This is a federally recognized, California Indian tribe that was identified in 1915 and located at Sheep Ranch, California. The rightful authority for the tribe has been contested since 1999. Somehow, the hereditary Chief, Yakima K. Dixie, because supplanted by Silvia Burley, a distant relative to whom Mr. Dixie gave tribal status so that she and her children might receive educational and medical benefits that are available to members of an Indian tribe. In return, Ms. Burley was supposed to have helped Mr. Dixie organize the Tribe. Instead, she abandoned and displaced him, claiming that she was the sole authority for the Tribe, and then proceeded to garner huge amounts of government money to herself and her immediate family rather than benefiting the hereditary and rightful members of the Tribe and the general Indian community in Calavaras County. The Bureau of Indian Affairs of the United States Department of the Interior is now in the process of resolving this matter by formal tribal organization. In an effort to prevent this organization, as a maneuver to intimidate the members of the Tribe and the officials of the BIA, Ms. Burley has launched a media campaign which libels and defames tribal members, the BIA, and friends of Yakima. The tribal members deeply regret Ms. Burley's actions and apologize to those whom she may have damaged or offended. Rather than argue with Ms. Burley and her family in the media, the Tribe will continue to pursue its reorganization under the auspices of the federal government whereby programs can be established which will insure the future self-sufficiency of the greater Miwok Indian community.

The Tribe wishes Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation to all.

Upon the authorization of the Tribe, this Public Notice has been authorized and published.

Chadd Everone, Deputy, on behalf of Yakima K. Dixie, Chief, and Velma WhiteBear, Executive Director.