How large is the Apache tribe?

The Enduring Numbers: Unpacking the True Scale of the Apache Nation

The name "Apache" conjures powerful images: fierce warriors, strategic leaders, and a people deeply connected to the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest. From the sun-baked deserts of Arizona to the sweeping plains of Oklahoma, their history is etched into the very fabric of the continent. But beyond the historical narratives and iconic figures like Geronimo and Cochise, a fundamental question often arises: How large is the Apache tribe today?

The answer, like the Apache people themselves, is complex, multifaceted, and far from a simple number. It’s a story not of a single monolithic tribe, but of diverse nations, each with its unique history, culture, and sovereign identity, bound by shared linguistic roots and a legacy of resilience. To understand the true "size" of the Apache, one must journey through historical trauma, contemporary challenges, and the vibrant, ongoing revitalization of distinct communities.

A Fragmented Legacy: From Roaming Bands to Defined Nations

Historically, the Apache were not a unified political entity but rather a collection of culturally and linguistically related Athabascan-speaking groups who migrated south from what is now Canada centuries ago. These groups, often referred to as "bands," adapted to various environments, developing distinct customs, dialects, and names: the Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, Western Apache (including San Carlos, White Mountain, Cibecue, and Tonto groups), and the Plains Apache (Kiowa-Apache).

Before European contact, estimates of the total Apache population are speculative but suggest numbers in the tens of thousands, spread across a vast territory that spanned parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and even northern Mexico. Their semi-nomadic lifestyle and reliance on hunting and raiding made precise enumeration impossible.

The arrival of Spanish, Mexican, and later American settlers ushered in an era of devastating conflict, disease, and forced displacement. The infamous "Apache Wars" of the 19th century, characterized by relentless pursuit and brutal suppression, led to a catastrophic decline in population. Many died in battle, from disease, or from starvation during forced removals and imprisonment. The surrender of Geronimo in 1886 marked a symbolic end to major armed resistance, and surviving Apache groups were confined to reservations, often far from their ancestral lands. The Chiricahua, for example, were imprisoned as prisoners of war for 27 years, first in Florida, then Alabama, and finally at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before some were allowed to relocate to the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico.

This period of intense pressure drastically reduced their numbers and fragmented their communities, making the concept of a singular "Apache tribe" even more misleading.

The Challenge of Counting: Census vs. Enrollment

In the 21st century, determining the "size" of the Apache involves navigating various data points, each with its own methodology and limitations.

1. U.S. Census Data: The U.S. Census Bureau relies on self-identification. In the 2020 Census, individuals are asked to identify their race and origin, including specific tribal affiliations. This method often yields the largest numbers for any given group, as it includes people who identify as Apache but may not be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, or who have mixed heritage.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, approximately 119,773 people identified as Apache alone, and 220,950 identified as Apache in combination with one or more other races or tribal affiliations. These figures represent the broadest definition of "Apache" identity within the United States.

2. Tribal Enrollment: This is the more precise and politically significant measure. Each of the federally recognized Apache tribes maintains its own enrollment criteria, which can vary significantly. Criteria often include lineal descent from an original tribal roll, a minimum "blood quantum" (a percentage of Native American ancestry), or a combination thereof. Tribal enrollment is crucial for determining who is eligible for tribal services, voting in tribal elections, and benefiting from treaty rights.

The number of enrolled members is almost always significantly lower than the self-identified count from the U.S. Census. This discrepancy highlights the difference between cultural identity and formal political membership.

Contemporary Apache Nations: A Mosaic of Sovereignty

Today, there are several distinct, federally recognized Apache tribes, primarily located in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Each represents a vibrant, self-governing nation working to preserve its culture, languages, and lands while pursuing economic development.

• Western Apache: Comprising the largest contemporary Apache populations, these groups are primarily located in Arizona.

  • White Mountain Apache Tribe: Headquartered in Whiteriver, Arizona, their reservation covers a vast and beautiful area of mountains and forests. They are one of the most populous Apache tribes, with an enrolled membership typically over 17,000. Their economy includes timber, tourism (hunting, fishing), and the Hon-Dah Resort Casino.
  • San Carlos Apache Tribe: Located in southeastern Arizona, the San Carlos Reservation is also substantial in size. Their enrolled population is generally around 15,000 to 16,000. The tribe faces significant economic challenges but is actively involved in mining, cattle ranching, and operates the Apache Gold Casino Resort.
  • Tonto Apache Tribe: A smaller group, located near Payson, Arizona, with an enrolled membership of approximately 150-200. They operate the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino.
  • Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation: While primarily Yavapai, a significant number of their members are also of Apache descent due to historical intermarriage and shared reservation experiences. Their total enrollment is around 1,000.

