Apache Tribe

Apache Indians (probably from ápachu, ‘enemy,’ the Zuñi name for the Navaho, who were designated “Apaches de Nabaju” by the early Spaniards in New Mexico). A number of tribes forming the most southerly group of the Athapascan family. The name has been applied also to some unrelated Yuman tribes, as the Apache Mohave (Yavapai) and Apache Yuma. The Apache call themselves N’de, Dĭnë, Tĭnde, or Inde, `people.’

They were evidently not so numerous about the beginning of the 17th century as in recent times, their numbers apparently having been increased by captives from other tribes, particularly the Pueblos, Pima, Papago, and other peaceful Indians, as well as from the settlements of northern Mexico that were gradually established within the territory raided by them, although recent measurements by Hrdlicka seem to indicate unusual freedom from foreign admixture. They were first mentioned as Apaches by Oñate in 1598, although Coronado, in 1541, met the Querechos (the Vaqueros of Benavides, and probably the Jicarillas and Mescaleros of modern times) on the plains of east New Mexico and west Texas: but there is no evidence that the Apache reached so far west as Arizona until after the middle of the 16th century. From the time of the Spanish colonization of New Mexico until within twenty years they have been noted for their warlike disposition, raiding white and Indian settlements alike, extending their depredations as far southward as Jalisco, Mexico.

No group of tribes has caused greater confusion to writers, from the fact that the popular navies of the tribes are derived from some local or temporary habitat, owing to their shifting propensities, or were given by the Spaniards on account of some tribal characteristic; hence some of the common names of apparently different Apache tribes or bands are synonymous, or practically so; again, as employed by some writers, a name may include much more or much less than when employed by others.

Apache Indians History

Although most of the Apache have been hostile since they have been known to history, the most serious modern outbreaks have been attributed to mismanagement on the part of civil authorities. The most important recent hostilities were those of the Chiricahua under Cochise, and later Victorio, who, together with 500 Mimbrenos, Mogollones, and Mescaleros, were assigned, about 1870, to the Ojo Caliente reserve in west New Mexico.

Cochise, who had repeatedly refused to be confined within reservation limits, fled with his band, but returned in 1871, at which time 1,200 to 1,900 Apache were on the reservation. Complaints from neighboring settlers caused their removal to Tularosa, 60 miles to the northwest, but 1,000 fled to the Mescalero reserve on Pecos River, while Cochise went out on another raid. Efforts of the military agent in 1873 to compel the restoration of some stolen cattle caused the rest, numbering 700, again to decamp, but they were soon captured. In compliance with the wishes of the Indians, they were returned to Ojo Caliente in 1874. Soon afterward Cochise died, and the Indians began to show such interest in agriculture that by 1875 there were 1,700 Apache at Ojo Caliente, and no depredations were reported. In the following year the Chiricahua reservation in Arizona was abolished, and 325 of the Indians were reproved to the San Carlos agency; others joined their kindred at Ojo Caliente, while some either remained on the mountains of their old reservation or fled across the Mexican border.

This removal of Indians from their ancestral homes was in pursuance of a policy of concentration, which was tested in the Chiricahua removal in Arizona. In April 1877, Geronimo and other chiefs, with the remnant of the band left on the old reservation, and evidently the Mexican refugees, began depredations in south Arizona and north Chihuahua, but in May 433 were captured and returned to San Carlos.

