The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians seated a new tribal council Monday night in front of a standing-room only crowd at Oakhurst Community Center.
The council members were elected Oct. 3 in a seven-seat, full council election.
The council named Claudia Gonzales as its chair; Nokomis Hernandez, vice-chair; Tom Walker, secretary; and Dixie Jackson, treasurer.
Members at-large are Morris Reid, Harold Hammond and Dora Jones.
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In the coming weeks, the new council will work on reaching agreement with Madera County on public safety and other financial issues to move toward getting Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino near Coarsegold re-opened.
After the county reaches agreement, the tribe needs approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission, state Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. District Court in Fresno to re-start operations.
Marc Benjamin: 559-441-6166, @beebenjamin
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