Mary Frances Polanco, Jicarilla Apache, founder and first treasurer of the Indigenous Journalists Association passed away on Friday, March 6, 2025, in her hometown of Dulce, New Mexico. She was 86 years old.
In 1983, two dozen Native American journalists came together at Penn State University to form the American Indian Journalist Association, which later became the Native American Journalists Association.
At the yearly convention in 2023, the name was changed to the present day name, Indigenous Journalists Association.
Polanco was elected to the first executive board as treasurer.
Polanco work full-time was at the newspaper she founded, the Jicarilla Chieftain. She was the editor for over 40 years. Due to health issues she had to retire in 2020.
Funeral services will be held in Dulce, New Mexico, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jicarilla Reform Church.
Lunch will be served immediately after.
Mary Frances Polanco was born on April 17, 1938.
To email condolences, email her daughter Sabrina at: Bacasabrina@hotmail.com.
Send cards or make a donation, mail to:
Sabrina Baca
PO Box 1842
Dulce, NM 87528
Obituary submitted on behalf of the family by Loren Tapahe.