At the same time the policy was applied to the Ojo Caliente Apache of New Mexico, who were making good progress in civilized pursuits; but when the plan was put is action only 450 of 2,000 Indians were found, the remainder forming, into predatory bands under Victorio. In September 300 Chiricahua, mainly of the Ojo Caliente band from San Carlos, but surrendered many engagements. These were returned to Ojo Caliente, but they soon ran off again. In February, 1878, Victorio rendered in the hope that he and his people night remain on their former reservation, but another attempt was made to force the Indians to go to was Carlos, with the same result. In June the fugitives again appeared at the Mescalero agency, and arrangements were at last made for them to settle there; but, as the local authorities found indictments against Victorio and others, charged them with murder and robbery, this chief, with his few immediate follower, and some Mescaleros, fled from the reservation and resumed marauding. A call was trade for an increased force of military, but in the skirmishes in which they were engaged the Chiricahua met with remarkable success, while 70 settlers were murdered daring a single raid. Victorio was joined before April, 1880, by 350 Mescaleros and Chiricahua refugees from Mexico, and the repeated raids which followed struck terror to the inhabitants of New Mexico, Arizona, and Chihuahua, On April 13 1,000 troops arrival, and their number was later greatly augmented. Victorio’s hand was frequently encountered by superior forces, and although supported during most of the time by only 250 or 300 fighting men, this warrior usually inflicted severer punishment than he suffered. In these raids 200 citizens of New Mexico, and as many more of Mexico, were killed. At one time the band was virtually surrounded by a force of more than 2,000 cavalry and several hundred Indian scouts, but Victorio eluded capture and fled across the Mexican border, where he continued his bloody campaign. Pressed on both sides of the international boundary, and at times harassed by United States and Mexican troops combined, Victorio finally suffered severe losses and his band became divided.

In October, 1880, Mexican troops encountered Victorio’s party, comprising 100 warriors, with 400 women and children, at Tres Castillos; the Indians were surrounded and attacked in the evening, the fight continuing throughout the night; in the morning the ammunition of the Indians became exhausted, but although rapidly losing strength, the remnant refused to surrender until Victorio, who had been wounded several times, finally fell dead. This disaster to the Indians did not quell their hostility. Victorio was succeeded by Nana, who collected the divided force, received reinforcements from the Mescaleros and the San Carlos Chiricahua, and between July, 1881, and April, 1882, continued the raids across the border until he was again driven back in Chihuahua. While these hostilities were in progress in New Mexico and Chihuahua the Chiricahua of San Carlos were striking terror to the settlements of Arizona.

In 1880 Juh and Geronimo with 108 followers were captured and returned to San Carlos. In 1881 trouble arose among the White Mountain Coyoteros on Cibicu Creek, owing to a medicine-man named Nakaidoklini, who pretended power to revive the dead. After pacing him liberally for his services, his adherents awaited the resurrection until August, when Nakaidoklini avowed that his incantations failed because of the presence of whites. Since affairs were assuming a serious aspect, the arrest of the prophet was ordered; he surrendered quietly, but as the troops were making camp the scouts and other Indians opened fire on them. After a sharp fight Nakaidoklini was killed and his adherents were repulsed. Skirmishes continued the next day, but the troops were reinforced, and the Indians soon surrendered in small bands. Two chiefs, known as George and Bonito, who had not been engaged in the White Mountain troubles, surrendered to Gen. Wilcox on Sept. 25 at Camp Thomas, but were paroled.

On Sept. 30 Col. Riddle was sent to bring these chiefs and their bands back to Camp Thomas, but they became alarmed and fled to the Chiricahua, 74 of whom left the reserve, and, crossing the Mexican border, took refuge with the late Victorio’s band in Chihuahua. In the same year Nana made one of his bloody raids across the line, and in September Juh and Nahche, with a party of Chiricahua, again fled from the reservation, and were forced by the troops into Mexico, where, in April, 1882, they were joined by Geronimo and the rest of the hostile Chiricahua of San Carlos, with Loco and his Ojo Caliente band. The depredations committed in river Chihuahua under Geronimo and other leaders were perhaps even more serious than those within the limits of the United States. In March, 1883, Chato with 26 followers made a clash into New Mexico, murdering a dozen persons. Meanwhile the white settlers on the upper Gila consumed so much of the water of. that stream as to threaten the Indian crops; then coal was discovered on the reservation, which brought an influx of miners, and an investigation by the Federal grand jury of Arizona on Oct. 24. 1882, charged the mismanagement of Indian affairs on San Carlos reservation to local civil authorities.

