The powers of government within the Mescalero Apache Tribe are divided into three distinct departments: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
Executive
The Executive Department of the Mescalero Apache Tribe Government consist of a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer. The president and vice-president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe are elected and the remaining officers are appointed by the president in agreement with the tribal council.
Thora Welsh Padilla
President
Robert “Gabe” Aguilar
Secretary
Duane Duffy
Vice President
Euphrasia Platta
Treasurer
Legislative
The legislative powers of the Mescalero Apache Tribe rests in the collaborative Mescalero Apache Tribal Council whom hold sessions at the seat of the tribal government. The tribal council consist of eight (8) members, including the Secretary and Treasurer of the Executive officers, that are elected at large through voting from enrolled tribal members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Idella Starr
Councilwoman
Alfred LaPaz
Councilman
Caroline Blake
Councilwoman
Robert Rice
Councilman
Miralene Blaylock
Councilwoman
Judiciary
The judicial power of the Mescalero Apache Tribe is vested in the Tribal Courts, including a Trial and Appellate Court. The trial court consist of a chief judge and two associate judges appointed by the President of the Mescalero Apache Tribe in accordance by the tribal council of not less than a three-fourths majority vote.
Contact Info:
Tribal Council Office (575) 464-4494
Tribal Court Office (575) 464-0414