Mescalero Apache Tribe

Mescalero Apache Tribe WELCOME TO OUR SACRED LANDS.
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The Mescalero Apache Tribe, located in South Central New Mexico, welcomes you to familiarize yourself with our history, traditions, and the current vision of our Tribe.

Sago Fire Community UpdateWe’re reaching out to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, which h...
03/28/2026

Sago Fire Community Update

We’re reaching out to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, which has been actively impacting the Mescalero Reservation since it was initially reported on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The fire has now consumed approximately 250 acres and is located 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM. The management of this incident has transitioned to the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team, effective as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

Current Situation:
- Personnel Involved: A total of 133 skilled firefighters and support personnel are currently engaged in firefighting efforts.
- Containment Status: As of now, containment efforts are at 0%, but teams are actively working to combat the blaze.
- Fire Dynamics: The flames are spreading rapidly due to extremely dry fuels and strong winds. Firefighters are establishing containment lines on the ground, utilizing engines, hotshot crews, and bulldozer support to secure the area.
- Aerial Assistance: Large air tankers are being deployed to help contain the fire’s expansion.

Weather Conditions:
- Saturday Forecast: We anticipate calmer winds, with gusts potentially reaching up to 20 mph. The high temperature is expected to be around 62°F.
- Sunday Outlook: Temperatures are predicted to rise further, reaching 70°F.

Important Safety Guidelines:
- Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A flight restriction is in place over the fire area. We urge everyone to refrain from operating drones, as they pose a significant risk to aerial firefighting operations.
- Road Advisory: Although there are no official closure orders at this time, we strongly advise the public to avoid traveling on Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road to ensure the safety of our firefighting crews.

Fire Restrictions:
- Class III High Fire Danger:
- Campfires are permitted only within designated areas, specifically at Silver Lake.
- The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited during this high fire danger period.
- When using chainsaws or other combustion engines, it is mandatory to have a properly functioning spark arrestor installed.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible teams working tirelessly on the front lines. Their resources include:
- 6 fire engines
- 1 water tender
- 2 bulldozers
- 1 hotshot crew
- 1 twenty-person contract crew
- 1 helicopter base manager

Thank you for your cooperation and support during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please stay safe!

We are thrilled to share that the Mescalero Apache Tribal Council is working in partnership with CKP to enhance our catt...
03/27/2026

We are thrilled to share that the Mescalero Apache Tribal Council is working in partnership with CKP to enhance our cattle operations!

This collaboration aims to provide better cattle for our tribe, ensuring that our community members have access to high-quality livestock that supports both our culture and economy.

Recently, we held a productive meeting with CKP representatives, where we discussed innovative strategies to optimize our cattle management and promote sustainable practices. Together, we are committed to fostering growth and prosperity for our tribal members.

Our Tribal Council attended The 2026 Reservation Economic Summit (RES), stands out as a pivotal gathering for American Indian business. The event serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among tribal leaders, corporate executives, and representatives from federal agencies. Here’s a deeper look into the key aspects and benefits of attending RES 2026:

Key Highlights of RES 2026

- High-Level Networking
- Engage with over 5,000 attendees, including tribal leaders, members of Congress, and federal agency representatives. This offers a unique opportunity to build valuable connections and partnerships.

- Business Development & Procurement
- Participate in the Buy Native Matchmaking Expo, designed to enhance procurement opportunities for Native enterprises.
- Attend specialized sessions that focus on fostering business growth within Indian Country, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Native businesses.

- Expert Insights & Training
- Access a variety of training sessions, academic bootcamps, and workshops covering essential topics such as economic development, governance, and technology.
- Learn from industry experts about best practices and emerging trends that can be applied to tribal enterprises.

- Showcase Opportunities
- Participate in the RES Trade Show, where businesses can exhibit their products and services.
- Display goods and crafts at the American Indian Artisan Market, promoting indigenous art and culture while supporting local artisans.

- Strategic Growth
- Gain insights into sustainable development strategies and community investment, specifically tailored for the Navajo Nation and other tribal areas.
- Explore actionable ideas that can drive economic growth and enhance community resilience.

Attending the RES 2026 offers invaluable resources and opportunities for networking, business development, and education. It serves as a cornerstone event for those looking to advance their interests in the realm of American Indian enterprise.

03/27/2026

Sago Fire Community Update

We want to provide an important update regarding the Sago Fire that ignited yesterday around 1 PM. Here are the essential details to keep everyone informed:

- Current Size: The fire has spread over approximately 250 acres.
- Fuel Type: The areas affected include grasslands, brush, piñon trees, and juniper, all of which are contributing to the fire’s growth.
- Environmental Conditions: The region is facing severe drought, which poses additional challenges for containment.
- Wind Conditions: This morning, winds at the Sago site were relatively mild, blowing at only 5 to 10 mph, in contrast to the stronger winds reported in other parts of the reservation.

We are grateful for the robust response from firefighting teams, which includes an impressive array of resources:

- Aerial Support: Four firefighting aircraft are actively engaged in combating the flames.
- Ground Operations: Crews are equipped with dozers and are supported by a Gila Type 3 team.
- Firefighting Personnel: The Sacramento Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) is on the ground, alongside various other dedicated teams.

Fortunately, the firefighters have indicated that the wind conditions have been favorable, greatly aiding their efforts in tackling the blaze effectively so far.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in this critical operation! Your unwavering commitment and hard work are truly commendable and deeply appreciated.

