Last month, the Fort Sill Apache tribe sued New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez for failing to recognize it as a New Mexico preventing the tribe to gain access to State programs and benefits.
The lawsuit the Fort Sill Apache tribe has filed wants the New Mexico Supreme Court to require Martinez to recognize the Tribe under state law. A recognition of the Fort Sill Apache tribe would include it in the annual State-Tribal Summit and alleges that it will open the tribe for more collaboration, benefits and recognition that other tribes in New Mexico currently enjoy.
So far, attempts to get the recognition has failed and the New Mexico governor is not backing down saying the claim of the Apache tribe is based on ulterior motives and that it simply wants to capitalize on the state's gambling market.
"The state believes that these limited resources are best reserved for those tribes that serve a population base here in New Mexico," Enrique C. Knell, spokesman of the governor, said in a statement. "The federal government does not recognize Fort Sill as a New Mexico tribe, finding that they lack any government structure or population base in New Mexico."
But for Jeff Haozous, the tribe's chairman, it's a different kind of story.
"It is a shame that it has come to this," said Haozous. "The Fort Sill Apache have made every effort to work with the Governor and the State of New Mexico. Despite these efforts, the Administration is refusing to follow the law and to recognize our equal rights under New Mexico law."
The Apaches, whose line goes back to the legendary Geronimo, were driven from New Mexico more than a century ago. They were taken as prisoners of war, but were only released in Oklahoma, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.
More than a century ago, Apaches with lineage to Geronimo were driven from New Mexico and taken as prisoners of war before eventually being released in Oklahoma. Now, the tribe's 700-plus members want to return to the yucca-speckled desert town of Akela Flats.
"I feel like New Mexico is our home," Haozous said. "I feel like the dirt is part of who I am." The Fort Sill Apache tribe has 700+ members and they want to return to what they claim as their place of origin known as Akela Flats.
"Being recognized as a state tribe is much bigger than being invited to the Tribal Summit and being included in the state-held contact list," said Haozous. "It is about recognition and it opens the doorway to many other benefits that all recognized state tribes receive; including collaboration with state agencies and economic development opportunities through infrastructure."
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