Virginia Klinekole

Virginia Shanta Klinekole
Mescalero Apache Tribal Council Member and President
In office
1959–1986
Tularosa School Board
In office
1960s – late 1960s
Mescalero Apache School Board
In office
1980s–1990s
New Mexico Indian Education Advisory Council
In office
1980s–1980s
Personal details
Born
Virginia Shanta

(1924-06-13)June 13, 1924
Three Rivers, New Mexico
DiedMarch 13, 2011(2011-03-13) (aged 86)
Three Rivers, New Mexico
SpouseBruce W. Klinekole
ChildrenBruce W. Klinekole II, Gregg A. Klinekole, Gina R. Klinekole, Ruth "Wonzie" Klinekole Tiger
AwardsGovernor's Award for Outstanding New Mexican Women, 1988

Virginia Shanta Klinekole (June 13, 1924 – March 13, 2011), born Virginia Shanta, was a Mescalero Apache politician from New Mexico. She was elected as the first woman president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and served on the Tribal Council for nearly 30 years. She was known for being the first elected female leader of a major tribe, and for her work in preserving the Apache language.


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