Official Website of the Mescalero Apache Tribe

Mescalero bans Couy Griffin from reservation

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MESCALERO, NM.

September 28, 2020. The Mescalero Apache Tribe banished non-tribal member Couy Griffin from the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. This action was taken in response to Mr. Griffin’s involvement in two videos that were posted to the Cowboys for Trump Facebook Page.

These two videos stem from a meeting that Mr. Griffin had with a small group of Reservation residents. During the first video, the residents make numerous allegations against the Tribe and Tribal members. Many of the facts stated in support of the allegations are uncorroborated and Mr. Griffin did not reach out to the Tribe for comment before posting the video. Tribal President Gabe Aguilar commented, “The first video includes false information and statements against Tribal members – including a Tribal elder that had nothing to do with any of the allegations. The video was reckless and harmed the community.”

In the second video, entitled “Cowboys and Indians,” Mr. Griffin participates in a traditional blessing where he is seen laughing while an individual off camera says, “You better go jump on a [expletive] Democrat now… You’re protected now.” Mr. Griffin responds: “Bring it on Nancy Pelosi.” President Gabe Aguilar stated, “It’s bad enough that he posted that first video… This second video is offensive. Tribal blessings are not comical and are not to be used to make political statements. The Tribe feels like it has no choice but to banish Mr. Griffin.”

Mr. Griffin is an Otero County Commissioner and founder of Cowboys for Trump. The banishment is against Mr. Griffin and does not extend to the Otero County Commission or Cowboys for Trump.

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NEW White Mountain Half Marathon

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Hello Mescalero,

We are excited to announce that the inaugural “White Mountain Half Marathon” will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2020. This will be an out and back race starting at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino (IMG). We are excited to host this event on the beautiful Mescalero Apache Reservation and look forward to years of success with this race. If any of you are interested in running the Half Marathon, please visit www.runwhitemountain.com for registration details.

We do have protocols and guidelines in place, as recommended by the CDC, to protect participants and visitors on race day. If you plan to attend, please follow these guidelines; wear a mask and practice social distancing.

If you would like to encourage and cheer for the racers along the route, we encourage you to do so. Just remember to please keep a minimum of ten (10’) feet from the edge of the roadway.

Please be advised that there will be changes to traffic flow and White Mountain Drive (Route 6) and Carrizo Canyon Road (Route 4) will be reduced down to one lane of travel, in one direction. Speed limits will also be reduced as a precaution for the event participants. This will be a temporary closure and roads will be fully open no later than 12:00 noon.  Please pay attention to signage and those assisting with the event. Law enforcement will be present along the race route.  

If you would like to assist and volunteer to help during the Half Marathon, please reach out to race planner Duane Duffy on his mobile at (575) 430-9323 or via email at duane.duffy83@gmail.com. Happy Running! 

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