[kingu]

There are 150 Chumash Indians in Santa Ynez, CA splitting the revenue from the Chumash Casino. Each of the 150 people splitting the pot receives approximately $50,000 tax free each month. Yep, you read right: $50,000 per month. They refuse to share the proceeds with the 7,500-9,000 Chumash decendants estimated to be living in California.

50,000 a month, huh? That sure doesn't jive with all the people I know up at Santa Ynez. It really doesn't jive with all the people I know who go up to Santa Ynez to sell their stuff during per cap day.

Refuse to share with non-members? Come on, back in 1978, and again in 1984, and again in 1986 the tribal chairman at Santa Ynez wanted all those of Chumash descent to join the tribe. But the coastals wanted to get their own tribe, and the deep inlanders wanted their own tribe, and the former islanders wanted their own tribe.. They refused to join Santa Ynez and mumbled about getting their own federal recognition.

Division, well before the casino, is what has affected what is happening today. I've always said that there is nothing more annoying than Indian vs Indian. The Tongva are divided (four ways), the Acjachemens are divided (two ways) - surprise, neither are federally recognized.

I support dramatically higher fees if the Chumash want to expand their compact, and I support their soverignty in deciding who is a member of their tribe, and I support the decisions of those who have declined to be part of that tribe.

[Zevonismymuse]

You are mistaken. We are fourth generation Santa Ynezians, not people getting second hand gossip from friends. Two of my best friends have shown me the financial disclosures from their divorces. I have also seen bancrupcy notification/financial disclosure forms sent to a friend of mine by one of the tribal members. For the last couple of years the stipend has increased to $30,000 per month. Since the new Chumash Resort opened, the stipend has increased to $50,000.