superintendent of CCA/BIA, Tim Vollman, Peter Melnicoe, Arlo Smith, and Scott Keep.
7. ADDED BONUS: We’re sleeping ok at night… are they??? The one thing they will NEVER have is our culture, heritage or linage … its our blood and we are taking it with us!!
If this story were half true, the Burley faction would not be having any problems. Her theory is that money and political influence have done them wrong. A lot of people would be more than happy to believe that. Truth be told, maybe the criminal investigation she wants should focus on her misuse of Tribal assets for the exclusive benefit of her family. Exhibit #1 is the mansion that her family lives in.
Perhaps she should also include the story of how she allegedly became a member of the Sheep Ranch Miwok. Was it the BIA that was shopping her all up and down the foothill Miwok tribes? Was she refused membership in the other Miwok tribes? Did she bite the hand that fed her by disenrolling Yakima Dixie? I wonder how many more lies will emerge from this source.
Seems to me:
On the one side you have a convicted felon being used by a group of investors whose only interests is to turn a quick buck by building a casino. On the other side you have a lady who claims to represent a tribe that conveniently consists of her own family and takes tribal money and buys herself a 7 figure mansion in an upscale neighborhood and calls it their ancestral homeland. ….And then we wonder why a lot of people don’t respect Indians.
If it weren’t true the whole thing would be comical. I think these people have a future on the Jerry Springer show, or perhaps they could make their own reality show about the whole mess.
Did anyone notice that when Silvia was asked by AIM how many were in her tribe she refused to answer because of “death threats”? Who’s hiding what?
With all respect to Bear…
Daniel does not “make a point,”, make a “suggestion” and he’s not “saying” anything, he asked a question. I am not “supporting him,” in fact I said “I am not advocating in any way.” I merely said he raises a valid question shared by many.
You answered his question eloquently but descending into a rant on racism and genocide only serves to further alienate concerned citizens asking honest questions. Its not fair to infer that people are bigots just because they ask questions.
questios –
While it’s easy to focus on the negative, there are a number of descendants of former Sheep Ranch Rancheria occupants who would be eligible for Federal benefits IF this Tribe becomes organized and attains leadership recognized by the BIA. That should be the objective. Whether or what the members decide respecting economic development cannot happen until the Tribe properly selects it tribal government. That should be the objective for this Tribe.
Amigo:
I couldn’t agree more. I think both parties should agree to binding arbitration to settle this thing, but it doesn’t look either side is inclined to do that.
Dan may not have meant any harm by the question, but it’s pretty hard not to take offense by it. I mean, it’s no different than if he would said, “I wonder if we should make blacks into slaves?”
I’m sure that’s not how Dan meant it, but the implications are impossible to ignore for someone who’s living the history that he’s probably never had the chance to learn about.
To “agree” to the question is to be a proponent of genocide, whether one is conscious of it or not.
Having Tribal Elders is more appropriate in Indian Country, than either litigation or arbitration.
However, it appears that the dispute is already well beyond this point, since they’re already in court & awaiting a decision, and then appeals are the only route available to them…….
…unless they can reach an agreement together amicably – preferably via more traditional methods!
As to the type & location of both the house & ranch properties in question, I don’t think that they’re either good or bad for the Tribe, nor that they’re appropriately used for Tribal purposes. The audits & court cases would determine that.
However, when a Tribe acquires property for Tribal “public” purposes, they then usually try to put it into Trust status, but then the local & state governments usually fight that change of ownership status, because they don’t want to lose the property taxes on it.
It’s funny that they do not fight such changes though, when a non-Tribal governmental entity such as a city, county, school district, state or Feds acquire property for non-indian public purposes & likewise remove them from the tax rolls!? …when has anyone seen a local or state government fight another or the Feds from taking property off the tax rolls? …NEVER!
…ooops! …there goes another double standard!
It would appear to me, that Amigo is part of the “Sheep Ranch faction” – as are others, while others are part of the “CVMT faction” – please excuse my use of these faction terms for convenience here – but it would be more clear & upfront if these folks properly identified themselves as who they are & who they represent or are affiliated.
Well said Ahni!
It’s also interesting that we’ve not heard hide-nor-hair from the instigator in all this time, so maybe he was just trying to stir the pot & distract everybody!?
However, this is a side string which distracts from the main purposes here, and the attempts to “educate” others less sensitive to the issue of the “question” do not seem to be doing any good anyway! …and apparently they don’t want to hear the cold hard facts when we Indiands “rant”!
So I suggest we ALL leave this one as (over-) done! ..and move back to the main thread!
