Mescalero Apache Tribe

03/06/2026

The recent interactive event known as the "Maze of Life" was an enriching experience for 8th grade students in the local community. This initiative was coordinated by ENMU Ruidoso & the Mescalero Prevention Program and the Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program, in collaboration with the Lincoln County Community Health Council and the Lincoln County DWI Prevention Program.

Event Highlights
-Participants: Engaged 8th grade students from the surrounding schools
-Organizers: The event was spearheaded by a coalition of local organizations committed to community health and safety.
-Format: Students navigated through various booths set up by community partners, each focusing on distinct educational themes.

Topics Explored
1. Fire and Disaster Preparedness: This segment equipped students with essential skills for responding effectively in emergencies, fostering a sense of readiness.
2. Environmental Awareness: Participants learned about sustainable practices and the significance of protecting our natural surroundings.
3. Dangers of Drinking and Driving: The discussion centered on the severe consequences of impaired driving, emphasizing safety and responsibility.
4. Va**ng and Drug Use: Information was shared regarding the health risks associated with these substances, aiming to inform students of their dangers.
5. Addiction: Students gained insights into the complexities of addiction, including its causes and long-term effects on individuals and families.
6. Gambling Risks: The event raised awareness about the potential hazards linked to gambling, helping young individuals understand its impact.
7. Healthy Nutrition and Exercise: Emphasis was placed on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating physical activity into daily routines.
8. Safe and Healthy Relationships: This segment focused on fostering positive interactions and establishing healthy boundaries in relationships.
9. Impact of Homelessness: Participants were made aware of the realities of homelessness in their community, encouraging empathy and understanding.

Educational Benefits
The "Maze of Life" event was meticulously designed to provide students with crucial knowledge and practical insights. By participating in this interactive experience, students were empowered to make informed, healthy choices as they navigate their adolescent years and beyond. The program aims to cultivate a sense of agency, encouraging students to lead fulfilling lives while contributing positively to their community.

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative or similar educational programs that focus on youth empowerment, feel free to reach out to the Mescalero Prevention Program at 575-464-4516 or 575-464-4976

03/06/2026

This week, the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), in partnership with the Division of Resource Management & Protection (DRMP), successfully conducted Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. 🎓

Participants gained essential skills to effectively respond to emergencies and disaster situations, enhancing our community's resilience. Having a trained team ready to act not only improves response times but also ensures optimal use of resources, making our community safer during challenging times.

A special thank you to our partners, Partner With Native America, and our dedicated instructors from Ysleta del Sur Pueblo EOC and Fire Department. We also appreciate the support from the Division of Resource Management and Protection (DRMP) and also the Mescalero Prevention Department for their invaluable assistance this week.

Together, we’re building a stronger, safer Mescalero Apache community!

03/05/2026

We're thrilled to announce the upcoming implementation of aerial GPS collaring methods on elk, which will enhance our understanding of these magnificent creatures! This innovative technology allows us to gather critical data on their movement patterns, habitat use, and migration routes, providing invaluable insights for wildlife management.

What You Can Expect:

- Habitat Preferences: Elk favor forested areas over grasslands and shrublands. This data helps us create heat maps to visualize their occupancy and resource selection.

- Movement Insights: GPS data, sometimes paired with activity sensors, reveal that elk are most active during crepuscular hours, feeding and bedding in diverse habitats. Their movement patterns are often predictable, which aids in conservation planning.

- Avoidance of Disturbance: Research indicates that elk actively avoid human disturbances, such as mountain bikers and hikers . Understanding these behaviors is crucial for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts.

- Collaborative Efforts: This project is a partnership between Mescalero Conservation, the DRMP, and the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, showcasing the importance of teamwork in wildlife conservation.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this important journey to protect and manage our elk populations! If you have any questions please call DRMP Wildlife at 575-464-4711.

