Tribal Council

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is led by a Tribal Council comprised of seven tribal members who have been elected by their peers. Members of the Tribal Council and its committees contribute a significant amount of their time and energy to look after the well-being of the Picayune Rancheria and the activities of the Tribe.

The Tribal Council

Tracey Hopkins

Chairperson

Melvin Espe

Vice-Chairperson

Elena Sanders

Treasurer

Michael Wynn

Secretary

Morris Reid, Sr.

Member-at-Large

Laurie Arriaga

Member-at-Large

Marco Alcantar

Member-at-Large

Meetings

All tribal members are encouraged to participate in the governing process by attending the Tribe’s General Council meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 PM at the casino conference center and the Business meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 6 PM at the Butler Building.

 

Elections

 

Tribal Council elections are held annually. In accordance with the Constitution and Election Ordinance of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, an election committee has direct responsibility for the management of the election process.

Candidates for membership in the Tribal Council shall be qualified voters and shall reside within a 75-mile radius of the Picayune Reservation. Any tribal member 18 years or older, and who has attended at least eight tribal council meetings is eligible to run for Tribal Council. Officers of the Tribal Council shall be at least 25 years of age or older; reside within a 75-mile radius of the Reservation; have attended at least eight tribal council meetings within the past year.