**********Apache Outdoors**********
The San Carlos Apache People
The Apache People that now reside on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation are from a diverse group of people who were native to this region. With ancestry such as the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Warm Springs, and the Western Apache, those who live on the San Carlos Reservation are decendants of these Apaches from the 1800's. With such a rich background and culture, we are the surviving individuals of those who fought and died for our survival. Against overwhelming odds and being outnumbered, our ancestors have strived and sacrificed their lives so that we may continue to prosper and live in today's society and become some of the most skilled people of our time. The resilliance from the "Old Apache" to the ones of today has become our reason for being who we are and what we shall become.
Today, we still believe in our tradition and culture and practice our Sunrise ceremony with respect and dignity. Through prayer we believe that there is a way to a better life when we pass on to the spirit world or Heaven. Although many of our youth are beginning to lose some of this ancient culture, many are being taught in our schools and at home the importance of being called Apache. To be from such a strong group of people is unlike anything else we know. It gives us an identity and also shows us where we have come from and what we need to survive in today's world. As we head into the future, we must continue to teach and explain why it is so important to realize our identities and know the language so we can carry that honor and pride our people have fought and died for many years ago.
