Building Stronger Apache Communities Together
A Lifetime of Service to Our Land, Our People, and Our Future
For more than 30 years, Orlando Carroll has dedicated his life to protecting the land, waters, wildlife, and homelands of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. His work in land stewardship, conservation, and community service reflects a deep commitment to the people and the future of the People.
Now serving as WMAT Chairman, Orlando brings that same dedication to leadership guided by the values of the Ndee people and a clear understanding of both the challenges we face and the path forward.
He believes every Apache family deserves safety, opportunity, respect, and a government that listens. As WMAT Chairman, Orlando is committed to putting our people first, restoring trust, and rebuilding communities so that our children, elders, and future generations can thrive.
Visit the Calendar page to learn more about all Inauguration Week events
Apache Excellence: From Whiteriver to the Stars
〰️
Apache Excellence: From Whiteriver to the Stars 〰️
Dondre Barker, a proud member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe from Whiteriver, Arizona, is now working with Lockheed Martin Space and helping contribute to the future of space exploration.
Raised by his parents, Russell and Rolanda Barker, Dondre began his journey right here at home—attending Whiteriver Elementary, Canyon Day Junior High, and Alchesay High School. He went on to earn his Associate’s degree from Northland Pioneer College, then continued his education at Fort Lewis College, where he completed his Bachelor’s in Accounting.
His path led him to an internship in Government Relations with Lockheed Martin Space, where he supported major programs, including the Artemis program. Today, he has transitioned from intern to employee, continuing that journey forward.
Now living in Denver, Colorado with his wife, Dovanna Barker, née Dazen, and their son, Drevonn, Dondre says his family inspires him to keep striving for the stars—literally.
Dondre’s story is a reminder to the Apache people: our dreams are within reach. No matter where we start, dedication, education, and belief in ourselves can take us further than we ever imagined.
Honored to Serve as Your WMAT Chairman
Thank You,
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Team Carroll-Thompson sincerely thanks all tribal members who participated in this election. Your voice reflects the strength of our people and our shared commitment to the future of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Congratulations to all candidates who stepped forward to serve our tribe.
A special thank you to Erwin Thompson and his family for their partnership, dedication, and commitment to our people and our future.
We move forward with unity, respect, and hope for brighter days ahead!
Together We Rise
Not all of us had the chance to go to school, finish school, or earn degrees. Many of our people had to work young, raise families, take care of relatives, or survive things others will never understand. Education comes in many forms - life, struggle, responsibility, and survival have taught our people just as much as any classroom.
Our Elders encouraged education because they wanted someone from our own community to be able to sit in those rooms where powerful decisions are made - decisions about our land, our water, our children, and our future. They knew that one day we would need Tribal members who could understand the legal and political systems that outsiders use to take what is ours.
That doesn't mean everyone has to earn a degree.
We all have different paths, and every path has value.
Some protect the Tribe by working hard every day.
Some protect the Tribe by caring for family and community.
Some protect the Tribe by carrying language, songs, and teachings.
And some protect the Tribe by using formal education to fight where the battles are happening.
That is where Orlando Carroll comes in.
His education isn't something he holds above the people. It's something he uses FOR the people. For over 30 years, he has taken what he learned and used it to defend Apache homelands, water, language, and culture. These are things that define us as a Tribe and make us who we are.
Education, whether from life or from school, is meant to lift our people, not divide us. And when one of us rises, all of us rise with them.
This message is for anyone who has ever felt "not good enough," "not smart enough," or unsure of where they fit: YOU MATTER. You are part of this Tribe. You belong in this movement.
There is a place for each and every one of us in the work of protecting our future.
Together, we rise.
Our Vision for a Healthy, Strong, and Thriving Nation
1. Protecting Our Land and Natural Resources
Our land is our identity. Orlando is committed to responsible land use, protecting our water, strengthening conservation efforts, and ensuring that decisions about our homeland always reflect what is best for future generations.
2. Strengthening Families and Community Wellness
A strong tribe begins with strong families. Orlando supports safer neighborhoods, more youth programs, addiction recovery supports, mental health services, and partnerships that uplift our children, elders, veterans, and families.
3. Creating Jobs and Growing the Apache Economy
Orlando believes our people thrive when opportunities grow here at home. His focus includes expanding job training, supporting local entrepreneurs, and building sustainable economic development that benefits our people — not outside corporations.
4. Restoring Apache Lifeways and Cultural Pride
Our language, culture, and ancestral knowledge are the foundation of sovereignty. Orlando will support tribal programs that strengthen Apache identity, teach our youth, and protect the traditions that define us as a nation.
5. Honoring Transparency and Accountability
Our people deserve honesty, clarity, and fairness from leadership. Orlando is committed to restoring trust, improving communication, and ensuring that tribal members’ voices guide every major decision.
Why Orlando Carroll Is the Leader We Need
✔ 30+ years protecting Apache land and resources
✔ A steady, humble, community-centered leader
✔ Experienced in solving problems and building solutions
✔ Committed to listening to families in every community
✔ Guided by Apache values: respect, honesty, generosity, and responsibility to future generations
Orlando brings a lifetime of service, not for personal gain, but because he cares for his people and wants a stronger future for all of us.
Join the Movement
〰️
Join the Movement 〰️
Together, we can protect our land, strengthen our families, and build a future where every Apache child, elder, and family can thrive.
Sign up. Volunteer. Share your ideas. Your voice matters and it deserves to be heard.
This is our time. This is our home.
Let’s build a better future together.
Contact Our Team
Have a question or want to get involved? We want to hear from you.
Email: info@orlandocarroll.com
(928) 288-2392
Or use the contact form to send a message.