Correct, Bear, although my interest here is to provide clarification, rather than advocacy. To further that purpose, the BIA in 2004 determined that Silvia Burley’s council was not representative of the Tribe, but only her small faction. She had submitted a constitution providing membership exclusively for her family, although has since backed off that position. At the time she was receiving assistance for organization of the Tribe under PL 638. Because her government is not recognized (except by itself), the BIA terminated the PL 638 contract and proposed to assist the Tribe in implementing a general council meeting by requesting submissions from persons claiming a right to membership in the Tribe by descent from Rancheria occupants determined by census or from the distributee (last occupant) of the Rancheria. Burley and her faction appealed and the matter is now before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals and should be decided shortly. The Burley faction also attempted to force the BIA through court action to accept any constitution proposed by her council. The courts ruled against her and her lawsuit terminated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Both the BIA and the Interior Board of Indian Appeals over a number of years have foramlly requested the parties to mediate. The Yakima Dixie faction has always been open to mediation, but Burley has always refused. Because the Tribe’s sources of income are exclusively through government agencies, the matter of tribal leadership and membership must be decided in a way acceptable to those agencies — and it will shortly.
In an attempt to head off any attempt to unseat her council, Silvia Burley has attempted to enlist the support of other tribes by claiming government interference in internal tribal matters. At the same time, she, of course, claims the right to government-administered money. That money was used to purchase her mansion in Stockton and to pay her daughters and non-Indian husband salaries as tribal officials (the husband is the tribal administrator). In the meantime, most of the rightful members of this Tribe by descent have been excluded from the Tribe, although she now claims to have an enrollment program that is prevented from operating by (you guessed it) her lack of those government-administered funds. Burley has endeavored to obtain support from various Indian organizations and tribes to deal with this internal problem, which she has refused to address. She waves the banner of sovereignty, but her actions have precipitated outside oversight and she encourages outside support. One might reasonably conclude that she is the problem.
To put the matter into perspective, she and her family were living quite high on the $1.5 million + that the Tribe received from revenue sharing of gaming tribes and PL 638 money. And, of course, they don’t want that to stop. Burley would like to frame the issue as outside manipulation of tribal members by casino developers. But, that begs the question of how other tribal members could hope to assert their rights against the stable of lawyers that Burley hired with $1.1 million in revenue sharing she was receiving annually. The fact is, most tribes would like a casino to provide economic assistance. It’s a pretty good business for a tribe. The Burley faction had its own non-Indian developers who were attempting to develop a casino in San Benito County and possibly elsewhere. Don’t believe it? Google the Tribe’s name with “casino.”
In any case, there is no triibal council to manipulate at the present time, because a tribal council representative of the full tribal membership has yet to be formed. Moreover, Burley purveys the “dumb Indian” stereotype in suggesting that members of this Tribe outside her tiny faction are unable to assess their own interests and are easily manipulated. This plays into white bias towards Indians in general. The number of college kids signing her petition attests to that.
Now, I am not spinning this up. It is all undeniable fact. But, I will add one personal opinion. This kind of behavior is morally wrong, whether in this Tribe or any other tribe, because it is an infringement of the rights of others.
Amigo-
Very well stated.
Bear-
I agree that they should reach an agreement together amicably – preferably via more traditional methods. But I don’t see that happening, Burley has too much to lose. As with almost any court case the only real winners are the lawyers.
Looking at the Tribe’s official website http://www.californiavalleymiwoktribe-nsn.gov/, let’s see whether this is a one-family operation. Here are the listed officers of the Tribe:
1) Silvia Burley, tribal chairperson
2) Angelica Paulk (Burley’s daughter), Vice Chairperson
3) Rashel Reznor (Burley’s other daughter), Secretary/Treasurer
4) Tiger Paulk (Burley’s husband), Consultant/Director of Economic Development
5) Mildred Burley (Silvia Burley’s mother), Certified Indian Artisan Representative
Nuff said?? I’ll shut up for awhile in case anybody else has comments.
I believe that some if not all of these positions in the tribe are paid. Pretty nice setup she’s got going. No wonder she won’t submit to arbitration.
I would just add a few thoughts to consider on Amigo’s last reply & those of J, Sylvia & all others so far – based in part upon the experiences of my own Peoples’ Tribes & those of some of my friends in Indian Country. Please keep in mind here that I’m expressing my personal views on these matters, and not trying to impose anything nor be judgmental towards either group of this Miwok Band.
1 – I don’t think that the BIA nor any part of the non-indian govt. should have a say over how any individual Tribe organizes or revises their Tribal govts., constitution/governing law, etc. It really should be up to the Tribal People in question themselves (not even we “outsiders”) in order to be truly Sovereign, & not just another “puppet govt.” That of course begs the question if a “constitution” per se is an appropriate governing rule, vs. a more traditional format appropriate to each individual People.
2 – The above also presumes that ALL those eligible Tribal Members are involved in the process, which is PERHAPS the only appropriate place for outside assistance &/or “oversight” (preferably minimal & as non-intrusive as possible). Such could come from the BIA/courts, a group like the “Carter Commission” which does similar things in other countries, or what I would think was more appropriate in Indian Country – particularly where there are other related Tribal Bands/Nations available – to ask for their assistance in such process.
