The rise of the Apache

Press, 29 April 1978, Page 13

The rise of the Apache

"Geronimo’s Children,” the TV2 “This World” programme tonight, will look at ways in which the Apache Indians have been able to adapt to the dominant white culture. For 300 years, the nomadic Apache tribes outfought Mexican, Spanish, and American soldiers.

Only 90 years ago their leader, Geronimo, finally surrendered, and the wars ended. The Apache, among the last of the Indian tribes to be subdued, have been the first to rise again. They are almost alone in making an aggressive, healthy transition to the modern world while re-

taining their sense of identity and culture, escaping the social and psychological breakdown that has destroyed most American Indians. For 70 years, until the 1950 s they were helplessly dependent on Government assistance. By the sixties there were still no modem houses, no running water,

and children were dying from the cold. Then the tribal leaders decided to take their destiny in their own hands, and abandon their reliance on the central Government.

Under their leader, Wendell China, the Apache adopted white institutions, but granted them on traditional Indian customs.

Today they have some of the best public housing in the United States.

The daughters of Geronimo and Nachez, who was the last of the Apache leaders to surrender, still live in Mescalero, New Mexico. Amelia Nachez, aged 77 teaches in the first Apache-run school. Fifty Apache students are in college for the first time. The 8.8. C. “Horizon” documentary asks how this people, with their stone age culture, have been able to adapt so successful, and cnallenges past assumptions that the Indian can simply be integrated with the dominant white culture.

This film suggests that it may well be outside influences which have often destroyed the ability to adapt.