Mescalero Apache Tribe

Mescalero Apache Tribe WELCOME TO OUR SACRED LANDS.
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The Mescalero Apache Tribe, located in South Central New Mexico, welcomes you to familiarize yourself with our history, traditions, and the current vision of our Tribe.

We're excited to announce that RISE2 will be hosting weekly group sessions every Tuesday in April!When: Tuesdays from 4:...
04/03/2026

We're excited to announce that RISE2 will be hosting weekly group sessions every Tuesday in April!

When: Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Mescalero Activity Hall

Who Should Attend?
These sessions are perfect for:
- Current RISE participants
- New prospective participants
- Anyone interested in positive change and personal growth

For more information, feel free to reach out to Rachel La Paz at 575-973-2778.

We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make positive strides together!

We’re excited to invite you to the Chiricahua Day Community Celebration on April 3, 2026! This is a wonderful opportunit...
04/02/2026

We’re excited to invite you to the Chiricahua Day Community Celebration on April 3, 2026! This is a wonderful opportunity to honor our heritage, connect with the community, and enjoy a day filled with fun and activities.

Event Schedule:
- 09:00 AM - Flag Raising Ceremony and Flag Song
- 09:05 AM - Invocation
- 09:10 AM - Welcome Address/Speeches
- 09:30 AM - Walk to Honor Our Lineage (One lap around the track)
- 10:00 AM - Reading of Chiricahua Day Proclamation
- 10:30 AM - Sign-up for Games
- 11:00 AM - Games/Tournaments Begin:
- Corn Hole
- Horse Shoe
- Basketball Free Throw
- Traditional Games
- 12:00 PM - Lunch
- 2:00 PM - Traditional Throw
- 2:30 PM - Event Conclusion

Enjoy social songs throughout the event!
Raffles every hour for exciting prizes!

Bring your family and friends to celebrate our rich culture and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

We invite you to come meet your dedicated Community Health Workers (CHR) staff at the Mescalero Empowerment Conference R...
04/02/2026

We invite you to come meet your dedicated Community Health Workers (CHR) staff at the Mescalero Empowerment Conference Room!

Our CHRs are trusted liaisons between the community and public health systems, working tirelessly to improve access to care and provide vital health education. Whether you have questions about navigating healthcare resources or need assistance overcoming barriers to essential services, we’re here to help!

Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Location: Mescalero Empowerment Conference Room

Let’s connect and strengthen our community together! We look forward to seeing you there!

04/02/2026

We want to share the latest updates regarding the Sago Fire, which has shown significant progress in containment. As of yesterday, containment has increased to 75%! Our dedicated crews are actively working to extinguish any remaining hot spots, particularly in smoldering stump holes, and ongoing repair work along the fire’s perimeter is also taking place.

Key Information:
- Acres Affected: 282
- Personnel Involved: 73
- Location: 19 Miles East of Mescalero, NM
- Cause: Under investigation
- Weather Forecast: Sunny with temperatures reaching 70°F and west winds between 8-13 mph, gusting up to 30 mph.

Resources:
Today, we will be releasing excess resources, but remaining on-site will be:
- 3 engines
- 1 handcrew
- 1 excavator

Transition of Command:
Tomorrow, April 3rd at 0700, command of the Sago Fire will be transferred to the BIA, Mescalero Agency Type 4 Incident Commander. The local incident command will continue to work throughout the weekend, focusing on repair work and patrolling the area.

Safety Reminder:
To ensure the safety of our firefighters, we kindly ask the public to avoid Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road during this time.

Fire Restrictions:
Please be aware that Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions are in effect on the Mescalero Reservation:
- Campfires are allowed only in designated areas (e.g., Silver Lake).
- Outdoor smoking must be properly extinguished.
- Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
- No restrictions on charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves, but proper screens must be installed in dwellings with fireplaces.
- Ensure chainsaws and combustion engines are equipped with spark arrestors.

Your support has been invaluable in assisting our firefighting efforts. Incident Commander Marcus Cornwell expressed, “It’s been a privilege to assist the Mescalero Reservation and Bureau of Indian Affairs during this early-season fire, and we thank the local community for their support.”

Stay safe and thank you for your cooperation!

For further updates, please stay tuned to our official channels.

Join us tomorrow, April 2, 2026, at the Mescalero Community Center in the Activity Hall for a community food drive start...
04/02/2026

Join us tomorrow, April 2, 2026, at the Mescalero Community Center in the Activity Hall for a community food drive starting at noon!

We invite everyone to come together and support those in need. Please remember to bring your own boxes to help transport food donations.

Let's make a difference in our community! Your contributions can help brighten someone's day.

See you there!

Community Update: Missing Person FoundWe are relieved to share that the young gentleman who was reported missing is now ...
03/31/2026

Community Update: Missing Person Found

We are relieved to share that the young gentleman who was reported missing is now safe!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the search and supported his family during this time. Your kindness, vigilance, and community spirit made a significant difference.

Thank you for coming together and showing the strength of our community. Let’s continue to look out for one another!

