due to drought; As a result, most of the fish were killed off during those years. The reservation sits on the San Juan Basin, which is rich in fossil fuels. The basin is the largest producer of oil along the Rocky Mountains and the second largest producer of natural gas in the United States. Culture The Jicarilla are traditionally matrilocal and are organized into matrilineal clans. They have incorporated some practices of their Pueblo neighbors into their own traditions. They are renowned for their fine basket making of distinctive diamond, cross or zig-zag designs or representations of deer, horses or other animals. They are known for their beadwork and keeping Apache fiddle-making alive. As of 2000, about 70% of the tribe practice an organized religion, many of whom are Christians. Jicarilla is spoken by about one half of the tribal members, most by older men and women. Ceremonial practices consist of: Puberty feast, called "keesta" in Jicarilla, is a rite of passage ceremony for girls or young women. Annual events include: Little Beaver Celebration with a pow-wow, rodeo, draft horse pull and a five-mile race mid-July. Stone Lake Fiesta with ceremonial dances, rodeo and footraces each September 14 and 15. Economy The Jicarilla Apache Nation's economy is based upon mining, forestry, gaming, tourism, retail and agriculture, including: Oil and gas wells, owned and operated by the tribe. A 50 MW solar farm is being constructed on tribal lands. Timber. Cattle and sheep ranching. Reservation government employees, which include about 50% of tribal members. Dulce business employees. Traditional arts, including basketry and pottery. Tribe-owned Apache Nugget Casino north of Cuba, New Mexico and the Best Western Jicarilla Inn and Casino in Dulce. The tribe also owns and operates radio station KCIE (90.5 FM) in Dulce, NM. Although the mid twentieth century brought additional economic opportunities, high unemployment and a low standard of living prevails for tribal members. From the Tiller's Guide to Indian Country: Economic Profiles of American Reservations, 2005 edition: Unemployment rate – 14.2% Labor force – 1,1051 The Jicarilla people live in houses with a lifestyle similar to other Americans. The cost of food at local grocery stores is higher than found near larger U.S. cities. They have access to all modern conveniences and avail themselves according to their desires and financial ability. High unemployment and poverty level income rates have resulted in high crime rates, greatly contributed by