2-1/2 – The 2 above comments also bring up that there are often many Indian People out there from many Tribes/Nations (perhaps from all?) who are rightly descendants of that Tribe, but who may not be eligible under a certain set of rules established for Tribal Membership. Along those lines, the enrollment rules can be so constructed as to be as inclusive as possible, as exclusive as possible, & anywhere in between – the latter of which is unfortunately where most fall. It is true for my People & for many other of which I’m aware.
3 – We must ALL remember that Tribal Rolls/Census, Blood Quantums, Rules for Tribal Enrollment are ALL non-indian constructs supposedly “to protect the poor Indians” – BUT IN FACT ARE FOR “STATISTICAL GENOCIDE” PURPOSES! There is adequate evidence that this is/was the true purpose of the construct, in quotes from various BIA & other US & States’ govts. officials – including the military from back when the BIA was part of the WAR Dept. – not Interior as today! I believe I recall one quote as saying something like: “paper is cheaper than bullets & soldiers” to solve the “Indian Problem”! And when this strategy wasn’t working fast enough for some, then they began the several attempts at “Termination” of the late 1800s & early 1900s up to the 1930s, 1950s-60s (70s?), etc.
This Miwok Band and other small Bands/Tribes in California (& elsewhere) are perfect examples of this, in that as the “allowed” members dwindle, then the Tribe/Band simply disappears after nobody can meet the minimum blood quantum &/or “proper family/group” direct descendancy (when unduly limited to only certain parts of the original Tribe’s/Band’s ancestral membership). Ergo, the Tribe/Band is technically & ONLY statistically extinct & thereby helps the US govt. to “solve the Indian problem” by their own actions – one by one!
Traditionally most Tribes/Nations/Bands recognized this problem with the diminution of their numbers, and they had various formal/ceremonial means for “adopting” non-members into the Tribe, who from there forward were only considered members of that Tribe only – not their prior affiliation. Now that’s a big step beyond just recognizing & enrolling members of direct descent – with disregard to & aside from some white-contrived & arbitrary blood quantum. Moreover, there was also a long tradition of white traders wishing to make inroads with various Tribes, of their intermarrying with Indians, sometimes by marrying off a daughter in a patrilineal Clan system Tribe in order to “feed off” of the daughter’s Tribal/Caln acceptance or membership & that of any grandchildren – but most often the male white trader marrying an Indian woman in a matrilineal Clan system because they & (or at least) their children thereby gained full Tribal & Clan membership according to Tribal customs.
The concept of “Blood Quantum” was first “invented” within a 1704 Virginia Colonial law to keep track of slaves – most of whom back then were INDIANS & only a few Blacks – and the resultant forced interbreeding with whites (usually by rape), with the term “Mulatto” applied to mixes of 1/8 (“Octaroon”) & less INDIAN blood with the balance white. These were only later applied to Blacks in subsequent laws as the Blacks supplanted captured Indians as slaves – after all, our Peoples knew they land & could easily escape, while it was a very long swim for the Blacks (although many escaped & hid out with various Tribes). Being of Mixed-blood racially myself – I joke sometimes about being a “Macaroon” to poke fun at this silly white concept!
So even in the old-old days, Tribes actually had some component of mixed-Tribal &/or mixed-race Tribal Members even before the US govt./BIA started counting & forcing “formal enrollment” on the Tribes as part of the “standardized Tribal Constitutions” – especially those of the mid-1930′s Indian… & Oklahoma Indian… Reorganization Acts – take note of “reorganization” in both – and others before & since. It is well known/documented that many Tribal Constitutions have been rejected by the BIA for a lack of a blood quantum rule, so they obviously wanted that, over another more traditional based method of determining membership, because even today it saves the US govt. big money to limit Tribal Membership which is the basis of all types of “per cap” Federal funding.
Beyond that – it is NOT unheard of that completely white non-indians have managed to buy or finagle their ways onto various Indian Rolls, and some of it has been well documented, but the BIA & US govt. will not allow them to be disenrolled – ever when proof is available. Perhaps the most egregious examples are on the Dawes Rolls for the “Five Civilized Tribes” in OK (Creek/Muskogee, Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw & Seminole), where any “good buddy” of Sen. Dawes & the Dawes Commission’s higher-ups could get on the rolls & get Tribal allotment land. I believe that there may be similar situations for some Tribes/Bands in CA as well.
The truth is that any Tribe’s People at the time the census/rolls & blood quantum process was started with their own Peoples, was probably made up of persons with some degree of both those with only that Tribe’s ancestors & those with a mix or only from other Tribes’ ancestry – some even with non-indian mixed-in! For those Rez’s & Rancheria’s in CA & other states (Grand Ronde, Coleville, etc., etc.) where multiple & often unrelated Tribes/Bands were put on the same Rez/Rancheria – as well as where Tribal Peoples were put close together in OK, NM, AZ, etc., there is also a lot of intermarriage & confusion on that count. I’ve heard of at least one other Tribe which is now trying to limit their membership to only one of the Tribal Peoples relocated to their Rez (perhaps based upon “gaming greed”?).
