How many apache indians are there today

Army came to our lands, our people knew much more about them than they did about us. Seeking to kill or capture any Apache people they encountered, the expedition headed north up the San Carlos River, across the Black River, and to the White River in the vicinity of the future site of Fort Apache. Army scouts reported finding over acres of cornfields along the White River. Escapa—an Apache chief that the Anglos called Miguel—visited the camp, and invited Col. Green to visit his village.

They agreed to the creation of a military post and reservation, and directed Green to the confluence of the East and North Forks of the White River: I have selected a site for a military post on the White Mountain River which is the finest I ever saw. The climate is delicious, and said by the Indians to be perfectly healthy, free from all malaria.

Excellently well wooded and watered. It seems as though this one corner of Arizona were almost its garden spot, the beauty of its scenery, the fertility of its soil and facilities for irrigation are not surpassed by any place that ever came under my observation.

Building material of fine pine timber is available within eight miles of this site. There is also plenty of limestone within a reasonable distance. This post would be of the greatest advantage for the following reasons: It would compel the White Mountain Indians to live on their reservation or be driven from their beautiful country which they almost worship.

It would stop their traffic in corn with the hostile tribes, they could not plant an acre of ground without our permission as we know every spot of it. It would make a good scouting post, being adjacent to hostile bands on either side. Do You Need Tribal Services? We are always here to help. Get in touch. Join our newsletter Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news of the Apache Tribe.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Today his descendants reside on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. He and his people terrorized the border country with continual raids.

Victorio always managed to elude his pursuers. In October , Victorio died at a place called Tres Castillos while waiting for a small raiding party to acquire ammunition they needed. Victorio was taken by surprise when General Joaquin Terrazas and his army attacked Victorio and his band of 78 Apaches. His descendants reside on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Lozen lates was a Chiricahua Warm Springs Apache and a skillful warrior; a prophet and an outstanding medicine woman.

She was the sister to Chief Victorio. Cochise led the Chiricahua band of the Apache during a period of violent social upheaval. In , the United States took control over the territory that today comprises Arizona and New Mexico.

Not hostile to the white settlers at first, he kept the peace. Cochise is reputed to have been the strategist and leader who was never conquered in a battle. For 10 years Cochise and his warriors fought the white settlers.

Cochise surrendered to U. Upon his death, he was secretly buried somewhere in or near his impregnable fortress in the Dragoon Mountains. These four mountains represent the direction of everyday life for our Apache people. Our grandparents would often speak of the place called White Mountain. It was there that the creator gave us life and it is a special place. They were born during a turbulent rainstorm when thunder and lightning came from the sky.

Giant Monsters who wanted to kill them feared White Painted Woman and her sons, whom she raised to be brave and skilled. When they grew up to be men, they rose up and killed the monsters of the earth.

There was peace and all human beings were saved. Apache warriors hunted buffalo on the grassy plains. They hunted antelope on the prairies and deer in the mountains. They killed only what they needed for their immediate use.

Their weapons were simple, but the men were swift and cunning hunters. The Apache women were skillful providers. They could find water where others would die of thirst. They prepared meat and skins brought home by the men. While the men hunted, the women gathered wild plants, foods, nuts, and seeds. They picked fruit and berries, dug roots and harvested the plants. Apache people gathered the sweet fruit of the broad-leafed Yucca and pounded its roots in water to make suds for shampoo.

The Apache women prepared a staple food from the heart of the Mescal plant. Apache people were kind to their children. They taught them good manners, kindness, fortitude and obedience. The children would play games that improved their dexterity. Traditional Apache religion was based on the belief in the supernatural and the power of nature. Nature explained everything in life for the Apache people. White Painted Woman gave our people their virtues of pleasant life and longevity.

Apache religion, expressed in poetic terms, has passed from generation to generation. This is the background and the heritage of our people, the Mescalero Apaches. One of the most traditional and sacred ceremonies practiced by the Mescalero Apache is the puberty rite ceremony. A young girl celebrates her rite of passage with family-prepared feasts, dancing, blessings and rituals established hundreds of years ago.

It emphasizes her upbringing which includes learning her tribal language and instilling, from infancy, a sense of discipline and good manners.