The San Carlos Apache Tribe is taking action to address weapons-related violence and protect young people across the Reservation through the newly enacted Youth Weapons Safety and Community Protection Act.
On July 7, 2026, the San Carlos Council adopted Resolution No. JUL-26-150, enacting the new law as Section 21 of Chapter 6 of the Tribe’s Criminal Code. The action follows a review by the Council’s Law & Order Committee and Tribal law enforcement agencies of firearm- and blade-related injuries, deaths and accidental incidents involving young people on the Reservation.
The Resolution recognizes the profound impact these incidents have had on families, Apache culture and the stability of the community, and affirms the Tribe’s responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of its people.
Protecting Our Young People
The Youth Weapons Safety and Community Protection Act establishes age-based restrictions on the possession and public carrying of covered weapons by individuals under the age of 21 within the territorial jurisdiction of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
The Act is intended to reduce weapons-related violence, suicide and accidental injury involving young people while promoting the safe and responsible use of weapons consistent with Apache traditions and values.
“This is about protecting our young people, our families and the future of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. We have experienced too much loss in our community. As leaders, we have a responsibility to take meaningful action that protects our youth while respecting our Apache traditions, culture and way of life,” said Chairman Terry Rambler.
Respecting Apache Traditions and Lawful Activities
The Act includes specific exceptions recognizing the important role weapons and tools may have in traditional, cultural, subsistence and lawful activities.
Among the authorized circumstances addressed in the ordinance are hunting and subsistence activities, shooting ranges and safety training, agricultural and ranching work, traditional and ceremonial activities, possession within a parent or legal guardian’s residence under specified conditions, official law enforcement or military duties, and emergency self-defense.
These provisions are intended to balance community safety with the traditions, responsibilities and everyday activities of Apache families.
Accountability, Education and Prevention
The ordinance also establishes consequences for unlawful possession, public carrying and transfer of covered weapons. For juvenile offenders, the Act provides for measures that can include supervision, community service and participation in weapons-safety, violence-prevention, cultural or mental-health programs with a parent or legal guardian.
The goal extends beyond enforcement. It is also about prevention, education, accountability and giving young people opportunities to make safer choices.
“We cannot accept violence and preventable loss as something our young people simply have to live with,” Chairman Rambler said. “Protecting the next generation requires all of us—families, Tribal leadership, law enforcement, educators, cultural leaders and our young people themselves—to be part of the solution.”
Exercising Tribal Sovereignty to Protect Our Community
The Youth Weapons Safety and Community Protection Act is also an exercise of the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s inherent sovereign authority to protect the health, safety and welfare of communities on the Reservation.
The ordinance applies within the territorial jurisdiction of the Tribe and contains provisions addressing enforcement, penalties, juvenile proceedings and the relationship between the new Tribal law and applicable federal law.
The Council is also required to review the ordinance no later than two years after its effective date to assess its effectiveness and determine whether revisions are necessary.
The ordinance is being published for a 30-day public comment period and further consideration by the San Carlos Council.
Read Resolution No. JUL-26-150 and the full Youth Weapons Safety and Community Protection Act: