Sara Misquez facts for kids

Sara Jane Misquez (born September 6, 1945 – died January 9, 2008) was an important Native American leader. She was a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe in southern New Mexico. Sara Jane Misquez served as the president of her tribe. This means she was the main leader and spokesperson for the Mescalero Apache people.

Early Life and Education

Sara Jane Misquez was born on September 6, 1945, in Mescalero, New Mexico. She grew up in Three Rivers, New Mexico. She was married to Gilbert Misquez.

Sara Jane Misquez went to Haskell Indian Junior College. This school is now called Haskell Indian Nations University. It is located in Lawrence, Kansas. She earned a degree in business, which helped her in her later leadership roles.

Leading the Mescalero Apache Tribe

Sara Jane Misquez became president of the Mescalero Apache tribe in May 1999. She took over after the death of the tribe's longtime leader, Wendell Chino. Paul Ortega had served as president for six months before Misquez was appointed.

Misquez had worked as an aide to Wendell Chino for many years. In August 1999, she won the tribe's presidential election.

Election Challenges

In the 2001 election, Sara Jane Misquez lost to Mark Chino. Mark Chino is the son of former president Wendell Chino. However, the election results were canceled by the tribal council. This happened because of problems with the voting machines.

A new special election was held in January 2002, and Misquez won. But in November 2003, Mark Chino defeated her again in the next presidential election.

In the 2007 primary election, Misquez received the most votes. Carleton Naiche-Palmer came in second. However, Naiche-Palmer went on to win the main election that year. He became the new president of the Mescalero Apache tribe.

Before becoming president, Misquez also held other important jobs for the tribe. She worked as the tribe's administrator, a council member, and the tribal secretary.

Death

Sara Jane Misquez died on January 9, 2008. She was 62 years old. She passed away in a car accident on U.S. Route 70 near Tularosa, New Mexico.

Her car was traveling east when it went off the road and overturned. Sara Jane Misquez is survived by her husband, two sons, and one daughter. She had one son, Gilbert Ralph Misquez, who passed away before her.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson shared his thoughts after her death. He said, "President Misquez led the Mescalero Apaches with honor and dignity. On behalf of all New Mexicans, I send my sincere condolences to President Misquez's family and friends."