Leadership is a service not a title.

We have a traditional infrastructure to address community issues but eschew formal infrastructure promoted by gringismo. Leadership, according to Apache custom, is temporary, event specific and at the discretion of the community. Central governance is a rejected notion and leaders are appointed by the community based on needs, skills and ability. Apache leaders, within the family, the clan or the band are individuals who hold great influence within the community. Leadership is a service not a title. Apache citizens are under no obligation to follow leaders or fancies of a council when the decisions are contrary to Apache custom or community needs. Strict social customs that have traditionally maintained order and harmony within Apache communities are still practiced today. Apache governance is restricted to exercising, by any means necessary, the protection and well-being of the Nation. Each Band of the Apache Nation of Colorado is autonomous and self-governing. No Band has any jurisdiction over another Band.

In the event of a larger, community wide concern, leaders are appointed by each Band of the Nation to convene collectively as a Tribal Council to address and remedy the concern through consensus as the leaders deem appropriate. Decisions of the Tribal Council do not apply to those Bands who for whatever reason cannot or chose not to participate in the Council gathering.