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Apache

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The Apache are several groups of people who share a common history. They speak Southern Athabaskan languages, which are related to the Navajo language.

Apachean present
Apachean present

These people have lived in the Southwest and the Southern Plains for a very long time. Their traditional lands are often called Apacheria. This area includes high mountains, deep canyons, and dry deserts. It also covers the southern Great Plains.

Apache-still-life restored-2
Apache-still-life restored-2

Today, Apache tribes remain strong and maintain their own ways of living.

There are many different ways to group the Apache people. Some groups are defined by the specific language they speak. Others are organized into different bands or clans.

San Carlos Apache woman (F24259 DPLW)
San Carlos Apache woman (F24259 DPLW)

For example, the Western Apache is divided into several different reservations. These include the Fort Apache, San Carlos, Camp Verde, and Tonto reservations. The Chiricahua group is also very well known. Some Chiricahua people live on the Mescalero Reservation. Others are part of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe in Oklahoma.

Jicarilla apache boy
Jicarilla apache boy

The history of the Apache involves many long journeys and changes. They migrated from their northern homelands into the Southwest between 1000 and 1500 CE.

Apachean ca.18-century
Apachean ca.18-century

For many years, the Apache fought against Spanish and Mexican groups. In the 1800s, they also had many confrontations during the American Indian Wars. The U.S. Army saw them as very skillful strategists.

Geronimo (Goyathlay), a Chiricahua Apache, full-length, kneeling with rifle, 1887 - NARA - 530880 restored
Geronimo (Goyathlay), a Chiricahua Apache, full-length, kneeling with rifle, 1887 - NARA - 530880 restored

These historical events shaped how different groups moved and settled.

Many different names have been used to describe the Apache throughout history. The word "Apache" likely comes from the Spanish language. Some people think it might come from the Zuni word for "Navajos."

Coronado expedition
Coronado expedition

Other theories suggest it might come from the Yavapai word for "enemy." Because different explorers met different groups, names often changed. For example, the Jicarilla name comes from a Spanish word for "little gourd."

Even though names can be confusing, the people know who they are. Many Apache speakers use their own words to mean "person" or "people."

Today, the Apache people stay connected through many different ways. Nine tribes belong to a group called the Apache Alliance.

William S. Soule - Pacer
William S. Soule - Pacer

This nonprofit group helps the tribes work together. Tribal leaders meet at special events called Apache Alliance Summits. At each summit, a different tribe acts as the host.

Apache bride
Apache bride

These meetings allow leaders to talk and share ideas. While each tribe is politically independent, they still find ways to support one another. This connection helps keep their culture alive for the future.

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🖼️ Images & Media (17)
File:Apachean ca.18-century.png
Apachean ca.18-century.png
File:Apachean present.png
Apachean present.png
File:Kathy Kitcheyan.jpg
Kathy Kitcheyan.jpg
File:William S. Soule - Pacer.jpg
William S. Soule - Pacer.jpg
File:Jicarilla apache boy.jpg
Jicarilla apache boy.jpg
File:San Carlos Apache woman (F24259 DPLW).jpg
San Carlos Apache woman (F24259 DPLW).jpg
File:Western or chiri apache playing cards NMAI.jpg
Western or chiri apache playing cards NMAI.jpg
File:Coronado expedition.jpg
Coronado expedition.jpg
File:Geronimo (Goyathlay), a Chiricahua Apache, full-length, kneeling with rifle, 1887 - NARA - 530880 restored.jpg
Geronimo (Goyathlay), a Chiricahua...
File:Apache bride.jpg
Apache bride.jpg
File:Apache Indian girl carrying an olla (a water basket) on her head, ca.1900 (CHS-2328).jpg
Apache Indian girl carrying an olla (a...
File:Naiche ChiriApache hidepainting 1900 OHS.jpg
Naiche ChiriApache hidepainting 1900 OHS.jpg

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