Jackson - The Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians announced Friday that Vice-Chairman Irvin “Bo” Marks was elected to the office of Tribal Chairperson, a position formerly held by the late Margaret Dalton. During a gathering of the Tribe’s General Council Thursday, a special election was held to fill the position, as set forth in the Tribe’s election ordinance. Marks is the brother of Amador County philanthropist and pioneering tribal leader Dalton, who passed away May 24, 2009. According to a TSPN report at that time, Dalton, 68, served 30 years uncontested as chairwoman of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians. She spearheaded the formalization of its government, and was elected and served as its first and only chair, starting in 1979. Her legacy includes giving millions of dollars back to the community, after fulfilling a dream she and her late husband, Earl Dalton Senior, both held of making the tribe self-sufficient. She built self-sufficiency in the tribe through the Jackson Bingo Hall, founded in 1991, which eventually became the Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel & Conference Center. In 2010, the gaming center will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The Jackson Rancheria is also Amador County’s largest employer. Dalton, a 53-year resident of Amador, since marrying Earl Senior in 1956, sponsored numerous causes in the county. The Rancheria was the main sponsor of the California High School Challenge of Champions Rodeo and an Amador County Fair staple. It also has a health and dental complex, and built the Pine Acres apartments on Sutter Hill for its employees. The Amador County Chamber of Commerce named its “Margaret Dalton Humanitarian Award” after her. During its special election Thursday, the tribe also elected Adam Dalton to the office of Tribal Vice Chairman, and Dennis Dalton to a Tribal Council Member at Large seat. The tribe was first recognized by the Federal Government in 1898. Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642. For more information, call 800-822-WINN or visit JacksonCasino.com. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.