4 – So the question becomes what is an Indian & member of any Tribe/Band/Nation, and how would/did our/your ancestors determine it???? Not an easy question – when there are “carded” 4/4 Full Bloods out there who know little of their own history, culture, language, etc. – many of those not even following their Traditional Religious & Ceremonial Ways (or following some other Tribe’s or a Pan-Indian Way); while there are likewise Mixed-bloods & “No Cards” out there who know far more of their Peoples’ history, culture, language, etc. & many may follow their Tribe’s Old Ways!
5 – Given the above, in all probability whatever the BIA has for your Tribe/Band (& any other) as potential eligible members is probably well short of the true extent & numbers of potential People. Likewise, presuming that the BIA’s count of a sole descendant to whom they allotted the former Rancheria Land may in fact not be correct, because it was in the BIA’s & US govt’s. best interest to rid themselves of any & all Trust, Treaty & other welfare responsibilities to your Tribe’s/Band’s Peoples – which would have legally even back then extended to those living off of the Rez/Rancheria. Similar cautions can be made about the Burley/CVMT, Sheep Ranch, etc. groups’ enrollement lists/rolls, and furher research would be in order for all Miwok parties here (aside from BIA/Feds etc.).
I would encourage all parties to both cast as wide a net as possible for your potential Tribal Membership, as well as to avoid creating yet another self-fulfilling prophecy of the “disappearing Indian” in the rules & process for enrollment which you choose to use. Otherwise, if you limit it to just a few families/bloodlines &/or create a “future end date for the Tribe/Band” with a hard-n-fast blood quantum – then you’ll be playing into the non-indians’ hands by helping them to “Solve the Indian Problem” yet a second time for your Band/Tribe!
6 – Gaming has been both good & bad for the Tribes & Nations here – while it brings in money sorely needed to do all of those things which the US govt. is SUPPOSED to be doing under Treaties & Law – it also brings a plethora of problems to the Tribes/Bands/Nations & their People! I’ve seen too many torn apart, devolve into internal fighting, enrollment/dis-enrollment battles, per cap or non-distribution fights, etc., etc. & just plain greed – and in some cases a complete disregard for their own Culture, Traditions & Values!!!! ….and this is just so sad!!!
Gaming money on the other hand can & has been used to further Tribal services & benefits (health, housing, education, etc.), to expand the Tribal land base (read RE-purchase stolen lands), create jobs through Tribal Businesses, etc. – and yes, even to give a salary or living stipend for Tribal Members who devote their lives to carrying on the crafts, culture, language, Medicine & Ceremonies, etc. of the Tribe! …the latter of which I think is an excellent alternative to scholarships, Tribal employment for more “mainstream america jobs” & certainly far better than a “no-strings per caps”! The latter seems to mostly lead to just make the other societal & social problems & various addictions worse, leads to excessive spending to be “just like the rich white folk” & forgetting their own Traditions & Ways!
7 – More than one Tribe has been destroyed or seriously damaged by outside gaming interests, especially when they get involved either before Federal Recognition or when there are internal disputes such as this case here. There are also cases of which I’m personally aware, where these outside interests will throw big money into the efforts, but then expect anything from illegal control (one expected 99% control & revenues in return for $100k – which IGRA limits to 49% for the non-tribal partner[s]), to very onerous interest rates &/or equity returns on the “investments” – many along the lines of old fashioned loan sharking! And even reputable Wall Street traded types of gaming corps. do this, because a friend of had to renegotiate one such management contract to “more realistic” terms – otherwise the Tribe would’ve been economically strangled!
So abundant caution is advised when “getting in bed” with these groups & other non-indian “advisers” & “consultants” – and sometimes even with Indian ones! There is that old Indian Story with various versions in many Tribes, about “…you should have know I was a snake and would bite you, when you brought me home…” – or – “…helped me….” – and those Ancestors had reason to believe in and teach that lesson to their People!
Additionally – it is hard to put the cart before the horse, and deal with the gaming or any other economic development issues, until you have you house (Tribe) in order. So it’s probably premature to talk with these outsiders, until you all have the issues resolved & can present a united Tribal front in your negotiations – otherwise you all might just get skinned!
I hope this is helpful to & “food for thought” for all parties involved.
Questios –
Such positions in ANY Tribe are paid, even if minimally – no matter who the people are nor their family, Clan or other relationships (unless restricted by the Tribal Constitution, Council Bylaws, etc.). Being paid for a job/position – whether elected or hired – is not a mark against any Tribe nor other govt. official in & of itself!
Really – It’s no different than any other local, state, federal, school district, etc. position – and the same conflict of interest questions can be placed there throughout the non-indian world. …again, Blagoyavich comes to mind as recently in the news for such graft!
It really does no good for you to pile on with comments like that, which really are NOT the point of Amigo’s comment, which was merely pointing out their familial relationship. Again, that is a matter for THEIR Tribal governing laws – NOT our conjecture nor implied aspersions.
We outsiders may observe some “irregularities” on both or either side of things here – and it is a complicated mess beyond which ANY of us “outsiders” can make a reasoned & objective judgment merely based on what we’re learning online!
