Now, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments March 10 to sort out whether the state should recognize the Fort Sill Apaches as a New Mexico tribe. There’s more involved than whether the Apaches originally came from New Mexico, naturally. Moving to New Mexico, claiming roots in New Mexico and living here could mean that the Apaches could open a casino in southwestern New Mexico. The tribe has wanted to get into the gaming business here for years.

However, Chairman Haozous is correct in saying the issue of Apache homeland versus the issue of an Apache casino should be separated. The only issue before the state — and before the Supreme Court — is whether the Apaches have a right to come home. Whether, once home, they can operate a casino has its own set of considerations and is a more complicated question.

With the federal approval won, we are not sure what New Mexico can do to prevent the descendants of Geronimo and his people from returning home. New Mexico, unlike so much of the country, is proud that so many of the state’s Native peoples live on their ancestral lands — the Fort Sill Apaches should be no different.