Gen. G. H. Crook having been reassigned to the command, in 1882 induced about 1,500 of the hostiles to return to the reservation and subsist by their own exertions. The others, about three-fourths of the tribe, refused to settle down to reservation life and repeatedly went on the warpath; when promptly followed by Crook they would surrender and agree to peace, but would soon break their promises.

To this officer had been assigned the task of bringing the raiding Apache to terms in cooperating with the Mexican troops of Sonora and Chihuahua. In May, 1883, Crook crossed the boundary to the headwaters of the Rio Yaqui with 50 troops and 163 Apache scouts; on the 13th the camp of Chato and Bonito was discovered and attacked with some loss to the Indians. Through two captives employed as emissaries, communication was soon had with the others, and by May 29 354 Chiricahua had surrendered. On July 7 the War Department assumed police control of the San Carlos reservation, and on Sept. 1 the Apache were placed under the sole charge of Crook, who began to train them in the ways of civilization, with such success that in 1884 over 4,000 tons of grain, vegetables, and fruits were harvested.

In Feb. 1885, Crook’s powers were curtailed, an act that led to conflict of authority between the civil and military officers, and before matters could be adjusted half the Chiricahua left the reservation in May and fled to their favorite haunts. Troops and Apache scouts ware again sent forward, and many skirmishes took place, but the Indians were wary, and again Arizona and New Mexico were thrown into a state of excitement and dread by raids across the American border, resulting in the murder of 73 white people and many friendly Apache.

In Jan. 1886, the American camp under Capt. Crawford was attacked through misunderstanding by Mexican irregular Indian troops, resulting in Crawford’s death. By the following March the Apache became tired of the war and asked for a parley, which Crook granted as formerly, but before the time for the actual surrender of the entire force arrived the wily Geronimo changed his mind and with his immediate band again fled beyond reach. His escape led to censure of Crook’s policy; he was consequently relieved at his own request in April, and to Gen. Nelson A. Miles was assigned the completion of the task.

Geronimo and his band finally surrendered Sept. 4, 1886, and with numerous friendly Apache were sent to Florida as prisoners. They were later taken to Mt. Vernon, Ala., thence to Ft Sill, Okla., where they have made progress toward civilization. Some of the hostiles were never captured, but remained in the mountains, and as late as Nov. 1900, manifested their hostile character by an attack on Mormon settlers in Chihuahua.. Apache hostility in Arizona and New Mexico, however,has entirely ceased.

  • Consult: Hodge in Encyclopedia Britannica, “Indians,” 1902.

Apache Indians Culture

Being a nomadic people, the Apache practiced agriculture only to a limited extent before their permanent establishment on reservations. They subsisted chiefly on the products of the chase and on roots (especially that of the maguey) and berries. Although fish and bear were found in abundance in their country they were not eaten, being tabued as food. They had few arts, but the women attained high skill in making baskets. Their dwellings were shelters of brush, which were easily erected by the women and were well adapted to their arid environment and constant shifting. In physical appearance the Apache vary greatly, but are rather above the medium height. They are good talkers, are not readily deceived, and are honest in protecting property placed in their care, although they formerly obtained their chief support from plunder seized in their forays.

The Apache are divided into a number of tribal groups which have been so differently named and defined that it is sometimes difficult to determine to which branch writers refer. The most commonly accepted divisions are the Querechos or Vaqueros, consisting of the Mescaleros, Jicarillas, Faraones, Llaneros, and probably the Lipan; the Chiricahua; the Pinaleños; the Coyoteros, comprising the White Mountain and Pinal divisions; the Arivaipa; the Gila Apache, including the Gilenos, Mimbrenos, and Mogollones; and the Tontos.