• Mescalero Apache Tribe: Located in south-central New Mexico, their reservation is home to a diverse community including descendants of the Mescalero, Chiricahua, and Lipan Apache. Their enrolled population is approximately 5,000-6,000. They are known for their successful tourism enterprises, including the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino and Ski Apache.

• Jicarilla Apache Nation: Situated in northern New Mexico, the Jicarilla Apache are distinct in their cultural traditions, having historically adapted to a high-altitude, mountainous environment. Their enrolled membership hovers around 3,500-4,000. Their economy is largely based on natural gas and oil resources, as well as tourism and their casino.

• Fort Sill Apache Tribe: The descendants of the Chiricahua Apache who were held as prisoners of war at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After their release, some moved to Mescalero, but others remained in Oklahoma and formed the Fort Sill Apache Tribe. Their enrolled membership is relatively small, around 700-800, but they carry the profound historical legacy of the Chiricahua. They operate a casino and other enterprises.

• Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas: Though not federally recognized in the same way as the other Apache tribes (due to complex historical reasons involving the U.S. and Texas), the Lipan Apache maintain a strong cultural identity and are actively working towards federal recognition. Their population is estimated in the low thousands, dispersed across Texas and beyond, demonstrating that identity persists even without federal status.

• Plains Apache Tribe (Kiowa-Apache): Located in Oklahoma, this group has a unique history of close association with the Kiowa people, sharing many cultural elements while maintaining their distinct Athabascan language and heritage. Their enrolled population is approximately 1,500-2,000.

Summing the approximate enrolled memberships of these federally recognized tribes yields a figure of roughly 40,000 to 45,000 individuals. This number is a more accurate representation of the politically organized and self-governing Apache population today, distinct from the broader U.S. Census count.

Beyond the Numbers: The True Measure of "Size"

While statistics provide a snapshot, the true "size" of the Apache people extends far beyond mere headcounts. It encompasses:

• Cultural Vibrancy: Despite historical attempts at suppression, Apache languages (like Western Apache, Mescalero, and Jicarilla), ceremonies, dances, and oral traditions endure. Language revitalization programs are active across many reservations, recognizing that language is a cornerstone of identity.
• Economic Self-Determination: From successful casinos and resorts to natural resource management, Apache tribes are building diverse economies to support their communities and assert their sovereignty. This economic growth allows for investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• Political Sovereignty: Each federally recognized Apache tribe operates as a sovereign nation within the United States, exercising inherent rights to self-governance, lawmaking, and resource management on their lands. This political "size" gives them a powerful voice in national and international forums. As Nedra Darling, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, once noted about tribal nations, "They are governments, not interest groups."
• Resilience and Adaptability: The Apache people have faced centuries of existential threats and have not only survived but thrived, adapting to new challenges while holding onto core values. Their ability to maintain distinct identities despite forced assimilation is a testament to their strength. "We are still here," is a common and powerful refrain among Native peoples, echoing the Apache spirit.
• Connection to Land: The ancestral lands remain deeply significant, providing not just resources but spiritual grounding and a connection to generations past. Many tribes are actively involved in land management and environmental protection.

Challenges and the Future

Despite their remarkable resilience, Apache communities continue to face significant challenges, including high rates of poverty, unemployment, health disparities, and the ongoing impacts of historical trauma. Language loss remains a critical concern for many elders and leaders.

However, the future of the Apache nations is also marked by optimism and proactive efforts. Youth are increasingly engaged in cultural preservation and language learning. Tribal governments are pursuing innovative economic ventures, strengthening healthcare systems, and expanding educational opportunities. The ongoing legal battles to protect treaty rights and sacred sites also demonstrate their enduring commitment to their heritage.

Conclusion

So, how large is the Apache tribe? It is not a single entity, but a collection of distinct, sovereign nations whose collective enrolled population numbers in the tens of thousands. When viewed through the lens of self-identification in the broader U.S. population, that number more than doubles.

Yet, numbers alone fail to capture the true magnitude of the Apache presence. Their size is measured not just in enrolled members or census counts, but in the vastness of their history, the depth of their culture, the strength of their sovereignty, and the unwavering spirit of a people who have endured against incredible odds. The Apache nation, in its diverse forms, is not just large in numbers, but immeasurable in its continuing legacy and its vibrant future.