We’re excited to announce that the Mescalero Historic Preservation Program will be hosting a Mescal Roast Meeting on Fri...
03/30/2026

We’re excited to announce that the Mescalero Historic Preservation Program will be hosting a Mescal Roast Meeting on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM.

Location:
390 Lipan Avenue
Mescalero, New Mexico

This is a great opportunity to learn more about our heritage, engage with the community, and enjoy some delicious mescal. We encourage everyone to come out and participate!

For more information, feel free to call us at 575-464-3005.

We hope to see you there! Let’s celebrate our culture together!

Sago Fire Update:We wanted to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, currently burning approxi...
03/30/2026

Sago Fire Update:

We wanted to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, currently burning approximately 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM.

Key Details:
- Acres Burned: 282
- Start Date: March 26, 2026
- Containment: 17%
- Personnel Involved: 105 firefighters

Firefighters are actively working to secure the perimeter of the Sago Fire, and assessments for repair needs will begin today. Resources assigned include the Smokey Bear hotshot crew, two water tenders, three bulldozers, nine engines, and one T2IA crew. Medical resources have been on-site since Sunday morning to support our firefighting efforts.

Logistical Support:
The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team is effectively managing the logistical challenges posed by the fire’s remote location. Most resources are stationed at a spike camp near the fire, with supplies and meals being coordinated through local restaurants and the incident command post at the BIA Mescalero Agency Apache Summit facility.

Fire Behavior:
The fire is currently burning through grass, juniper, piñon, and ponderosa pine near the Cow Camp Facilities on the Mescalero Reservation.

Weather Conditions:
- Monday’s Forecast: High of 77°F with relative humidity in the teens and low 20s.
- Potential Weather Changes: Expect possible precipitation on Wednesday and a chance of Red Flag Warning conditions later this week.

Public Safety Advisory:
For everyone’s safety, we urge the community to avoid Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road while firefighting efforts are ongoing.

Fire Restrictions:
Please note that Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions are in place on the Mescalero Reservation. Here are some key points:
- Campfires are only allowed in designated camp areas at Silver Lake.
- Smoking outdoors is permitted if extinguished properly.
- Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
- Charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves can be used without restrictions, but must have proper screens to prevent escaping embers.
- Chainsaws and combustion engines must be equipped with spark arrestors.

We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation during this critical time. Thank you to all firefighters and support personnel for your hard work and dedication on the fire line!

Stay safe, and we’ll keep you updated!

03/29/2026

Sago Fire Update – Important Community Information

We are reaching out to provide you with the latest updates on the Sago Fire, which has now affected approximately 300 acres on the Mescalero Reservation since it was reported on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The fire is currently located 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM, and is being managed by the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Current Situation:
- Personnel Involved: There are 103 dedicated firefighters actively working on the front lines.
- Containment Status: The fire is currently at 0% containment but is smoldering and creeping along the established containment lines. Firefighters are diligently working to reinforce the handlines, dozer lines, and retardant lines.
- Fire Behavior: With a decrease in fire activity, the team anticipates favorable conditions to achieve the goals of this full suppression incident. The threat to nearby values at risk, particularly the Cow Camp Facilities located three miles north of the fire, is gradually decreasing.
- Coordination Efforts: The team is collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)and the Mescalero Agency to assess necessary repairs once containment improves, ensuring that local residents and the public receive timely and accurate updates.

Weather Forecast:
- Sunday: Expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the lower 40s at night to the mid 70s during the day. Winds will be from the west at around 8 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.
- Monday: Similar weather conditions are anticipated.
- Tuesday: Daytime temperatures will decrease by about ten degrees, and winds are expected to pick up slightly.
- Wednesday: There is a chance of precipitation.

Safety Guidelines:
- Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A flight restriction is currently in effect over the fire area. We urge everyone to avoid flying drones, as their unauthorized use poses a significant risk to aerial firefighting operations.
- Road Advisory: For the safety of our firefighting personnel, please avoid Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road.

Fire Restrictions:
- Class III High Fire Danger is in effect on the Mescalero Reservation:
- Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, specifically at Silver Lake.
- No fireworks are permitted during this high fire danger period.
- Smoking outdoors is allowed only if properly extinguished in a container.
- There are no restrictions on using charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves, but homes with fireplaces or wood stoves must have proper screens to contain embers.
- Chainsaws and combustion engines must be equipped with functioning spark arrestors.

Acknowledgment:
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible teams working tirelessly on the fire lines today. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The resources currently deployed include:
- 7 fire engines
- 3 water tenders
- 4 bulldozers
- 1 hotshot crew
- 1 twenty-person contract crew
- 1 helicopter base manager

Thank you for your support and cooperation during this critical time. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. Please stay safe!

Sago Fire Community UpdateWe’re reaching out to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, which h...
03/28/2026

Sago Fire Community Update

We’re reaching out to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, which has been actively impacting the Mescalero Reservation since it was initially reported on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The fire has now consumed approximately 250 acres and is located 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM. The management of this incident has transitioned to the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team, effective as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

Current Situation:
- Personnel Involved: A total of 133 skilled firefighters and support personnel are currently engaged in firefighting efforts.
- Containment Status: As of now, containment efforts are at 0%, but teams are actively working to combat the blaze.
- Fire Dynamics: The flames are spreading rapidly due to extremely dry fuels and strong winds. Firefighters are establishing containment lines on the ground, utilizing engines, hotshot crews, and bulldozer support to secure the area.
- Aerial Assistance: Large air tankers are being deployed to help contain the fire’s expansion.

