Fort Sill Apache granted reservation near Las Cruces

An Oklahoma tribe learned this week it will be granted a reservation just off the interstate between Las Cruces and Deming. Fort Sill Apache Tribe leaders are optimistic about the news, which they received Tuesday afternoon, said tribal Chairman Jeff Haozous. The status isn't a prerequisite for establishing gaming at its 30-acre parcel in Akela, but it is meaningful, he said. "This is more symbolic than anything, but we're hopeful this is a step in the direction of our eventual repatriation," he said. "It's the first time we've had a reservation since 1877." The tribe, based in Lawton, Okla., are descendants of bands that once roamed southern New Mexico, southwestern Arizona and northern Mexico. The approval is from the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Fort Sill Apache Tribe has said its sights are set on returning to New Mexico, a plan that includes opening a gaming casino on the 30 acres. The land, acquired by the tribe in 1998, already is held in trust for the tribe by the federal government. The tribe now runs a smoke shop and cafe in a building that it initially tried to open as a casino in early 2008...more