Apache Indians

Apache Indians

Apache Indian Research Paper

Apache, that very name struck unforgiving fear in the minds of settlers and tribes throughout the Great Plains and the southwest. Fierce Apache warriors were quick to learn the tactics of their enemies and use it against them. Not only were the Apache cheated by the Americans, but the Spanish (which arrived in 1541) as well. Apache culture is rich with tradition and conflict just like the land they once roamed.

Apache Culture

The Apache people arrived in 850 A.D from Canada to settle the plains and southwest. The word Apache is believed to be derived from a Zuni word meaning “enemy”. Athabscan, which originated in northwestern Canada ,is the main language of the Apache. Apache are divided into 6 different groups Bedonkohe, Chieahen, Chihenne, Apache Chokonen, Nedni and the White Mountain Apache(“Apache History”). All of the Apache tribes are a roaming people and are always on the move. At times they built villages for several months but they never stayed in one location for long. One reason the Apache moved around so much is because they were searching for food and supplies when the seasons changed.The Apache exchanged animal hide and foods with their neighboring tribes just like we do at the farmers market.

Many Apache traded animal skins and baskets for food and supplies they would need for whatever season they were in. A lot of the time the Apache tribes went their own way, moving from camp to camp in pursuit of deer and buffalo. When not pursuing animal hide they would collect roots and berries, sometimes planting seeds that they later returned to harvest and possibly sell or trade. Not all Apache traded with their surrounding tribes, they also fought them. The tradition even lives today, when we trade with one neighboring nation and fight with the other.

The Apache were a very strong and deadly people. It was said that a single Apache warrior could run 50 miles without stopping. Their legendary battle tactics...

Similar Essays