Tribal Council

Alfred LaPaz, returns from his last term as Tribal Council back in 2016, “I’m looking forward to working together.” He says. Alfred has over ten years of expertise in fulfilling the role as Tribal Council.

Fernando Rocha begins another two year term as a member of the Tribal Council. During his speech, he mentions that in order to lessen hardships that the Council may encounter, collaborating with one another will be easier.

Merilee Garcia is the newest member to the Tribal Council. With background in BIA services, she is ready to work in collaboration with everyone.

Frederick Chino Sr. also returns being a member of the Tribal Council. He has served as a Councilman, Vice-President, and President in past years. Having quite the knowledge of the Mescalero Apache Tribe Constitution instilled in him, Frederick has a wealth of wisdom and guidance to share with his fellow Council members. When given the chance to speak after he was administered the oath, Frederick first thanked the people, especially the elderly, for allowing him to serve another two years.

Eddie Martinez, the New Vice President

Eddie Martinez is now the Vice President after serving one year as a Tribal Council member. While on Council, Eddie served on the Tribal Programs and Tribal Resources Committees.  Housing is a matter that is important to Eddie and says he will continue his positive efforts on improving housing.

President Aguilar of the Mescalero Apache Tribe

The newly sworn in Mescalero Apache Tribe President, Gabe Aguilar, withholds five consecutive terms serving as a Tribal Council member and Vice President combined. Gabe has served the Tribe for a number of years and has tremendous knowledge and expertise in being a leader. He first mentions the importance of having an open door policy meaning he is available to meet with people on the day-to-day to basis. He feels that listening to the people and talking with them about their concerns is key in helping them find solutions. While speaking about the Tribe’s accomplishments, goals, and anticipated economic development thus far, he expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, supporters and God for his successful campaign.

Selected from thousands of entries nationwide, Mescalero Apache High School in Mescalero has been named a New Mexico State Winner in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest for its proposed plan to address Apache language conservation.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest encourages teachers and students to solve real-world issues in their community using classroom skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Nate Raynor, Science and STEM teacher at Mescalero Apache Schools says, “In the 5 years that we have competed in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest (3 of which we were named State Winners), I have my students research a real-world problem on their reservation that they can help solve.”

Mescalero Apache High School is among the nation’s 100 State Winners (representing all 50 states) and will receive $15,000 in technology for its achievement. In addition, the school will receive a Samsung video kit to create and submit a three-minute video that showcases their project development and how it addresses the issue. The video will be used for the chance to advance to the next phase of the contest and win additional prizes and educational opportunities.

“Samsung is extremely proud of the evolution of the Solve for Tomorrow platform over the past 10 years: fueling students’ passion and curiosity to tackle issues that affect their communities in unexpected and creative ways,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “Reading the innovative proposals students and teachers have put forth this year exemplifies what we know to be true for every student – that young minds have just as much to teach as they do to learn. Our guiding citizenship vision is ‘Enabling People,’ and we are thrilled to celebrate another year of empowering future innovators to achieve their full potential through STEM learning.”

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest named three State Winners within New Mexico, they are:

• Mescalero Apache High School in Mescalero; Teacher Nate Raynor and his students
• Ojo Amarillo Elementary School in Fruitland; Teacher Adriane Jopek and her students
• Taos Academy in Taos; Teacher Laura Tenorio and her students

Project Overview: Mescalero Apache High School

Local Issue: In the Apache community, tradition is very important and conserving the language is the biggest concern of the elderly.

Proposed Project: Using coding and robotics, translate the Apache language and teach the Apache youth to help keep the language alive.

“We are using our high school STEM students to train our elementary students on coding and they are using the Apache language,” says Mr. Raynor.

Students, Lani and Joseph, are thrilled about their school’s STEM program. Lani says, “We have the best STEM program in Otero County in my opinion.” Joesph adds by saying, “Since I’ve been involved with Mescalero STEM program, I’ve been places that I don’t think I could have gone without this program. I enjoy teaching elementary students how to code. It’s great to see the look in their eyes when something goes right. Also, they are using their native language and it has been great.”

Contest Phases All 100 State Winners will work on their projects and submit their three-minute video in hopes of advancing in the contest’s remaining phases. 20 National Finalist schools will be selected to travel to the final event in the spring where they will present their project to a panel of judges. For achieving National Finalist status, schools will be awarded in total $50,000 in technology and classroom materials. Five grand prize National Winner schools will receive in total $100,000 in technology and classroom materials, and participate in a trip to Washington, D.C. to present their projects to members of Congress. Public voting will also determine one Community Choice winner from the pool of National Finalists, who will be eligible to win an additional $10,000 in Samsung technology

Marilyn Blaylock, Sandra Platero, and Tammy Torres received recognition at the end of their last Tribal Council meeting on January 8, 2020. Each expressed their gratitude on working with everyone during their term and each shared advice to their fellow government leaders. Marilyn and Sandra will finish their term as Councilwomen and Tammy will finish her term as Vice-President.