03/05/2026

The Special Projects Office is excited to announce a new Culture Program dedicated to teaching and celebrating traditional Apache culture! This enriching program will start this Friday and continue every Friday through May 8, 2026.

What to Expect:
- Engaging lessons on traditional Apache customs
- Hands-on activities and demonstrations
- A chance to connect with our rich cultural heritage

Dates: Every Friday starting this week
Limited Spaces Available!

For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Christina Byers or Zelda Yazza at 575-464-9262.

Let's come together to honor and learn about our Apache traditions!

03/05/2026

The Miss Mescalero Pageant Committee is thrilled to announce that the Miss Mescalero Pageant is just around the corner! This is a wonderful opportunity for young women in our community to showcase their talents, leadership, and commitment to service.

Important Deadline: All applications must be submitted by May 8, 2026. Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event!

Let's celebrate our community and empower the next generation of leaders! Please share this post to spread the word!

03/05/2026

We're excited to announce that the Roadrunner Food Bank will be happening today at the Mescalero Community Center in the Activity Hall, starting at noon!

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please come by and take advantage of this valuable resource. Everyone is welcome!

Location: Mescalero Community Center, Activity Hall
Time: Today at noon

Let's come together to support our community! Feel free to share this post to spread the word.

See you there!

03/04/2026

Are you or someone you know turning 65 soon? Join us for an informative Medicare 101 presentation hosted by New Mexico Aging Services!

Date: March 23, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Mescalero Empowerment Building

This session is a great opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of Medicare, including benefits, enrollment, and what to expect as you transition into this new phase of healthcare.

Don’t miss out on this chance to get your questions answered and gain valuable knowledge! We look forward to seeing you there!

03/04/2026

As we face heightened wildfire risk in our community, it's crucial to adhere to Stage II Fire Restrictions to protect our beautiful landscapes and communities. These high-level measures are now in effect on federal and state lands due to extreme fire danger.

Here’s what you need to know:

- No Smoking: Smoking is only permitted within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or designated recreation sites.
- No Fireworks or Explosives: Using any type of fireworks or incendiary devices is strictly prohibited.
- Vehicle Usage: Off-road driving on federal lands is not allowed, except in cleared areas within 10 feet of roadways.

These restrictions are in place to significantly reduce the risk of wildfires during these dry conditions. Let’s work together to keep our community safe!

03/02/2026

We're thrilled to announce the launch of JUMP FX as part of the Mescalero Diabetes Program! Join us for an energizing trampoline class that will be held every Monday and Friday throughout March.

Start Date: Monday, March 9, 2026
Time: Classes will be scheduled at convenient times for everyone.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get active, have fun, and improve your health! Whether you're a beginner or experienced jumper, all skill levels are welcome.

Let’s bounce our way to better health together!

02/28/2026

PLEASE SHARE THIS MISSING CHILD
Brock King-Morgan has been reported missing from Tularosa, New Mexico.

He is described as:
• Native American male
• 5’11” tall
• 157 pounds
• Brown eyes
• Black hair with a red streak in the front right side
• Pierced left ear

Brock is 16 years old and was last seen on February 25, 2026.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants, and black Converse shoes.

His family and community are deeply concerned for his safety. Every hour matters.

If you have ANY information regarding Brock King-Morgan’s whereabouts, please contact the Tularosa Police Department at 575-585-2704 or call 911 immediately.

Please share this post. Someone, somewhere, knows something.

02/27/2026

Earlier this week, our tribal leadership had the honor of hosting a significant meeting regarding a proposed land exchange that aims to reclaim certain ancestral lands now designated as state trust lands.

This initiative is a vital step towards restoring our heritage and ensuring that our community has access to spaces that hold deep historical and cultural significance. We believe that returning these lands to our stewardship will strengthen our connection to our ancestors and provide future generations with the opportunity to thrive on their rightful territory.