Apache Nation

The official designation of the divisions, with their population in 1903, is as follows:

  • White Mountain Apache (comprising the Arivaipa, Tsiltaden or Chilion, Chiricahua, Coyoteros, Mimbrenos, Mogollones, finals, ‘”San Carlos,” and Tontos), under Ft Apache agency, 2,058;
  • Apache consisting of the same divisions as above, under San Carlos agency, 2,275;
  • Apache at Angora, Ariz., 38;
  • Jicarillas under school superintendent in New Mexico, 782; Mescaleros under Mescalero agency, N. Mex., 464;
  • Chiricahua at Ft Sill, Okla., 298;
  • Kiowa Apache, under Kiowa agency, Okla., 156.

Besides these there were 19 Lipan in northwest Chihuahua, some of the survivors of a tribe which, owing to their hostility, was almost destroyed, chiefly by Mexican Kickapoo cooperating with Mexican troops. This remnant was removed from Zaragoza, Coahuila, to Chihuahua in Oct., 1903, and a year later were brought to the U. S. and placed under the Mescalero agency in New Mexico. Until 1904 there lived with the Apache of Arizona a number of Indians of Yuman stock, particularly “Mohave Apache,” or Yavapai, but these are now mostly established at old Camp McDowell. The forays and conquests of the Apache resulted in the absorption of a large foreign element, Piman, Yuman, and Spanish, although captives were treated with disrespect and marriages with them broke clan ties.

The Pinal Coyoteros, and evidently also the Jicarillas, had some admixture of Pueblo blood. The Tontos were largely of mixed blood according to Corbusier, but Hrdlicka’s observations show them to be pure Apache. Tribes or bands known or supposed to be Apache, but not otherwise identifiable, are the following: Alacranes, Animas, Bissarhar, Chafalote, Cocoyes, Colina, Doestoe, Goolkizzen, Janos, Jocomes, Tejua, Tremblers, Zillgaw.

The Apache are divided into many clans which, however, are not totemic and they usually take their names from the natural features of localities, never from animals. Like clans of different Apache tribes recognize their affiliation.

The Juniper clan found by Bourse among the White Mountain Apache at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache 1 , called by them Yogoyekayden, reappears as Chokonni among the Chiricahna and as Yagoyecayn among the final Coyoteros.

The White Mountain Apache have a clan called Destchin (Red Paint), which is correlated to the Chic clan of the Chiricahua and appears to have separated from the Satchin (Red Rock) clan, both being represented among the Navaho by the Dhestshini (Red Streak). The Carrizo clan, Klokadakaydn, of San Carlos agency and Ft Apache is the Khugaducayn (Arrow Reed) of the Pinal Coyoteros. Tutzose, the Water clan of the Pinal Coyoteros, is found also among the White Mountain Apache, who have a Walnut clan, called Chiltneyadnaye, as the Pinal Coyotero have one called Chisnedinadinave.

Natootzuzn (Point of Mountain), a clan at San Carlos agency, corresponds to Nagosugn, a Pinal Coyotero clan.

Tizsessinaye (Little Cottonwood Jungle of the former) seems to have divided into the clans Titsessinaye of the Pinal Coyotero, of the same signification, and Destchetinaye (Tree in a Spring of Water). Kayhatin is the name of the Willow clan among both, and the Navaho have one, called Kai. Tzisequittzillan (Twin Peaks) of the White Mountain Apache, Tziltadin (Mountain Slope) of the Pinal Coyotero, and Navaho Dsilanothilni (Encircled Mountain), and Tsayiskidhni (Sagebrush Hill), are supposed by Bourke to have had a common origin. And there are many others traceable in the various Apache divisions and in the Navaho.

Apache Bands

The Apache Tribe was broken down into bands which is similar to a clan. Very little information is known about these bands or they no longer exist.