Ardena Orosco, Tribal Administrator and Euphrasia Platta, Chief of Staff were also recognized for their tremendous work within the Tribal Administration offices. As they exit, Ardena and Euphrasia will also be working closely with the new incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition.

Thank you all for years of service!

Late afternoon on November 18, 2019, Associate Judge Martina Gauthier sworn in Tammy Torres, former Councilwoman, as the new Vice-President of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

The tribe has gained another leader – Congratulations!

 “People’s Tree” Delivering Enchantment on cross–country journey from New Mexico to Washington D.C.

MESCALERO, NM Oct. 15, 2019 – Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Carson National Forest in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors will bring this special gift from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. for the 2019 season, involving more than 25 communities along the way including an appearance in Mescalero on Friday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Community Center.

Under the theme of Delivering Enchantment, the 60-foot tall Blue Spruce will be cut on the Questa Ranger District on Nov. 6 and prepared for the 2,000-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of community celebrations Nov. 11-25 throughout New Mexico and across the U.S. and culminate with the official tree lighting on the West Lawn in early December. Smaller companion trees also will be provided to decorate offices inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 10,000 handmade ornaments created by New Mexicans.

Festivities during the tree’s visit to Mescalero on Friday Nov. 15^th will include social songs and dancing, hot cocoa, live singing by Head Start students, and more. Activities are open to the public and free for all to enjoy.

“We are pleased to host the U.S. Capitol Christmas on our beautiful reservation on its way to Washington, D.C.” said President Gabe Aguilar. “Our Tribe looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation and the enjoyment it will bring to our own community this holiday season.”

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources. Sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Wilbanks Trucking Services, LLC, Spireon, Inc., Elvis Duran & Alex Carr, Hale Trailer, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Alaska Airlines, Meritor, PNM Resources, TravelCenters of America, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Taos County, New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, National Forest Foundation, Christmas Tree Promotion Board, National Press Club and LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc.

“We are grateful to the host cities such as Mescalero who play a vital part of bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration”, said Bruce Ward, President, Choose Outdoors.”

For more information on the Mescalero event, visit www.mescaleroapachetribe.com. For news, events and tour information, and to track the tree cross-country, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Carson National Forest

Located in northern New Mexico, the Carson NF is one of five national forests in the state and one of the 11 national forests in USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region. The Carson NF’s 1.5 million acres include some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest, where elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico. The Carson NF offers unlimited recreational opportunities throughout all four seasons of the year. The Carson NF has 400 miles of sparkling clean mountain streams and numerous lakes. Its five wilderness areas encompass 86,193 acres of peace and tranquility. Learn more at fs.usda.gov/carson.

USDA Forest Service

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land; provides assistance to state and private landowners; and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. For more information, see www.fs.fed.us.

Choose Outdoors

Choose Outdoors works to increase all American’s enjoyment, appreciation and support for outdoor recreation activities that connect them to our public lands. These connections will ensure that our public lands will always be there for future generations to cherish. www.chooseoutdoors.org.

Flash floods are the #1 weather related killer with approximately 140 deaths recorded in the U.S. each year. Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather-related event, an average of $5 billion a year. Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at any time of the year.

Flash flooding is a result of heavy localized rainfall from slow moving intense thunderstorms. These floods often become raging torrents of water which rip through city streets, arroyos, and valleys sweeping everything with them. Flash flooding usually occurs within 6 hours of a heavy rain event.

In hilly terrain, flash floods can strike with little or no advance warning. Within minutes, distant rain may be channeled into arroyos and ravines, turning a quiet stream into a rampaging torrent.

Flood Safety Tips

• Don’t drive through flooded areas
• Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding occur with people driving through flooded areas. Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500 lb. vehicle. Two feet of water can easily carry most automobiles. Roads concealed by water may not be intact.
• Do not cross flowing stream on foot where water is above your ankles.
• Do not allow children to play around arroyos, drainage ditches, storm drains, or other flooded areas!
• Be prepared! Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest statements, watches and warnings concerning heavy rain and flash flooding in your area.

Arroyo, Ditch and River Safety Tips

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in New Mexico for ages 1 to 44 years old. Each year over 8,000 people drown in this country. Nearly 4,000 of those drowning occur during the summer months of June, July, and August.

• Practice constant, adult supervision around any body of water, including pools and spas.
• Arroyo, River or Ditches – Never play in or around arroyos. The water can travel from 3-30 mph.
• Be careful! Even when arroyos are dry, they can flood very quickly
• If caught in the flowing water, float on your back, feet downstream
• Call for help
• Stay calm
• Avoid bridge supports and debris, use feet to push off
• Stay floating on your back until the water slows down
• Do not try to swim or stand up until the water slows
• Reach for a rope or other object when near you
• Never attempt a rescue, you may become the next victim

DIAL 911 IF YOU EXPERIENCE A FLOOD EMERGENCY OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AT 575-464-4479

We are encouraging all eligible tribal members to apply! You must apply online.
Help make sure that everyone on our reservation is counted in the 2020 Census while earning $17.50 an hour.