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Chiricahua Apache

The Chiricahua Apache (NDE) are the Indigenous People of the Southwest, now known as New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Sonora, and Chihuahua in northern Mexico. Over time, the Apache occupied and existed within their territories known to all as the “Apacheria,” with each local group adapting to their own distinct environment, climate and/or terrains by available food sources. Through creation stories and an oral history passed down for hundreds of generations, the Apache have maintained their heritage and culture to this day.

The Chiricahua people are probably the widest known group of Apache, based on the prolific, and often times romanticized, portrayals of two great leaders, Geronimo and Cochise. In truth, leaders and all Apache displayed character traits like no one else. After their surrender in 1886, the Chiricahua people were displaced and scattered. Some were shuffled to prison sites in Florida, Alabama and Oklahoma, and after 27 years, they became the longest held prisoners of war in history. This experience has become an element of our identity - one of adaptation to any environment, which we continue to honor with organizations such as the Chiricahua Apache Prisoner of War Decedents.

Silver City (Grant County) is the original homeland to the Chiricahua Apache who have come together as a group to provide stability to the population of Native Americans in this area. The Red Paint Intertribal Council promotes the Red Paint Powwow held every January. Our event has become a major tourist attraction along with the much needed “Representation of Cultures” to this area.

On behalf of The Red Paint Intertribal Council, the Silver City/Grant County Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Silver City, I would like to welcome all visitors to Silver City and Grant County.

See you at the Powwow!

Ixexe (eeh-he-he)
Charles Vargas
Apache Dignitary
Red Paint Intertribal Council