I again suggest that we leave the resolution of the Inter-Tribal dispute to the Parties themselves.
…and if the property in question in danger of foreclosure is in fact Tribal Property, then perhaps we can help them keep it in Tribal hands (both sides) until their internal issues are resolved, then decide what to do with it thereafter as a TRIBAL decision – NOT ours, which would ultimately benefit ALL Tribal Members in the long run – regardless of their current factional affiliation (again – apologies for the use of “factions” for convenience of discussion here).
After all, that WAS the purpose of this petition effort & post – not to weigh-in upon nor interfere with an internal Tribal matter. ….after all, we’re not the CIA trying effect a coup de etat in some Central American, African or Middle Eastern country – are we!?
In response to Bear’s thought about retaining the residential property for the Tribe, there are several countervailing considerations. First, the upscale residential neighborhood has restrictions and the house is really unsuitable for tribal activities involving more than a very few members and is clearly unsuited for any economic activity of the Tribe. Second, the amount that has been borrowed on the property (I’m told over $1 million) substantially exceeds the present value of the property. Third, any payments to hold onto the property would be large, plus it will take a wad of cash to pay back taxes, missed payments, penalties and charges.
I think what it boils down to is that this property made a nice home for Silvia Burley and her family, but is really unsuitable for use as a tribal headquarters.
Pardon my ignorance, but is there some reason that there cannot be an amalgamated Tribal government to stand united within the geographic boundaries of the USA?
i am not here to approve or comndemn.
i am here to say that all our tribes stop fighting each other. use their brains, all resources to come together. to become an identity that the gov will have to recognize, take into account, get big news papers doing the stories and stand as one people. we fight amonst ourselves for scrapes when there is a feast to be had by all. and only when all are together side by side, blood feuds forgotten and forgiven. committed to work with one another. that is where true power is .
I brought this very point up to Silvia in an email a couple days ago. I haven’t heard back from her.
Amigo – keep in mind that any equity in that property (if any) could be transferred by a later sale to another property more appropriate to Tribal purposes & mix of uses (rather than just a residence), at a later date if it can be retained in the Tribe’s name/interests. Whereas, the foreclosure wipes out any equity. As a RE broker myself, I’d advise all parties to look at this & the options carefully in the best interests of all involved.
There were/are over 500 separate Indian Nations here which had/have sovereignty, so each has their own Tribal Govt., and retain the rights under the US Constitution to do so – just as there are many independent countries in Europe, Asia, Africa – and in all cases there are many differences in their languages, cultures, traditions, locations, etc.
If you’re referring to something like a Tribal UN, then there already is NCAI – National Congress of the American Indian which serves that function.
A Seneca Elder once told a story offering a lesson along the lines of what baa & others are saying along those lines:
An Elder Indian was walking along the beach picking up crabs & putting them into his bucket, whereas a group of non-indians put them in but they just kept climbing out, so they couldn’t collect any. One non-indian went to the Elder & asked what “Indian Secret” he/she had for collecting the crabs & keeping them in the bucket?
He/she responded that: “As I put them in the bucket I just tell tham that they’re an Indian Crab, and then as soon as one tries to climb up, all the others pull him or her back down!”
…based on an old Indian Story…..ahhh, the wisdom of our Elders!
In the long-run I think we do actually need to form a confederacy, hemisphere-wide.
I was taught that this happened once before, more than 1000 years ago in Mexico. There was also a “national Indian government” in Canada for about 120 years. (The Federal government dissolved it in 1840 and, soon after, began abolishing all traditional governments and replacing them with “band councils”—the leaders of which were ultimately bound to serve Canada while being permitted to exercise limited local powers. As far as Canada was concerned, the Chiefs were paid employees. That’s still true.)
In any event, We may not have any choice but to come together, in a way that resembles the Haudenosaunee Confederacy . Otherwise our Nations will continue to deteriorate, our rights will continue to disappear, our lands will continue to be contaminated, and we will be forever under the thumb of foreign courts, governments, agencies, and diminished by economies, doctrines and political systems that were never meant for us.
Bear –
As far as can be ascertained the Stockton property is “underwater” because of Silvia’s refinance and there is negative equity in the property. There is no economic value there to be saved for the Tribe. And, even if there were, the foreclosure has already taken place.
My two cents (and worth every penny): The Tribal mansion was a mistake on multiple levels, but leaving our brothers and sisters out on the street after they lose their ill-conceived palace is another. The few that are pulling the economic strings in the land right now are gobbling up foreclosed properties with glee, and this is the unfortunate result: whether one is booted from a $70K trailer house or a $1.7M upscale residence in a gated community the evictee still needs a place to live.
I suppose one act of inter-Tribal unity would be to find a way to help this family without perpetuating their error. Maybe redeem the property and refit it as a group home for any CA Tribal widows who got displaced from their humble abodes. Then find a decent plot of land with a few decent trailers to move the displaced Tribe to. Don’t care if they are all one family. That’s how most of the Tribes started according to our histories. Their apparent stupidity and shame is punishment enough in my estimation, unless they have actually stolen from their brothers and sisters. Then let the Elders deal with them with justice tempered by mercy.
