The Mescalero Apache Indians have thrived in the Southwest area. Their tribe was orginally nomadic and they travelled throughout most of the southwest and into northern Mexico.They have lived in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona for many centuries. However, now their tribe is based on the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico near the Tularosa Basin. The Reservation is in a very mountainous region of south central New Mexico, east of White Sands National Monument and west of Roswell, NM (the place of the aliens). It's highest point is the Sierra Blanca or White Mountain that reaches 12,003 ft above sea level and the lowest is Three Rivers which is 5,450 ft above sea level.   



Map of the Mescalero Apache Reservation and surrounding areas. 
http://www.turtletrack.org/Issues02/Co08242002/CO_08242002_Apache_School.htm

The Mescalero Reservation was established on May 27, 1873 by President Ulysses S. Grant through an executive order. The Lipan and Chiricahua Apaches joined the Mescalero Apaches later on. They became members of the Mescalero Tribe in 1936 when the Tribe was formally organized by the Indian Reorganization Act.   



My grandfather knew him and they were both
preachers in the same denomination.

Mescalero girl sitting next to a burden basket.
http://2011.sbrening.com/proddetail.php?prod=kaylanasburdenbasket

Wendell Chino became the first Mescalero Apache Tribal president in 1965 after they changed their constitution. He helped establish the Inn of the Mountain Gods and Ski Apache, which became very important for the economy of the reservation. Both ventures helped to boost the economy and increase tourism in the area. Chino was also willing to work in order to help his people. He died in 1998 of a heart attack. 

• Mescalero Apache Tribal Government. "General Information."Mescalero Apache Reservation