44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF WENDELL CHINO, PRESIDENT OF THE MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE.

WHEREAS, President Wendell Chino died November 4, 1998; and

WHEREAS, he was first elected in 1965 after serving several terms as chairman of the previous governmental system and, in all, he led the tribe for more than half a century; and

WHEREAS, he graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Michigan in 1951 and began his leadership career as a minister and was first elected by the tribal council as chairman in 1953; and

WHEREAS, he oversaw the economic development efforts of the tribe for the past forty-five years, including the construction of the Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ski Apache, Casino Apache and many other business efforts by the Mescalero Tribe; and

WHEREAS, the unemployment rate on the Mescalero reservation in 1953 was eighty percent, infant death rates were high and there were few houses with running water; and

WHEREAS, President Chino fought tirelessly to obtain adequate housing, establish businesses, manage the reservation's resources for tourism and industrial development, improve education and health, defeat antiquated federal and state policies affecting Native Americans and won most of the challenges he undertook; and

WHEREAS, on a visit to the state legislature in 1975, President Chino said, "I am here neither for confrontation nor for convenience. I am here for business." He articulated his intent to serve his constituents with unparalleled dedication and honor; and

WHEREAS, he was recognized by many throughout the nation as a renowned leader, preeminent in pursuit of Native Americans' political, legal and economic rights and opportunities; and

WHEREAS, his political and legal battles won greater sovereignty and opportunities for economic self-reliance of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and many other Native American people as well; and

WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife Rita, son Mark, stepdaughter Marina and three grandchildren;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that solemn condolences be extended to the family, tribe, friends and admirers of President Wendell Chino, a great man and a true New Mexican.