How are things out there Ahni?is all well peaceful?please update today is the June 30th
Haven’t heard any news, Windtalker. But I think the eviction isn’t set for another two weeks (someone please correct me if I’m wrong.)
To all of you who have been following the situation, the Tribal Administrator is looking for people to attend the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2009 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) – Hilton Sacramento Inn, Folsom room, Harvard Street, Sacramento, California (916) 922-4700.
So – if anyone in the Sacramento area is interested in lending support – that’s the place. There are additional layers to the Tribe’s plight, and they are asserting that a big gaming dude (Albert Seeno, Jr.) and another non-native (Chadd Everone) is gunning for them. I have no way of verifying this one way or the other, but if there is merit to the story, questions should be asked publicly.
Who are the additional layers you reference, Sonoma Mountaineer?
To those who are sincerely interested in this matter, the facts and contentions are set forth in the IBIA record on appeal at http://www.californiavalleymiwok.com/IBIA-2/. A decision is expected soon.
In Administrator Burley’s own words:
“Dear Family and Friends
“We have been told that tomorrow, July 1, 2009 is a VERY important day.
“In a notice we received from Laura Davis, Associate Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Washington DC, it is stated that “The U.S. Supreme Cout issued an opinion interpreting a provision of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (“IRA”) that impacts the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Tribes”
…
“The importance is: “In keeping with Interior’s commitment on government-to-government consultation…. key word being “CONSULTATION”….
“We were given a TIP that many VERY IMPORTANT officials, state and federal will be attending tomorrow’s CONSULTATION….
“To all of you who have been following our plight for justice… we are asking you to attend the meeting(in force)scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2009 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) – Hilton Sacramento Inn, Folsom room, Harvard Street, Sacramento, California (916) 922-4700
“Today, we received info that many important officials from DC are in Sacramento today and will be at the meeting tomorrow, including legislatures.
“Again… we were told… this is VERY IMPORTANT and officials are there to LISTEN… this would be a VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY to get our critical situation brought to the awarness of these officials.
“Unfortunately for us (the Tribe) we are afraid that if we leave the tribal property, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s will seize the opportunity to overtake our Tribal office, so we cannot leave these grounds.
“We understand that this is quite a bit to ask of you… but many have asked what they can do to help us find a resolve to our issues and to get justice…. the irony is that our problem started in Sacramento and its fitting that the protest for justice for our Tribe, be brought up in Sacramento, again… consultation means that the officials are there to listen and anything of IMPORTANCE can be brought to the floor at that meeting.
“PLEASE BE OUR VOICE…. The opportunity is here and now… put a stop to the injustices being inflicted upon us… help right the wrongs… Independence Day for the U.S. is just around the corner… help our tribe gain independece from the outside interferences of the Gaming Developer Albert D. Seeno and his associates (Chadd Everone and Velma Whitebear) who have been tring to destroy us by spreading false rumors of a split tribe, and a leadership dispute. Their lies have caused the Bureau to wrongfully withhold our 638 contract for 2008/2009 and their criminal actions of deliberately given misinformation to the California Gambling Control Commission have caused CGCC to illegally withhold our RSTF (Revenue Sharing Trust Fund) monies of which in near or over 5 million dollars.
“There is no reason as to why we are sitting here pennyless, near homeless and IGNORED by not only the BIA but by Government Officials. We are a federally recgonized Tribe that is being abused and ignored… our suffering is great, our pain is great and through you are voice will be great..
“Our hearts are filled with hope… anyone who can attend tomorrow meeting on our behalf will be bringing justice to our cause.. for those who cannot attend… please keep us in your prayers and know that we are still here fighting to survive.. not only as our Tribe… but as Indian people.
“With much Respect and Many Blessings!!!
“Let our cries be heard and our prayers be answered”
“/s/
Silvia Burley”
Chairperson
s.burley@californiavalleymiwoktribe-nsn.gov
“and the
Tribal Council & Tribal Members of the California Valley Miwok Tribe
office@cvmt.net”
Mailing Address Physical Address
California Valley Miwok Tribe California Valley Miwok Tribe
1163 E. March Lane 10601 Escondido Pl
Suite D-PMB#812 Stockton, California 95212
Stockton, California 95210-4512
Tribal Office 209.931.4567 or 209.487.9519
Fax 209.931.4333 or 209.487.8579
My Tribal Cell Phone 209.470.5963
http://www.californiavalleymiwoktribe-nsn.gov
http://californiavalleymiwoktribe.us
———————————————
Once again – I cannot vouch for the veracity off all these statements, but this is from an appeal letter sent out by Administrator Burley. Has anybody looked into these assertions?
