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California Intertribal Dispute Goes to Court

"But whatever is at the core of the dispute, it's now moved to a new level: the courthouse.

"The Viejas Indian band is suing an intertribal consortium that operates an Indian clinic in Alpine. It's also suing six leaders of other tribes who sit on the clinic's board of directors, along with Viejas.

"Such action appears to be unprecedented, at least in local circles. No one can recall one tribe suing a tribal group or other tribal leaders.

"…The suit in Superior Court seeks an injunction to block a clinic-to-casino plan proposed by one of the health council's member tribes, the Ewiiaapaayp (pronounced WEE-ah-pye) Indian band. The proposal was narrowly approved by the clinic board two years ago.

"Ewiiaapaayp, which holds a federal title to the land on which the clinic sits, wants to build a clinic on a back portion of the 10-acre lot, then build a casino in front.

"…Viejas has tried to block the plan since the clinic board approved it in December 2000.

"…Viejas insists its goal is simple: To protect the clinics' patients and ensure its continued operation. "We deeply regret being forced to take this step, but believe that it's necessary to protect the clinic," said Viejas Vice Chairman Bobby Barrett in a prepared statement released yesterday.

"But Ewiiaapaayp and other tribes say Viejas' real motivation is to prevent another casino from opening on Willows Road, less than a mile from its own…"

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