Akonye (people of the canyon). An Apache band at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache, Ariz., in 1881; probably coordinate with the Khonagani clan of the Navaho. 2

Apaches del Perrillo (Span.: Apaches of the little dog ). A band of Apache occupying, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the region of the Jornada del Muerto, near the Rio Grande, in s. N. Mex., where a spring was found by a dog, thus saving the Spaniards much suffering from thirst. They were probably a part of the Mescaleros or of the Mimbreños of later date. (F. W. H. )

Apaches del Quartelejo. A band of Jicarillas which in the 17th and 18th centuries resided in the valley of Beaver cr., Scott co. , Kans. The district was called Quartelejo by Juan Uribarri, who on taking possession in 1706 named it the province of San Luis, giving the name Santo Domingo to the Indian rancheria. See Quartelejo. (F. W. H.)

Apaches Mansos ( Span.: tame Apaches ). An Apache band of Arizona consisting of 100 persons 3 . Apparently so called by the Mexicans in contradistinction to the more warlike Apache.

Apatsiltlizhihi (black [tlizhi] Apache). A division of the Jicarilla Apache who claim the district of Mora, N. Mex., as their former home. (J.M.)

Bissarhar ( Indians with many bridles) . A division of the Apache under chiefs Goodegoya and Santos in 1873-75. 4

Calchufines. A band of Jicarilla Apache living in 1719 on Arkansas r., in the present s. E. Colorado. 5

Carrizo A small band of Apache, probably the clan Klokadakaydn, Carrizo or “Arrow-reed people, q. v. The name is also applied to a Navaho locality and to those Indians living about Carrizo mts., northeast Arizona. 6 . In the latter case it has no ethnic significance.

Chafalote. An Apache tribe or band of Sonora, Mexico, mentioned in connection with the Gileños and Faraones by Orozco y Berra 7 and by Malte-Brun 8 ; otherwise unknown.

Chiltneyadnaye (walnut). An Apache clan or band at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache, Ariz., in 1881; coordinate with the Chisnedinadinaye of the Final Coyoteros. 9

Chisnedinadinaye (walnut) A clan or band of the Pinal Coyoteros 10 , coordinate with the Chiltneyadnaye clan of the White Mountain Apache.

Colina (small hill). A wild tribe of New Mexico in the 18th century 11 ; not identified, but probably an Apache band.

Conejeros (Span.: rabbit men ). An unidentified Apache band, mentioned by Barcia 12 : ” In 1596 the Apaches called Conejeros destroyed a people they described as red and white who had come from Florida. The Spaniards could not ascertain of what nation they were nor find traces of their journey.”

Destchin (red paint). An Apache band or clan at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache, Ariz., in 1881 13 ; coordinate with the Chie of the Chiricahua and the Theshchini of the Navaho.

Doestoe (live where there are large falls of water). A subdivision of Apache under chiefs Chiquito and Disalin in 1875.

Gadinchin (‘rush, reed grass’). Given as a clan of the Pinal Coyotero living in 1881 at San Carlos agency, Ariz. Bourke in Jour. Am. Folk-lore, in, 112, 1890.

Gontiel (broad river). Given as an Apache clan at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache, Ariz., in 1881 14 . The name indicates a former habitat on Gila r.

Goolkizzen (spotted country). A band of Apache, probably Coyoteros, formerly under chief Nakaidoklini. 15

Guhlkainde (Gû´l‘ka-ĭ´nde, ‘plains people’). A division of the Mescalero Apache who claim as their original habitat the Staked plains region E. of Pecos River, in New Mexico and Texas.

Indelchidnti (pine). An Apache clan or band at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache, Ariz., in 1881 16 ; identical with Indilche-dentiene, ‘Live in country with large pine trees, 17 a band formerly under chief Narchubeulecolte.

Inoschuochn (bear berry). An Apache clan or band at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache, Ariz., in 1881.

Iyaaye (I-ya-áye, sunflower). An Apache clan or band at San Carlos agency and Ft Apache in 1881. 18

For Further Study on Apache Tribe:


Topics:
Apache,

Collection:
Hodge, Frederick Webb, Compiler. The Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico. Bureau of American Ethnology, Government Printing Office. 1906.

