NM SUPREME COURT RULES FT. SILL APACHES ARE A NEW MEXICO TRIBE
Today, the NM Supreme Court, after fifteen minutes of deliberations, ruled unanimously that the State of New Mexico must recognize the Ft. Sill tribe of Apaches as a legitimate New Mexico tribe. Lawyers from both the governor’s office and the Ft. Sill tribe gave arguments to the court.
Ironically, most of the benefits the tribe would receive as a result of the decision won’t apply, as there is no tribal organization within the state to receive them.
This ruling does NOT mean they automatically qualify for approval of a tribal casino, but they will be working on that angle with great determination.
An article in the Santa Fe New Mexican has more details.
