MESCALERO, NM. March 20, 2020. Late last night, the Mescalero Apache Tribal President Gabe Aguilar proclaimed a state of emergency on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. This action came at the request of the Mescalero Apache Tribal Council.

President Aguilar stated, “The health and safety of our community is of paramount importance to the leadership of the Tribe. We are doing everything in our power to respond to the coronavirus health crisis.” The Proclamation allows the Tribal President to take emergency actions to mitigate the spread of, prepare for, mobilize Tribal resources, and request federal and state funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting today, the Tribe plans to send non- essential employees home for at least two weeks. Other measures are planned and will be communicated to the Tribal community.

The Tribe is also encouraging Tribal members to self-isolate. Speaking to the Tribal community, President Aguilar requested: “Please check on your loved ones. But, make sure you do not endanger them – call them on the phone if possible and keep family gatherings to a minimum. We must all work together to protect ourselves and our community.”

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PDF: Mescalero Apache Tribe State of Emergency

Inn of the Mountain Gods