Apache Warriors
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Apache Name & Language
The name 'Apache' comes from another Native American tribe called Zuni. The Zuni used the word apachu or 'enemy' to describe the Apache. The Apache usually call themselves inde or dine which means 'the people.'
Ancient Apache spoke Athapaskan, which is a language that many Native American tribes spoke. It's also very hard for English speakers to pronounce because they have a different way of speaking that uses your nose! Today, some Apache still speak Athapaskan; however, English is spoken by nearly all.
Early Apache Life
Before Western Europe occupied North America, the Apache lived in wickiups. A wickiup is an oval hut that was covered in grass or straw with a wood frame.
a medicine man outside a wickiup
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The Apache kept their houses simple so they could move around a lot. They did this to follow the buffalo, which were their main food source. The Apache also used buffalo skin for clothing and to cover their wickiups when they got cold. People that move around to follow food sources are called nomadic.
The Apache were big on family! Most of their groups consisted of family and extended family. The men were the warriors and hunters. Only men were allowed to be chiefs or political leaders. The women stayed home to tend to the children and be ready to move the camp when they needed to.
Apache Warriors
The Apache were famous for having some of the fiercest warriors in North America. Although men did most of the fighting, women and children were trained how to use guns, protect the family, and ride horses.
Geronimo with his rifle
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Geronimo is the most famous of all the Apache warriors. He was an Apache chief that fought to keep their native lands from the U.S. government for over 10 years. After the United States government promised a tract of land to his father-in-law Cochise and then refused to give it to the Apache, Geronimo fought against the government. Eventually Geronimo surrendered, and he died in Oklahoma in 1909.
Apache in the Modern World
There are about 30,000 Apache still living today in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma. Some of them were moved to reservations, and some refused to leave their homes. Reservations are areas that the United States Government has given to different Native American tribes that are owned and operated by Native Americans.
Lesson Summary
Okay, let's take a moment or two to review what we've learned.
The Apache are a Native American tribe that have been on this continent since 850 CE. They moved to Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in 1000 CE. 'Apache' means 'enemy in Zuni'.
Ancient Apache spoke Athapaskan, which is very hard for English speakers to pronounce. Apache were nomadic, meaning moving from place to place, usually following game, as well as family oriented, but were also fierce warriors, including Geronimo, one of the most famous Apache Warriors who fought against the U.S. Government for 10 years.
We also learned that they traditionally lived in wickiups, which were oval huts that were covered in grass or straw with wood frames. Most Apache still live in the Southwest and Oklahoma on reservations, which are areas that the United States Government has given to different Native American tribes that are owned and operated by Native Americans.
Now that you know more about the Apache, you should have a greater understanding of the variety and diversity of Native American tribes as a whole.
