Apache Tribe History: The Impact of the Indian Civil Rights Act on Their Society

Early History and Traditional Way of Life

The Apache tribe has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Originally from the southwestern United States, the Apache people were a group of skilled hunters and gatherers who lived in harmony with the land and their environment. They were known for their expertise in horsemanship and their ability to adapt to the harsh desert climate. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the Apache people lived in small bands, each with their own distinct language and culture.

The Impact of Colonization and Forced Assimilation

The arrival of European settlers and the subsequent colonization of the Apache homeland had a profound impact on the tribe’s way of life. The Apache people were forcibly relocated to reservations, where they were subjected to forced assimilation policies. These policies aimed to erase the Apache culture and replace it with European-American values and customs. Many Apache children were taken from their families and sent to boarding schools, where they were punished for speaking their native language or practicing their traditional customs.

The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968

The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to protect the rights of Native Americans, including the Apache tribe. The act prohibited the denial of rights and privileges to Native Americans on the basis of their race or national origin. It also provided for the protection of Native American languages, cultures, and traditions. The Indian Civil Rights Act marked a significant shift in the relationship between the government and Native American tribes, recognizing the inherent rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples.

The Impact of the Indian Civil Rights Act on the Apache Tribe

The Indian Civil Rights Act had a profound impact on the Apache tribe. The act provided a framework for the protection of Apache rights and traditions, and it helped to revitalize the Apache language and culture. The act also provided for the establishment of tribal governments and the recognition of tribal sovereignty. Today, the Apache tribe continues to work towards preserving their language, culture, and way of life, and they remain a vibrant and thriving community.

Conclusion

The Apache tribe has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to protect the rights of Native Americans, including the Apache tribe. The act marked a shift in the relationship between the government and Native American tribes, recognizing the inherent rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples. Today, the Apache tribe continues to work towards preserving their language, culture, and way of life, and they remain a vibrant and thriving community.