Virginia Shanta Klinekole | |
|---|---|
| Mescalero Apache Tribal Council Member and President | |
| In office 1959–1986 | |
| Tularosa School Board | |
| In office 1960s – late 1960s | |
| Mescalero Apache School Board | |
| In office 1980s–1990s | |
| New Mexico Indian Education Advisory Council | |
| In office 1980s–1980s | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Virginia Shanta June 13, 1924 Three Rivers, New Mexico |
| Died | March 13, 2011 (aged 86) Three Rivers, New Mexico |
| Spouse | Bruce W. Klinekole |
| Children | Bruce W. Klinekole II, Gregg A. Klinekole, Gina R. Klinekole, Ruth "Wonzie" Klinekole Tiger |
| Awards | Governor's Award for Outstanding New Mexican Women, 1988 |
Virginia Shanta Klinekole (June 13, 1924 – March 13, 2011), born Virginia Shanta, was a Mescalero Apache politician from New Mexico. She was elected as the first woman president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and served on the Tribal Council for nearly 30 years. She was known for being the first elected female leader of a major tribe, and for her work in preserving the Apache language.