The Tribe is considering a parcel of about 320 acres of state trust land west of Las Cruces near the airport and south of I-10. The Tribe will no longer pursue a potential land exchange for the parcel of state trust land near A Mountain as originally proposed, but will instead apply for an agreement to gain access to the parcel for traditional cultural uses.
The State Land Office is still in the early stages of reviewing the proposal and gathering more information. No official decisions about the proposal have been made at this time.

02/27/2026

Antler Season is almost here and the Department would like to remind everyone that there are laws protecting the wildlife, laws for trespassing, and negligent fire starting through the Mescalero Tribal Code:
15-8-3 Prohibited Activities:
G. It is a violation of the Code for any person to harass, or drive wildlife by means of a motorized vehicle (ATV & UTV) or aircraft (to include use of drones).
Elk and deer are stressed due to the lack of moisture and food and by chasing them with a vehicle or ATV to get them to drop their antlers may cause them to die. Anyone caught harassing wildlife will be prosecuted through the Tribal Court and may lose hunting privileges on the Reservation. Always practice good sportsmanship and fair chase when hunting for Elk and Deer sheds.
Second,
The Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is protected from Non-members through Civil Citation from unlawful entry on the reservation. Violators will be prosecuted through Mescalero Apache Tribal Court:
15-8-2. CIVIL TRESPASS; DESTRUCTION OF BOUNDARY MARKERS OR SIGNS.
Whoever, without lawful authority or permission, intentionally goes upon any land that is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Mescalero Apache Tribe for the purpose of hunting, trapping or fishing thereon, or for the removal of game peltries or fish therefrom, shall pay damages to the Tribe as established by the Tribal Court.

Tribal Members can have the spouse (affiliate) accompany them if they are legally married (must be able to provide a marriage license) while out looking for Elk/Deer sheds.

Tribal Members bringing unauthorized people on the reservation for any reason, can be cited/charged:

10-13-8 Accompanying Unauthorized Persons: Any tribal member not engaged in tribal business, who accompanies, takes, or transports any unauthorized Non-Tribal member to any area within the Mescalero Apache Reservation for the purpose of hunting or fishing shall be deemed guilty of an offense (this includes hunting for elk/deer antlers).


Please be "Fire wise" when out in the field, check with BIA Branch of Forestry regarding current Fire Danger and Red Flag days at 575-464-4419 or with Mescalero Fire Rescue at 575-464-3473 (FIRE).

Pack a shovel and extra water, make sure campfires or woodstove ashes are completely out (cold to the touch). Violators can be charged under Tribal Code:
10-5-5. SETTING FIRES.
Any person who willfully or negligently kindles or causes to be kindled, any fire within the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and leaves it un-quenched or who negligently or carelessly without full precaution to prevent fire from spreading, permits it to spread beyond his control so as to present danger to property or life, or is a party to the foregoing, and whether such fire is kindled on his own land or finding any uncontrollable fire burning, fails to give immediate warning and to make reasonable attempts to quench and control it; or who is guilty of disobedience to the lawful Order of any public official or fireman attempting to control such fire, or who interferes with any such officer in any such case, or who refuses to assist in controlling such fire, or who persuades or attempts to persuade others to do any of the foregoing, shall be deemed guilty of an offense, and upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to labor or imprisonment for a period of not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days or a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or both such imprisonment and fine with costs, in extreme or habitual cases.

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER!!!
Always plan for the unexpected, let someone know where you plan to be and when you should be home. Pack extra water, extra jackets, pack extra food, take a GPS and a fire starter (Matches, lighter, magnesium striker, portable first aid kit).


If you become lost or night fall comes across you, remember:

STOP!
Stop
Think
Observe
Plan

Please report any violators to the Mescalero Conservation Office at 575-464-9323 or the BIA OJS Law Enforcement Dispatch at 575-464-4479.
Key information when reporting: Location, Vehicle description, license plate, clothing description and time of incident.
More information regarding the Tribal Code can be found on the Tribes website at

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