Mary Velasquez Riley played a pivotal role in transforming the White Mountain Apaches into a thriving entrepreneurial community. Her efforts not only brought prosperity to her people but also earned them national recognition as one of the most progressive tribes in the United States.
December 1965 marked a significant moment when Mary joined a delegation of White Mountain Apaches in Washington, D.C., for the lighting of the official national Christmas tree. This event marked the first time a Native American tribe contributed a tree for the ceremony, reflecting the tribe’s growing visibility and influence. Born on December 24, 1908, at Fort Apache, Mary had a deep appreciation for Christmas, which was intertwined with her upbringing. Her mother was Apache, and her father was a Mexican rancher who provided produce to Fort Apache, instilling in her a strong work ethic that defined her life.
During her childhood, Mary contributed significantly to her family’s ranch, performing chores before and after school. When the 1918 influenza epidemic struck, she left school to care for sick relatives, ultimately never returning to formal education. Despite this setback, she developed a keen interest in local and national issues, learning to read alongside her father and becoming fluent in Apache, Spanish, and English.
In 1935, Mary married Peter Kessay Riley, also from the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Together, they raised five children, balancing family life with Mary’s responsibilities as a housekeeper at the Fort Apache hospital while Peter served in the military. After his return, Mary’s commitment to her community led her to a groundbreaking political career.
In 1958, Mary made history by becoming the first woman elected to the White Mountain Apache Tribal Council. Throughout her two-decade tenure, she chaired key committees focused on health, education, and welfare. Her advocacy efforts took her to the state legislature in Phoenix and Congress in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied for the rights and needs of her people.
One of her most notable contributions was the establishment of the Fort Apache Timber Company (FATCO) in 1962. By the following year, the tribe managed the company independently. The mission of FATCO was clear: to promote economic development for the White Mountain Apache Tribe through sustainable utilization of timber resources while providing training and employment opportunities for tribe members. This initiative remains operational today, contributing to the tribe’s economic stability.
Mary also played a crucial role in the development of the Alchesay-Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery, which revitalized local fish populations, particularly brown and rainbow trout, contributing to the ecological and economic health of the reservation. Under her leadership, the tribe created attractive tourist destinations, including over 300 miles of fishing streams and 20 recreational lakes, making the reservation a popular site for outdoor activities.
In a 1967 report, a journalist 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.” The tribe also developed the Sunrise Park Resort, a year-round recreational facility that offers skiing, hiking, and fishing, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
Mary’s vision extended beyond economic development; she advocated for educational opportunities, culminating in the establishment of a high school on the reservation. Her motto, “We’re living in a different world now,” captured her commitment to progress and empowerment for the White Mountain Apache community.
After retiring from the council in 1978, Mary continued to be recognized for her contributions. In 1984, the state acknowledged her leadership and dedication to the White Mountain Apaches. She passed away on October 5, 1987, and is buried at the Fort Apache Cemetery alongside her husband. Her legacy was honored posthumously when she was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988.
Mary Riley’s efforts helped establish the White Mountain Apaches as a formidable entrepreneurial force. The Mary V. Riley Building on the reservation stands as a testament to her commitment to education and community empowerment, housing the tribal education department and ensuring her legacy endures for future generations.
