In December 1965, Mary Velasquez Riley represented the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Washington, D.C., during the lighting of the national Christmas tree. This marked a historic occasion as it was the first time a Native American tribe had donated a tree for the event. Mary’s presence symbolized the growing recognition and prosperity of her people, who were transforming into one of the most progressive tribes in the United States.
Born on December 24, 1908, at Fort Apache, Mary was deeply connected to her heritage. Her mother was Apache, while her father was a Mexican rancher who provided produce to the fort. From a young age, Mary participated in farm chores, milking cows and tending to various animals. After the influenza epidemic of 1918, which claimed many lives in her community, she left school after three years to help care for sick relatives and support her father’s milk delivery business. Despite her limited formal education, she developed a keen interest in local and national affairs, learning to read alongside him.
On March 2, 1935, Mary married Peter Kessay Riley, who also hailed from the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Together, they raised five children, balancing family responsibilities with her work as a housekeeper at the Fort Apache hospital while managing the family farm. Mary’s commitment to her community became evident when she was elected to the White Mountain Apache Tribal Council in 1958, becoming the first woman to serve on the board.
During her tenure, Mary led health, education, and welfare committees, advocating for her people at both the state and national levels. She frequently traveled to Phoenix and Washington, D.C., to lobby for the rights and resources of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Her efforts contributed to the establishment of the Fort Apache Timber Company (FATCO) in 1962, which remains operational today. The company was designed to promote economic development within the tribe, allowing members to utilize tribal timber resources effectively.
The mission of FATCO was clear: to generate profit, provide business training, and create employment opportunities for the tribe. By 1963, the company was wholly owned and operated by the tribe, illustrating the success of Mary’s vision.
Mary was also pivotal in developing the Alchesay-Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery. This facility has played a crucial role in restoring brown and rainbow trout populations in the region, which were once on the brink of extinction. The hatchery now supports local ecosystems and contributes to the recreational fishing opportunities on the reservation.
The White Mountain Apache Tribe, under Mary’s influence, recognized the potential for economic growth through tourism. By establishing popular recreational facilities, the tribe drew visitors from across the country. In 1967, a reporter highlighted that “more than one-third of all fishing in Arizona takes place in the more than 300 miles of fishing streams on the reservation,” which included a significant portion of the state’s trout streams.
Additionally, Mary championed the development of the Sunrise Park Resort, a year-round recreational facility that attracts outdoor enthusiasts for skiing in winter and hiking, biking, and fishing in summer. Her vision extended to educational improvements, including efforts to build a high school on the reservation, ensuring that future generations could compete and thrive.
Mary’s commitment to her community and her tireless work ethic helped position the White Mountain Apache Tribe as an entrepreneurial leader. In a 1977 interview, she reflected on the changing dynamics of her community, stating, “We’re living in a different world now.” After two decades on the Tribal Council, Mary retired in 1978, having laid a strong foundation for future leaders.
In recognition of her significant contributions, Mary was honored by the state of Arizona in 1984 and was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988. She passed away on October 5, 1987, and is buried at the Fort Apache Cemetery alongside her husband, Peter.
Mary Velasquez Riley’s legacy as a pioneering force in the White Mountain Apache Tribe continues to resonate today. The Mary V. Riley Building on the reservation now houses the tribal education department, a testament to her lifelong commitment to empowering her people and fostering economic independence. As noted by then Indian Commissioner Phileo Nash in 1965, the White Mountain Apaches had become “probably the most developed reservation in the country,” thanks in large part to Mary’s leadership and vision.
