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Apache

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The Apache are several groups of Southern Athabaskan-speaking peoples.

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

They reside across the Southwest, the Southern Plains, and Northern Mexico. These groups are linguistically related to the Navajo people. Historically, their traditional homelands are known as Apacheria. This vast region includes high mountains, sheltered valleys, and deep canyons. It also encompasses deserts and the southern Great Plains.

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

Today, Apache tribes maintain political autonomy within their own governments.

The history of the Apache involves a long migration. They moved from northern Athabaskan homelands into the Southwest between 1000 and 1500 CE.

Coronado expedition
Coronado expedition

For centuries, these tribes fought against invading Spanish and Mexican peoples. During the 19th-century American Indian Wars, they faced the U.S. Army. Military records described the Apache as fierce warriors and 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 conflicts shaped the movement and settlement of various bands.

There are six major Apache-speaking groups. These include the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Mescalero, Plains, and Western Apache.

The Western Apache is located in Arizona and is divided into several reservations. These include the Fort Apache, San Carlos, Camp Verde, and Tonto reservations. The Chiricahua were divided into two main groups after being released as prisoners of war. Most Chiricahua joined the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico. The others belong to the Fort Sill Apache Tribe in Oklahoma.

Jicarilla apache boy
Jicarilla apache boy

Naming the Apache has often been difficult for outsiders. Many historical names were given by Spanish, French, or English speakers. These outsiders often used exonyms, which are names given by other groups.

For example, the term "Apache" likely has Spanish roots. One theory suggests it was borrowed from the Zuni word for "Navajos." Another theory suggests it comes from the Yavapai word for "enemy." Even so, Apache speakers use their own autonyms to describe themselves. They often use terms meaning "person" or "people."

Different scholars have used different methods to classify Apache groups. Anthropologists often disagree on how to group smaller divisions. In 1900, the U.S. government listed six specific Apache groups in the United States. In the 1930s, Greenville Goodwin classified the Western Apache into five groups. He used dialect and cultural differences to make these distinctions.

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

However, other scholars like Albert Schroeder found these classifications inconsistent. Linguist Willem de Reuse found evidence for only three major groupings. These are the White Mountain, San Carlos, and Dilzhe'e groups.

Specific tribal locations are spread across many modern states and territories. In the United States, tribes are headquartered in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.

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

The Jicarilla Apache Nation is headquartered in Dulce, New Mexico. The Mescalero Apache Tribe is based in Mescalero, New Mexico. The Plains Apache are located near Anadarko, Oklahoma. In Mexico, Apache populations live in Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. These diverse locations show the wide reach of the Apachean people.

Today, the Apache tribes stay connected through the Apache Alliance. This is a nonprofit organization formed by nine Apache tribes.

Kathy Kitcheyan
Kathy Kitcheyan

Tribal leaders meet at the Apache Alliance Summits to discuss important matters. Each summit is hosted by a different member tribe. The member tribes include the White Mountain Apache and the Yavapai-Apache Nation. While each tribe is politically independent, they work together through this alliance. This cooperation helps preserve their shared heritage and strength.

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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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