Ndé Legacy

The Chiricahua and Warm Springs Apache (Ndé) are the Indigenous People of the Southwest – lands now known as New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Northern Mexico's states of Sonora and Chihuahua. Ndée occupied and existed within their territories with each local group adapting to their own distinct environment, climate and/or terrains by available food sources. This territory has become known to all as "Apacheria." Through creation stories and oral history passed down through countless generations, the Apache have maintained their heritage and culture to this day.

The Chiricahua and Warm Springs Apache people are probably the widest known groups of Apache, based on the often romanticized portrayals of great leaders and warriors, Victorio, Cochise and Geronimo. In truth, leaders and all Apaches displayed character traits like no others. After 1886, the Chiricahua and Warm Springs people were displaced, scattered and imprisoned. This experience has become an element of our identity – one of adaptation to any environment – that we continue to honor our history, culture and elders.

From around the world, the Chiricahua and Warm Springs Apaches are returning to their traditional lands to reclaim a connection with Ancestral Territory. With a history of nine reservations in our territory, eight of which were negotiated, surveyed and initially populated but never ratified by Congress and eventually taken away, we are one of the few tribes without a current home reservation in our own land. The return of all Apaches to Southwest New Mexico is an effort to reintroduce a Native economy that promotes Apache Lifeways and EcoTourism, adding to the state's and region's economic benefit.

Located in Grant County, New Mexico, part of the Northern Stronghold, the Chiricahua Apache Nation (which includes descendants of Chiricahua and Warm Springs people) have reorganized as a Tribal group to provide stability to returning Apaches and other Native People. The Chiricahua Apache Nation promotes the Red Paint Powwow. Our event has become a major tourist attraction and provides "Representation of Cultures" for this region as a Native Venue.

Please join us November 15, 16 and 17, 2024, for the Official 11th RED PAINT POWWOW 2024 in Silver City, New Mexico at Western New Mexico University - Old James Stadium. For those visitors new to Powwow Culture, please honor Powwow Etiquette.

GET INVOLVED

There are many ways to support the mission of the Chiracahua Apache Nation, a Federal 501(c)3 non-profit. Consider becoming a Red Paint Powwow Sponsor, Vendor or Volunteer.