Mescalero Apache Tribe
Long before the Europeans discovered the Southwest, this was Mescalero Apache territory. The Mescalero were nomadic hunters and warriors who moved between Texas, Arizona, Chihuahua and Sonora, México. Apache raiders were recognized for their strong ability to fight in battles. The U.S. government attempted to protect settlers from these raids by constructing forts, one of which was Fort Stanton (1855).
Every Independence Day at the Mescalero Apache tribal lands in New Mexico, the public is invited to witness the tribe’s traditional puberty rites, a series of rituals deeply connected to the Apache deity White Painted Lady. Photo credit: indiancountrymedianetwork.com
OVERVIEW
The present reservation was established in 1873. The 463,000-acre reservation lies on the eastern flank of the Sacramento Mountains and borders the Lincoln National Forest. Tribal artifacts and historical information are on display near the tribal headquarters in the community of Mescalero.
TOURISM
The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns and operates both Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino as well as other Reservation-based enterprises. The 273-room Inn of the Mountain Gods, the areas only full-service resort hotel, offers live music, horseback riding, golf, big game hunting, fishing and kayak rentals. The Inn’s 38,000 square-foot casino features the only Las Vegas-style gaming in Southern New Mexico. Ski Apache is the southern-most ski area in the United States and features the Apache Arrow high-speed gondola and dozens of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. During the summer, Ski Apache starts a new season and opens up the gondola for rides to the summit of Sierra Blanca and offers mountain bike rentals and a disc golf course.
CEREMONIAL DANCES AND TRADITIONS
Over the 4th of July weekend, the Mescalero hold their annual Ceremonial Dances and Rodeo, a rare opportunity to witness the coming of age ceremony of Mescalero Apache maidens. Dancers from Native American tribes from throughout the Southwest also perform at this event.
CULTURAL CENTER
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Mescalero Apache Cultural Center and Museum during your visit. The museum of the Apache people offers vivid pictures of the Mescalero, Chiricahua, and Lipan Apache People. You will see ancient stone Apache Tools, Weapons, Clothing, and a great collection of beautiful baskets.
MISSION CHURCH
The St. Joseph's Apache Mission, a National Historic Landmark, began construction in 1920. All of the materials used in the building of the church came from local sources. A 14-year renovation project was recently completed that restored the mission to its original beauty.
GOVERNMENT
The Mescalero Apache Tribe holds elections for the president's office every two years. The eight Tribal Council members also are elected for two years. An election for the Council is held every year when one-half of the members are up for reelection. The current President of the Mescalero Tribe is Danny H. Breuninger Sr., who took office in January 2014.
IF YOU GO
For more information on the Mescalero, please see this excellent brochure on the Mescalero Apache compiled by the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.