Weather Conditions:
- Saturday Forecast: We anticipate calmer winds, with gusts potentially reaching up to 20 mph. The high temperature is expected to be around 62°F.
- Sunday Outlook: Temperatures are predicted to rise further, reaching 70°F.

Important Safety Guidelines:
- Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A flight restriction is in place over the fire area. We urge everyone to refrain from operating drones, as they pose a significant risk to aerial firefighting operations.
- Road Advisory: Although there are no official closure orders at this time, we strongly advise the public to avoid traveling on Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road to ensure the safety of our firefighting crews.

Fire Restrictions:
- Class III High Fire Danger:
- Campfires are permitted only within designated areas, specifically at Silver Lake.
- The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited during this high fire danger period.
- When using chainsaws or other combustion engines, it is mandatory to have a properly functioning spark arrestor installed.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible teams working tirelessly on the front lines. Their resources include:
- 6 fire engines
- 1 water tender
- 2 bulldozers
- 1 hotshot crew
- 1 twenty-person contract crew
- 1 helicopter base manager

Thank you for your cooperation and support during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please stay safe!

We are thrilled to share that the Mescalero Apache Tribal Council is working in partnership with CKP to enhance our catt...
03/27/2026

We are thrilled to share that the Mescalero Apache Tribal Council is working in partnership with CKP to enhance our cattle operations!

This collaboration aims to provide better cattle for our tribe, ensuring that our community members have access to high-quality livestock that supports both our culture and economy.

Recently, we held a productive meeting with CKP representatives, where we discussed innovative strategies to optimize our cattle management and promote sustainable practices. Together, we are committed to fostering growth and prosperity for our tribal members.

Our Tribal Council attended The 2026 Reservation Economic Summit (RES), stands out as a pivotal gathering for American Indian business. The event serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among tribal leaders, corporate executives, and representatives from federal agencies. Here’s a deeper look into the key aspects and benefits of attending RES 2026:

Key Highlights of RES 2026

- High-Level Networking
- Engage with over 5,000 attendees, including tribal leaders, members of Congress, and federal agency representatives. This offers a unique opportunity to build valuable connections and partnerships.

- Business Development & Procurement
- Participate in the Buy Native Matchmaking Expo, designed to enhance procurement opportunities for Native enterprises.
- Attend specialized sessions that focus on fostering business growth within Indian Country, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Native businesses.

- Expert Insights & Training
- Access a variety of training sessions, academic bootcamps, and workshops covering essential topics such as economic development, governance, and technology.
- Learn from industry experts about best practices and emerging trends that can be applied to tribal enterprises.

- Showcase Opportunities
- Participate in the RES Trade Show, where businesses can exhibit their products and services.
- Display goods and crafts at the American Indian Artisan Market, promoting indigenous art and culture while supporting local artisans.

- Strategic Growth
- Gain insights into sustainable development strategies and community investment, specifically tailored for the Navajo Nation and other tribal areas.
- Explore actionable ideas that can drive economic growth and enhance community resilience.

Attending the RES 2026 offers invaluable resources and opportunities for networking, business development, and education. It serves as a cornerstone event for those looking to advance their interests in the realm of American Indian enterprise.

03/27/2026

Sago Fire Community Update

We want to provide an important update regarding the Sago Fire that ignited yesterday around 1 PM. Here are the essential details to keep everyone informed:

- Current Size: The fire has spread over approximately 250 acres.
- Fuel Type: The areas affected include grasslands, brush, piñon trees, and juniper, all of which are contributing to the fire’s growth.
- Environmental Conditions: The region is facing severe drought, which poses additional challenges for containment.
- Wind Conditions: This morning, winds at the Sago site were relatively mild, blowing at only 5 to 10 mph, in contrast to the stronger winds reported in other parts of the reservation.

We are grateful for the robust response from firefighting teams, which includes an impressive array of resources:

- Aerial Support: Four firefighting aircraft are actively engaged in combating the flames.
- Ground Operations: Crews are equipped with dozers and are supported by a Gila Type 3 team.
- Firefighting Personnel: The Sacramento Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) is on the ground, alongside various other dedicated teams.

Fortunately, the firefighters have indicated that the wind conditions have been favorable, greatly aiding their efforts in tackling the blaze effectively so far.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in this critical operation! Your unwavering commitment and hard work are truly commendable and deeply appreciated.

Please remain vigilant and stay safe!

Address

108 Central Avenue
Mescalero, NM
88340

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30am

Telephone

(575) 464-4494

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Mescalero Apache Tribe

The Mescalero people were nomadic hunters and gathers and roamed the Southwest. They were experts in guerrilla warfare and highly skilled horsemen. The women were known for their ability to find and prepare food from many different plant sources. The people were given the name "Mescalero" because they gathered and ate the mescal plant. It was the staple of their diets and could sustain them in good times and bad.