Search Military Records - Fold3
Citations:
  1. Bourse, Jour. Am. Folklore, III, 112, 1890[]
  2. Bourke in Journ. Am. Folk-Lore, III, 1890.[]
  3. Browne, Apache Country, 291, 1869[]
  4. White, Apache Names of Indian Tribes, MS., B. A. E.[]
  5. Villa-Señor y San chez, Theatre Am., pt. 2, 412, 1748.[]
  6. Cortez, 1799, in Pac. R. R. Rep., in, pt. 3, 119, 1856[]
  7. Orozco y Berra, Geog., 59, 1864[]
  8. Malte-Brun Congres Amer., II, 37, 1877[]
  9. Bourke in Jour. Am. Folk-lore, III, 112, 1890.[]
  10. Ibid.[]
  11. Villa-Senor, Theatro Am., II, 412, 1748[]
  12. Barcia, Ensayo Cronologico, 169, 1723[]
  13. Bourke, op. cit., III, 111, 1890[]
  14. Bourke, op. cit., III, 112, 1890[]
  15. White, Apache Names of Indian Tribes, MS., B. A. E., 1875.[]
  16. Bourke, op.cit., III, 111, 1890[]
  17. White, Apache Names of Indian Tribes, MS., B. A. E.[]
  18. Ibid.[]

27 thoughts on “Apache Tribe”

  1. Brenda Colon-(Castillo)

    I received my DNA test and discovered I have 58% Apache lineage. I do remember my great grandmother telling me that she was Apache but she never told me which Tribe. My great grandmother, grandmother and mother are no longer with us. Any ideas how I can find out. I want to have some type of connection with my tribe.

  2. I am 22% Native American I found out by my DNA testing. I also found out that I am part of White Mountain Apache. How can I confirm this?

    1. Hello all. My name is Benito J. Archuleta I am coming to you all for help. Heard stories my whole life about the Apache tribe that I am apart of. Grandparents have said forever what we are. But in reality I dont know which tribe I belong too. Can anyone point me in the right direction on who to call to do a blood test please. I cannot wait to see what comes of this! So exciting. Thank you all.

  3. Hello, Im working on my family tree, my grandmother Darlene DonNeil Fench (not sure of the spelling) was born on a reservation in the west on or around  Sept 3, 1933 my great grandmother is Edith Fenches, who lived on the reservation until my grandmother was born and they moved to St Louis due to marriage. My great grandmother showed me as child Native American Indian ceremony jewelry that she said was given to her from her mother. I remember a story where my grandmother and great granmother indicated a indian name of Running little bear. When my great grandmother passed in mid 2000’s she lived in Jacksonville FL and was married to Carl. I know there is a lot of uncertainty in my story. How do I research and verify this information? Im currently seeking copies of records (ie Birth Records

  4. Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

    At the moment some Nations that own casinos are evicting families that have for generations lived within the reservations
    Council wants these families to provide PROOF. Which, really proof? We are people whom would pass stories from one generation mouth to the next generation. Most families destroyed whatever proof they had due to the unfounded SHAME they felt to be Native.
    Also Paper proof? We didn’t even understand what that meant. Our people didn’t understand these outsiders buying THE LAND? How can you buy something that only THE GREAT SPIRIT owns? It made NO sense to those that came before us. We as a people were peaceful we were trusting. No we respected. That was are way but “they” saw this as a weakness. Native would never look you straight in the eye it was considered RUDE. You look only straight in the eye in BATTLE!

  5. Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

    My name is Ina Goyathlay Urquidi. My father was Issac “Little Bear”Urquidi. My father his father all his sisters and brother where born in what is now Clifton AZ. which is So. Az. It is said that Goyathlay was our Grandfather he was also born in Clifton. Well very close the old town was moved but still in the same area. We as a family have NO rights to him because when he finally surrendered to save his family he hid the woman and children that were left and told the Grandmothers to burn the countability number that the US government would assign to the tribes(NATIONS). The woman then learned to speak Spanish and from then on denied ever being Apache. I can understand why. It was a matter of survival. This story repeats itself with other families. There’s so many that hear the rumors about having Native lineage and feel in their soul that their Native but usually this rumor is THE big secret. Remember back then you were better being a dog then an Indian(i hate that word) a Native AMERICAN cause that’s what were are AMERICAN.

