But they saw themselves differently; they faced constant struggle to survive. When Apache warriors raided a village, they did so from pure necessity. Most of the time they kept to themselves, moving from camp to camp in search of deer and buffalo, collecting roots and berries, and sometimes planting seeds to which they later returned. “They set up their camps on the outskirts of the pueblos. They dressed in animal skins, used dogs as pack animals, and pitched tent-like dwellings made of brush or hide, called wikiups.”(3) The Apache lived in extended family groups, all simply related through the female line.
There was a strict code of conduct among the Apache, based on strong family ties. Basic social, economic, and political units were based on female leadership inherited through the years. “The most important bond led from an Apache mother to her children and on to her children.”(5) When the son marries, his obligations then focus toward his wife’s family and to his mother-in-law. Marriage within one's own clan is prohibited.
The Apache Indian tribe have always had a battle with our justice system over their traditions. For example, in a recent Social Justice Statement it was said that “There are two major current political issues involving the Apaches. In 1994, the Mescalero Apache Tribe signed an agreement with ‘Northern States Power’ which started the building of a private nuclear waste storage site called A Monitored Retrievable Storage in New Mexico. The tribal council members claim that the deal will create many job opportunities for the Apaches. On the other hand, the Apaches feel that the nuclear waste site is a violation of their sacred lands, civilian rights, and long-term well being. Another issue is the opposition of the San Carlos Apaches to the building of a telescope site on Mt. Graham, the Apaches' most sacred site. President Clinton signed the Omnibus Appropriation Bill in 1996, which included the ‘Kolbe Amendment.’ The amendment gives the University of Arizona permission to resume their construction. The Apaches have long fought against the University.” (Crystal) These are just a few setbacks, but they will continue their fight for the right of their sacred lands and traditions.
The modern Apache life is a combination of tradition and contemporary culture. Farming, cattle herding, and tourist-related businesses are important economic activities. A census taken in 2000 57,000 people identified themselves as Apache, one fourth of which live in Arizona on reservations. The Apache tribe has a rich variety of tradition and culture that has shaped the traditions of Arizona for many years.
Bibliography
-
Crystal, Ellie. "Apache Nation-Crystalinks." Apache Nation. 2006. Unknown. 27 Jun 2006 <http://www.crystalinks.com/apache.html>.
-
Torres, Rebecca. "Aphace History." Apache. Unknown. Unknown. 27 Jun 2006 <http://www.greatdreams.com/apache/apache-history.htm>.
-
Unknown, "Family Values." The Apache family. 1997. Chelsea House Publishers. 27 Jun 2006 <http://members.tripod.com/Archaeology_Man/family.html>.
-
Setoguchi,, Eric. "Politics." Apache Political History and Current Issues. 1993. Simon and Schuster. 27 Jun 2006 <http://members.tripod.com/Archaeology_Man/politics.html>.
-
Unknown, "Social Justice Statements ." Solidarity with the San Carlos Apache Regarding Mt. Graham. 2005. Unitarian Universalist Assocation. 27 Jun 2006 <http://www.uua.org/actions/immediate/97mt-graham.html>.
-
Unknown, "APACHE INDIANS." Handbook of Texas. 2001. The Texas State Historical Association. 27 Jun 2006 <http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/AA/bma33.html>.
