Yakama Nation suspends tribal casino board

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 | 9:08 a.m.

TOPPENISH, Wash. -- The Yakama Nation has suspended the board of directors for the tribal Legends Casino amid allegations the board spent money inappropriately and overstepped its authority.

The suspensions came at the recommendation of the National Indian Gaming Commission, which could have temporarily shut down the casino or levied stiff fines, said Yakama Tribal Council Secretary Davis Washines.

The Tribal Council voted 9-4 last Friday to suspend the five-member board, accusing the panel of buying new office furniture and hiring three attorneys without permission.

The council also contended board members were encroaching on council authority by attempting to distribute casino profits directly to tribal programs and taking over hiring and firing duties at the casino.

Board members argued the move has more to do with an outside audit of the casino.

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