    1. I understand what where you are coming from. My grandparents parent had to hide from the Mexicans and the whites. If you wanted to live you had to pretend you were Mexican working in the fields. We have proof that my dad was named Boy Garza, which the name was changed my years before to survive. De Gazza was the last that my grandfather talked about. On my mother’s side, my great uncles were also Apache and were doing the things they did best, survive in the woods, protecting the family and away from the killing if you were Native. The stories go on with my mother now but I listen to all the stories from our Elders in my family, my DAD has passed 6 years ago and I carried his stories to my children, always thinking they were Mexican American. My DNA shows 51% Native American. We need to continue spreading the truth from our Elders and pass it to our love ones. I am 61 years old and proud to be Native Apache.

  6. My grandmother died in 2002 but I remember my grandmother telling me that she was Apache. Her maiden name was Corine Gadson and she was born in birmingham Alabama I’m not sure if her mother was an Apache or her father but I am positive my grandmother was an Apache. When I get my DNA tested to see how much Apache if any how would I register? or can I still register?

    Henry M. Todd

    1. Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

      At the moment DNA companies are lumping Native DNA with Mexican DNA. Which I’m not sure why? May i suggest 23 and me.com they not only do lineage they will tell you what to look for in the future in regards to health. I had mine done 12yrs.ago with them and all the things they warned me about have happen thank goodness I was prepared. I had severe renal failure but it was just starting and I made it. So check them out 23andme.com

  7. Bobbie stanphill

    My husband just had his DNA ran and it shows he is 20% Native American with 15% of that being Apache and 5% Camanche. Where would he apply for enrollment and what other proof would he need as his parents and grand parents are all passed.

  8. My last name is robles father Jorge grandfather Valentin. My DNA says I am 37 % Indian. How can I find out what kind and more

  9. my dad said his great grandmother was 100% apache, my daughter did dna test that show her to be 10% native american, would that make me 25%? i want to live on reservation in white mt az, can i?

    1. no, unless you can prove that you’re ancestors come from that tribe. also tribes use blood quantum to determine if you’re allowed to be enrolled. if you don’t have the required amount then you can’t enroll.

    1. Our father and grandfather and grandmother migrated from Mexico >Texas>California. They frequently spoke of our Apache blood lineage and history with their Apache relatives, but they would not dare discuss this outside family walls because Indian lineage was considered equivalent to degenerates, which I can assure you we were not. Our family is very proud, hard working individuals who are proud being American with indian ancestry. We would have never considered questioning our Patriarch or Matriarch. As a family we decided to take our DNA test and discovered we have 58% Apache lineage. Now, we are working backwards to obtain further information on our family lineage for the children in our families. It’s unfortunate that the Federal Board of Indian Affairs is uncooperative in helping us, unless we could provide them with a tribe connection. Their lack of actions and cooperation is absurd. I feel that they are doing their best to also eliminate Apache history. Our last name is spelled Olivarez for our father and grandfather, but our greatfather was shown spelled as Olivares. If you can provide any name linkage, we would appreciate it. Thanking you in advance