- Sonoma Mountaineer
It’s a lot of bunk and I think there was a quick comment made at that meeting to the effect that the BIA should not ignore the true members of the Tribe. Agreed on that one. The former Regional Director has formally questioned the manner in which Burley and her daughters allege they were made members of the Tribe by Yakima Dixie. As previously stated, the matter is currently on appeal in the Interior Board of Indian Appeals. The complete record on appeal is available at http://www.californiavalleymiwok.com/IBIA-2/. Those who want to inform themselves concerning the history of this Tribe can access it there. The BIA has made every effort to assist this tribe to organize the genuine membership (the descendants of the Miwok at the Sheep Ranch Rancheria).
Mediation was offered to, and refused by, Silvia Burley. As it is said, you reap what you sow. In other words, she is the source of her own problems. Burley at various times has employed a stable of six lawyers and has been unsuccessful at every stage, principally because she has sought to exclude from the Tribe persons who are entitled by descent to membership, so that she and her family can control the money that comes to the Tribe.
To those who are inclined to believe the worst, I would say that simply because Silvia Burley says it’s true doesn’t make it true.
I am wondering what has happened with this and the treatment of all tribal peoples in California their was a 6.0 earthquake this morning.Anymore updates Ahni?
Thank you for the information, Amigo. My posting of Sylvia Burley’s appeal was not an endorsement, and I hope that nobody was gulled by her impassioned plea. I still believe that anyone who gets kicked to the curb following foreclosure should be able to find housing, but I’ve already spoken my peace on that topic earlier in this thread.
One question that still remains: what about the outside gaming interests? Seems to me that the Roman principle of “divide and conquer/divide and rule” may also be at work here, if it means that Tribal legitimacy and survival has a price tag of ceding a “piece of the action” to outsiders.
I realize that there is no national amalgamated Tribal Government, but as a suggestion maybe various California Miwok bands could convene an ad hoc committee to assist in organizing the descendants of the Sheep Ranch Rancheria to reclaim a portion of their lost homeland. Many (most?) people do not really trust the BIA, and that fact hinders Tribal reorganization. Why would anybody trust the same folks that stole their land in exchange for a few trinkets? But if a delegation of representatives from the “healthy” Miwok bands called on a descendant he/she would be more likely to respond in a positive manner.
If they elect to engage in gaming as a revenue source, let it be the Sheep Ranch Miwoks’ informed choice once they are properly established. A backroom deal bankrolled by “helpful” outsiders looking to turn a quick profit is just another form of serfdom to the governing elite pulling the puppet strings in the USA. While we’re arguing about a foreclosed white elephant property, I’ll bet somebody is arranging a business plan and financing for a Sheep Ranch Casino before the entire Tribe has even convened its first meeting.
Finally, if Sylvia and her kin are not legitimate members of the Tribe, let them be properly disenrolled. Otherwise, let the full membership of Sheep Ranch Miwoks elect new leadership from among their number. The Burley family seems to have squandered resources that should have been used to help other Tribal members truly in need of assistance. I suppose there is a chance they could still marshal their remaining resources to try and hold onto power within the Tribe, but they have had their day in the sun and should be encouraged by the rest of the Native community to step down quietly.
Does anyone know what happened at this meeting Wednsday?
How are things out there Ahni still peaceful?
I haven’t heard any news so I think everything’s still ok.
It is a sad day when I am obligated to submit truth about a family member. S. Burley is my 1st cousin on my mother’s side. Since people are trying to figure out whether to become involved and help her I say go with your instinct. Sylvia has done nothing to help our elders or children in time of need. In fact, she has repeatedly turned her back on the family. I am appalled at her putting our Uncle Lenny on the front line of vicious attacks at others. I am very aware of her elder abuse and child abuse problem. She needs to sit back and look at herself and her failing attempts at keeping us down. We have Jeff blood still running through our veins and the family she is trying to take down is her own relations. Shame on her for all she has done and all the people she has tried to get involved with her. I thank Creator everyday for the blessings He has brought into my life; our children and our elders. And I will not let this evil entity to hurt them anymore. Sylvia is pure evil. I used to feel sorry for her for many years. Praying for her makes her worse and more vile every day. I pray she receives the medical help she truly needs, but I cannot allow her to hurt anymore of our people. I hope this message goes out very far to answer the questions many of you are seeking. Please do not let this deter you from having compassion and empathy for others. There are a lot of deserving people out there that will need you help. Let Sylvia go before she destroys others.
