The Lipan Apache Band of Texas is a cultural heritage organization of individuals who identify as descendants of Lipan Apache people[1] The organization LABT is based in Edinburg, Texas;[1] with members living in Texas, Louisiana, California, and Mexico.[4]
Other unrecognized organizations who also identify as Lipan Apache descendants, including the Apache Council of Texas (Alice), Cuelgahen Nde Lipan Apache of Texas (Three Rivers), the Lipan Apache Nation (San Antonio), or the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas (McAllen).
Many members of the Lipan Apache Band of Texas left the organization to join the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, which incorporated in 2007, after a dispute involving Daniel Castro Romero Jr.[7] In 2022, Richard Gonzalez became the tribal chairman.[4] The Texas State Senate passed a congratulatory resolution to honor the Lipan Apache Band of Texas.[8]
In 1999, Daniel Castro Romero Jr. of San Antonio submitted a letter of intent to petition the U.S. federal government for recognition of the Lipan Apache Band of Texas, Inc.;[9] however, the group never followed up with a complete petition for recognition.[10]
The Mexican state of Coahuila invited LABT members to visit for a cultural exchange in 2009.[8] In 2012, the group worked with the University of Texas Human Rights Clinic and LAW-Defense to create an "Early Action/Early Warning procedure report to stop racial discrimination.[8]
Lucille Contreras, an LABT member, launched the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project in 2021. She purchased 77 acres (31 ha) in Waelder, Texas;[3] formed a nonprofit organization; and developed a herd of American bison.[4] The Nature Conservancy helped provide five bison to the project.[3]