      1. Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

        Ho! to you and yours Elisa(Ho is a how the different nations would great each other) I’m very honored and humbled by
        you contacting me with your plight. I know and understand how “The Board” is just denying everyone that contacts them
        for help or any information that they might have. They are now going as far as evicting any family living on REZ land that
        cannot show proof of ancestry. I’m aware of a family that has lived on REZ since the 1800’s and were thrown out. The board
        told them they didn’t have enough proof of lineage and that they were probably Mexican and not Native. The problem now is the casinos well the money. Less people on Rez less they have to share profit. The casinos which started out as bingo night under a tent now is a million if not billion dollar industry. Casino idea was started because too this day some Natives still don’t have running water or heat or schools they live in dire straits. But what happens with money? It brings out the worse in people and that’s whats happening now.
        My advice that i’ve given to many is work backwards ask all family members to look for birth certificates, property deeds etc.
        I just find it hilarious on how we are suppose to have proof when most of the grandmothers burned or tore up the family I.D. number that the U.S.Army gave out because of course we were chattel to them. Live stock. Number on a piece of paper. Oh and it gets better….U.S. Army never wrote anything down there’s nothing written. Why? They planned to kill us off. Genocide. So as protection families walked over to Mexico(like your family did)learned Spanish and hid the truth from the next generation. Your parents generation and tried to do the same with our generation, but blood always calls out to blood.
        Our DNA recalls the horrific pain that our ancestors suffered we carry it. DNA RECALL.
        My kin which is your kin have no rights to Papa Goyathlay(Geronimo) image. Did you know that I believe Harvard has his head and his body is buried in Oklahoma. Which is were they kept him until his death. I tell my black friends when they start
        talking about their ancestors and slavery. I tell them your lucky you can go back and find names dates births etc. Us? we’ve been erased by our Government. But worst of all now that we turn to our own to help us to unerase our history they’re doing the same all over again. Our own people are telling us your blood doesn’t matter all because of $$.
        Keep fighting the fight Elisa Olivarez(your people lived near olive trees no doubt}
        Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

  10. I recently found out my father was apache and I am 55% Native American. How do I find out what tribe I am from?

    1. Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

      Wow lucky you! You might have a better chance then most of us. Start by recalling ANY story or rumor regarding your family. Many many families this is THE family secret! Guess what your native! I was lucky My father rebelled and started doing research asking questions and just down right ornery with his family. Also look up any Birth Certificates or property deeds etc. Don’t try researching
      the past. Research The present to the past. Go backwards. Cause if you try to locate those that came before you, you’ll get frustrated.
      Mostly a Native lineage. Remember “they” tried to ERASE us, and they almost did. Native Americans lineage most of all Apache lineage is a mystery. They wiped us out and those that remained hid. Also check the different REZ. Its possible your people are written down somewhere. Good luck and please drop me a line. I’m so curious about those that are as adults finding out THE FAMILy secret! Be proud! 55% lucky! I’m 36%

  11. My family had kept s secret for many yrs we are the few descendants of Geronimo. He hid us in Arizona and my great great grandmother was a princess of sorts to this apache tribe. She only passed away maybe 12-15 yrs ago. I have more of the stories. She feared for all our lives that the government would hunt us down and do terrible things. She was fluent in the apache language too.

    1. Ina Goyathlay Urquidi

      Dear Ester I have the same story! My name is Ina Goyathlay Urquidi. My father who passed away was Issac Little Bear n fact when I read your post I thought it was one of mine! I’m at Hweeldi@gmail.com. I would love to hear what stories you were told and compare.
      I have exactly the same story! Goyathlay or Papa G when he surrendered to save what was left of us. He hid the woman and children and told the our Grandmothers to burn the countability number that the US government issued to the different tribes(nations). In an act of rebellion. Our woman then learn Spanish from the Mescalero and Mexican farmers. From then on they denied being Native. I understand why. A matter of survival. There are so many of us with the same story as us. Or those that feel that they native lineage and always those rumors in families on my grandfather would say we are Native. But those rumors are usually The Big Secret of families. Remember back then it was better to be a dog than Indian (i hate that word) Native American cause that’s what were are Americans…….The original Americans. Stand proud sister and thanks.

  12. My grandfather is Casimiro Cerna which apache Tribe is he from? My father is Jesus Cerna born in Ojo Caliente Zacatecas.

  13. Hello my husband is 44% Native American. He remembers his father telling him his grandfather was Apache. What is the process on getting registered ( not sure that the right word). Thank You
    Julie Baray

  14. My Mother Was Born in Pinal County in Superior Arizona How Can I find Which Tribe I’m from I’m Apache but need more Info

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top