I first heard of this a few months ago, and recently saw another reference to it, so started doing some more research about it. I think the info posted here is the best I’ve seen, giving both factions “air time.” As a member of another California tribe, and close ties with some others, I’ve been interested in this case, wondering whether or not to get involved. So far, my “gut” is telling me to stay far away from it. I’ve been doing some genealogy work concerning some of the principles, of course, not having access to the original base roll of the SR Rancheria… but obviously, all these folks have legitimate claims. The old saying goes: “You can’t kid a kidder,” and being very familiar with Indian politics, I’m very aware that there is merit to both factions positions. To tell the truth, I don’t blame the Bureau for cutting off the 638 contract, nor the state for stopping the revenue sharing. Both parties claim to be the “Real Tribe,” and both parties seem to have an equal claim. After all, they descend from the same people. For all of Ms. Burley’s claim about the parentage of the Hodge clan, the 1928 Indian Census Index lists Hattie Hernandez’s children, Tex and Mabel Hodge as both “full-blood.” I’m quite aware that errors were made at times, but once it was written down, it is pretty much “written in stone.” Besides, that has nothing to do with Rancherias, since they were established as places for “homeless Indians,” even if a Mexican happened to be there among the rest of the Indians, often he/she was just listed as 4/4 Indian. And often, on old death certificates, there wasn’t a box to be checked as “Native American,” so sometimes Native people were shown to be something else. In fact, my husband had an aunt whose death certificate shows her to be Asian, because the only available boxes on the form were white, black, and yellow.
Be that as it may, the 638 contract has strict rules to be followed, and if the Bureau finally woke up to the fact that paid employees were from a single close family, and that they were paying for private property that at least at one point was actually in the chairperson’s name, then I’m certain that these were found to be un-allowable costs. Additionally, the revenue sharing was being used to meet the costs not covered by the 638 contract, which means Ms. Burley’s administration was not being careful to live within the budget. I don’t know at what point the tribe was cut off from the revenue sharing, but at least 1.1 million per year was disbursed to them from revenue sharing, and that should have been put to good use to purchase land and start the “land-into-trust” process, if that was indeed their plan with the “mansion.” I suspect that the revenue sharing was probably disbursed as per-capita payments, though. It seems sad, because indeed, the tribe seems to have a long history in Calaveras county, and I would hate to hear of its complete disintegration. I hope the various principles think long and hard about the future, and what it will take to go forward.
Hello to the Miowak Chief. I think the jurisdiction is international, so why not try to use the International Criminal Court. http://www.icc-cpi.int
“The International Criminal Court (ICC), governed by the Rome Statute, is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
“The international community has long aspired to the creation of a permanent international court, and, in the 20th century, it reached consensus on definitions of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Nuremberg and Tokyo trials addressed war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity committed during the Second World War.
“On 17 July 1998, the international community reached an historic milestone when 120 States adopted the Rome Statute, the legal basis for establishing the permanent International Criminal Court.
“The Rome Statute entered into force on 1 July 2002 after ratification by 60 countries.”
(http://www.icc-cpi.int)
Does anuone know what has happened with this tribe? Where does this thing stand? Are they still living in their mansion or were they foreclosed on?
CA tribal member That’s very balanced of you. Thanks for sharing!
Paula – Unfortunately, the ICC isn’t of any real use to Indigenous People, Paula… Because it’s for prosecuting individuals—-only in circumstances where a “recognized” Nation state is unwilling or incapable of doing it themselves (and, only if the crime occurred after July 1, 2002. Plus, even an Indigenous Nation somehow got a case going, and then somehow won, the US government would just claim the court doesn’t have any jurisdiction. But that will never happen. That’s especially true for the International Court of Justice, and also for the IACHR (the only court that I know of, to actually rule in favor of Indigenous people. )
questios – Actually, they just got another eviction notice a few days ago. It’s set for Jan 15. See http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091218/NEWS/912180316/1003/BUSINESS
Thanks for the update.
This eviction has been a long time coming….. Their own family lives in poverty while they are nice and warm in the mansion. She tries to get her pic taken to show she does things for her people. But, if you notice in past pics these are pictures of people in her immediate family… Could there be NEPATISM running amuck?
From what I know of this case the only “tribe” she represents is her own family. The only “tribal lands” she has is a mansion they live in, in a gated community. Her own family members are paid administrators of the “tribe”. How she has gotten away with this scam for so long is beyond me.
I have tried my best to keep my big mouth shut, i can’t do this any longer….This bashing each other on the internet is’nt good. It’s gotta stop! Allowing developers into our areas with promises of building Indian casinos; i don’t think so…..It’s gotta stop! You need too ask yourself “what’s in it for him” We are Miwok; related too each other one way or another. I was born in Calaveras County, same as my grandparents and great-grandparents; so i should have some say….Silvia Burley and I are closely related through our mothers. They were sisters! My mother died in 1990, her sister is a well respected Elder, she’s a traditional dancer, a basket-weaver, and speaks Miwok fluently. We have a few Elders left; our “Old Ones” are all gone. The few that are left are in their 80s now and have health issues that come with old age. Our clinic was closed down last year because of the economy was so bad; so we no longer have a clinic, transporters that drove our people to and from doctor, dental, eye appts. etc….We still manage, just like anyone else would. Right now; the main concern is supposed to be for The People…..Health education and welfare. There is a great need for jobs and or training, and of course making a difference for our future generations. Our tribe voted “No Casino” like i said i was born and raised in Calaveras County so i should have some say….Too bad Chadd.
with this America distroys her fundamental relayance on God. She now relays on money and corruption. Schawnee Truth!