Virginia Klinekole, former Mescalero Apache chair, passes away

Tuesday, March 15, 2011  

Virginia S. Klinekole, a former president of the Mescalero Apache Nation of New Mexico, died on Sunday.

Klinekole, who was born in 1924, was the first woman to lead the tribe. She also served on the tribal council, with her final term ending in 1986.

"She served the tribe during an exciting time in the tribe's history. As president, she helped lead the tribe to great success," current President Mark Chino said in a press release, The Alamogordo Daily News reported.

Klinekole was an expert in Apache language and culture.

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Former tribal leader dies (The Alamogordo Daily News 3/15)