Please remain vigilant and stay safe!

03/27/2026

Community Update: Fire on Mescalero Reservation

We want to inform you about a fire reported behind Cow Camp in Sago, affecting approximately 60 to 80 acres. Thankfully, there are currently no structures at risk.

Here’s what you need to know:

- Response Efforts: Multiple resources have been deployed, including tankers, water tenders, and dozers. A Type 3 team will arrive tomorrow morning to assist with firefighting efforts.
- Safety Measures: Cow Camp is safe, and we have precautions in place to ensure the safety of cattle and horses, should evacuation become necessary.
- Current Situation: The fire is on the west side of Sago, moving eastward. With high gusts expected this evening, we are closely monitoring the situation.

We appreciate the swift response from agencies and first responders currently on the scene. Please stay safe and vigilant, and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your attention and support!

Join Us for Chiricahua Days!Date: April 3rd  Location: Veterans ParkCome out and celebrate Chiricahua Days with us! This...
03/23/2026

Join Us for Chiricahua Days!

Date: April 3rd
Location: Veterans Park

Come out and celebrate Chiricahua Days with us! This is a day filled with fun activities for everyone—youth and adults alike.

What to Expect:
- Games and Contests for all ages
- Social Songs to keep the energy high
- Lunch at high noon
- Apache War Dance
- Community Stories shared around the park

Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of celebration and remembrance. Let’s make memories together!

03/21/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Join us this Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8 AM as we urgently need help processing tipi poles for the Mescalero Daycare Kuugha Project. Our program has generously donated two small tipis for our children, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Location: Mescalero Childcare Site
Time: We'll start at 9 AM

If you're interested in helping out or need more information, please contact Christina Byers at 575-808-2881.

Let’s come together to support our kids! Thank you!

4th Annual Spring Break Conference!Attention, parents! If your kids are looking for something to do during spring break,...
03/20/2026

4th Annual Spring Break Conference!

Attention, parents! If your kids are looking for something to do during spring break, we have an amazing opportunity for them! Join us for a FREE Conference in collaboration with the East Mountain Resource Center.

Date: March 24th & March 25th
Breakfast and Lunch Provided!
Pre-registration Required: Call the Prevention Office to secure your spot.

For more information, feel free to reply to this post or call our office at 575-464-4516. Don't miss out on this fantastic event!

Spread the word!

The Mescalero Special Projects Office is hosting a Cultural Program this afternoon! Join us for a unique opportunity to ...
03/20/2026

The Mescalero Special Projects Office is hosting a Cultural Program this afternoon! Join us for a unique opportunity to celebrate and learn about our rich culture.

Date: Today
Location: Mescalero Special Projects Office
Limited Space Available!

For more details, please call us at 575-464-9262. We hope to see you there!

The Mescalero Emergency Operation Center recently collaborated with the Mescalero Conservation Department to participate...
03/18/2026

The Mescalero Emergency Operation Center recently collaborated with the Mescalero Conservation Department to participate in the pilot Part 107 drone class all week. This training is a significant step forward in enhancing our community's capabilities in:

- Search and Rescue: Utilizing drones for quicker response times and improved safety during emergencies.
- Mapping: Creating accurate and detailed maps for effective planning and resource management.
- Wild Land Assessment: Monitoring and assessing our natural resources for better conservation efforts.

A huge thank you to Ron Montes from Rio Grande Aerial Systems for sharing your expertise and knowledge with our tribal departments. Together, we’re making strides to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for our community!

Due to the current conditions, the Mescalero Apache Tribe has issued Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions for our are...
03/18/2026

Due to the current conditions, the Mescalero Apache Tribe has issued Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions for our area. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent any fire hazards.

Please be cautious and report any suspicious activity or signs of fire immediately. Together, we can ensure the safety of our community and protect our beautiful land.

Stay safe and look out for one another!

This week, we focus on the theme: "When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you."To keep our homes safe and ...
03/17/2026

This week, we focus on the theme: "When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you."

To keep our homes safe and protect our loved ones, here’s a Poison Prevention Home Checklist:

Store all medicines and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Keep products in their original containers with labels intact.
Use child-resistant packaging, but remember they are not child-proof!
Avoid taking medication in front of children to set a good example.
Dispose of unused or expired medications safely.
Educate family members about the dangers of poisons and how to respond in an emergency.

If the unexpected happens, remember that the Poison Center is just a phone call away. They provide fast, expert advice 24/7. Whether it's a potential poisoning or questions about a substance, their team is equipped to help you navigate emergencies calmly and effectively.

Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate assistance!

Let’s work together to keep our community safe! Share this information to spread awareness.

Calling All Youth! Join Us for Apache Language Learning!Date: Friday, March 20, 2026  Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  Location...
03/17/2026

Calling All Youth! Join Us for Apache Language Learning!

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Empowerment Complex Building

Come have fun while learning the beautiful Apache Language! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your culture and meet new friends.

For more information, please reach out at 575-464-4516.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Address

108 Central Avenue
Mescalero, NM
88340

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30am

Telephone

(575) 464-4494

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Mescalero Apache Tribe

The Mescalero people were nomadic hunters and gathers and roamed the Southwest. They were experts in guerrilla warfare and highly skilled horsemen. The women were known for their ability to find and prepare food from many different plant sources. The people were given the name "Mescalero" because they gathered and ate the mescal plant. It was the staple of their diets and could sustain them in good times and bad.