The Fort Sill Apache Reservation in southern New Mexico. Photo from Fort Sill Apache Tribe

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe still isn't being welcomed in New Mexico with open arms.

Last year, the New Mexico Supreme Court ordered the state to recognize the tribe on a government-to-government basis. Gov. Susana Martinez (R) and her officials were refusing to meet or consult with the tribe even though it has a reservation in the southern part of the state.

Now it's state lawmakers who are setting up roadblocks. The Legislature's Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee blocked two bills to allow the tribe to be treated like others in the state, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

The tribe's ancestors lived in New Mexico before being taken as prisoners of war to Florida. They were then forced to live at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and many have remained in that state.

The tribe's reservation in New Mexico was placed in trust in 2002.

Get the Story:
State senators block bills furthering status of Fort Sill Apaches (The Santa Fe New Mexican 2/6)
State senators block bills furthering status of Fort Sill Apaches [Alternate Link] (The Santa Fe New Mexican 2/6)

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