Carleton Naiche-Palmer

Carleton A. Naiche-Palmer (June 22, 1947 – December 12, 2010)^[1] was elected president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe in 2008. He served one term, until early 2010.^[2]

Early life and education

Carleton Naiche-Palmer was born in 1947. He was a descendant of the Chiricahua Apache leaders Naiche and Cochise.^[2] Naiche-Palmer's father, Ignacius Palmer, was an artist.^[2]

Naiche-Palmer held a bachelor's degree in business from Western New Mexico University, a master's degree in business from Pepperdine University and a doctorate in social and economic development from Arbor University. He had resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for twenty-seven years.^[2]

Marriage and family

In 1970 he married Ada Rose Enjady. They had five children together.^[2]

Career

Naiche-Palmer was the chairman of the board of directors for the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.^[2] He also served on the Mescalero tribal council.

At the time of his election, Naiche-Palmer was the owner and main partner in an advocacy firm which represented individuals before the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court.^[2] He was active in the American Indian Business and Technologies, All Indian Pueblo Council, Sandia National Laboratories, and National Indian Council on Aging.^[2]

President of the Mescalero

Carleton Naiche-Palmer was elected president of the Mescalero Apache in November 2007,^[2] defeating the incumbent Sara Misquez. He took office in early 2008. Naiche-Palmer was sworn in as the president of the Mescalero Apache on January 11, 2008.^[3]

Naiche-Palmer was defeated for re-election in the presidential primary held on September 29, 2009, coming in fifth place out of seven candidates.^[4] Former president Mark Chino finished in first place with 395 votes; former vice president Frederick Chino came in second with 253 votes; Ben Martinez was third with 247 votes; Naomi Sainz was fourth with 74 votes; Naiche-Palmer was fifth with 43 votes; Harlyn Geronimo was sixth with 40 votes, and A. Paul Ortega finished in seventh place with 26 votes.^[4] Mark Chino was elected president in the general election.^[2]

Carleton Naiche-Palmer died of natural causes at a hospital in El Paso, Texas, on December 12, 2010, at the age of 63.^[2] He was survived by Ada, his wife of 40 years; their five children; 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Scott "Scotty" Ryan Palmer, who died on October 15, 2009.^[2]

References