Start With Whose Land It Is
Apache reservations are the lands of sovereign nations, each with its own government, laws and departments. The Mescalero Apache Tribe, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Tonto Apache Tribe, the Yavapai-Apache Nation and others are separate entities, and the Fort Sill Apache Tribe and Apache Tribe of Oklahoma are based in Oklahoma. Each decides who may enter, what permits are required, and which areas are open to the public. Because of this, nothing in this article replaces the official information that each nation publishes.
The best habit is to look up the official website of the nation you plan to visit before you leave, and again close to your date, since closures, fees and events change. Tribal websites typically describe recreation permits, cultural centers, lodging, hours and contact numbers. Cell service and signage can be limited, so it helps to make arrangements ahead of time.
Permits and Posted Rules
Many reservations require a permit for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking off public roads, hunting, boating or collecting firewood. A state fishing or hunting license is generally not valid on tribal land, and a national forest pass may not apply either. Permits are often sold at tribal offices, stores or online, and fees help support local programs. Rules about alcohol, firearms, fires and pets also differ between nations, and some reservations restrict alcohol entirely, so check before bringing any.
If a sign says an area is closed, treat the closure as final. Some places are closed for resource protection, some for safety, and some for religious or cultural reasons that will not be explained to outsiders.
Respecting Cultural and Sacred Places
The landscape described in this cluster is full of places that matter to Apache communities, including mountains, springs and burial sites. Visitors may not recognize them, and nations do not always publicize their locations. A few basic habits help.
- Stay on public roads and marked trails.
- Do not enter or photograph houses, cemeteries or ceremonial grounds.
- Do not remove, move or collect artifacts, pottery fragments, bones or rocks. Federal laws protect archaeological resources on public and tribal lands, and removing items can also cause harm to the community’s heritage.
- Leave offerings, prayer items or arrangements that you find undisturbed.
- Do not climb on ruins or disturb rock art.
Apache sacred places and the efforts to protect them are covered in more detail elsewhere on the site, and the photography article explains why many nations require permission before images or recordings are made.
Ceremonies and Public Events
Some Apache communities hold public events, such as rodeos, fairs, powwows and cultural celebrations, which welcome visitors. Others, especially ceremonies, are private, and outsiders should not expect to attend them. A coming-of-age ceremony or a healing ceremony is a family and community matter, and uninvited observers can cause real distress. If you are invited, ask about customs for dress, conduct and photography, and follow the lead of your hosts. The topic of visiting Apache ceremonies etiquette is discussed in its own article.
For public events, arrive on time, ask before taking pictures, and avoid stepping into dance areas or seating that appears reserved.
Be a Considerate Guest
- Be patient and polite. People who work at stores, gas stations and cultural centers are going about daily lives, not performing for visitors.
- Avoid stereotypes and slang. Remarks about “braves,” “warpaths” or “Indian time” can be hurtful, and Apache peoples are living nations, not figures from the past.
- Ask questions respectfully, and accept it if someone prefers not to answer. Some knowledge is not shared with outsiders.
- Spend money locally where appropriate. Buying crafts directly from artists, eating at community businesses and paying fees for permits all support communities. When buying, ask who made an item, because imitations are widely sold.
- Keep roads and traffic safe. Livestock, including free-ranging horses and cattle, may be on or near roads, and drivers should watch for them.
- Pack out all trash and do not leave fires unattended.
Prepare for the Terrain
Many Apache lands are remote. Roads may be unpaved, services such as fuel, water and medical care can be far apart, and summer storms can cause flash floods. Carry water, a spare tire and a physical map, tell someone your plans, and check weather and road conditions. Heat, altitude and cold are all real hazards depending on the season and place.
Learning Before and After
Visiting is most rewarding when it begins with some background. Tribal museums and cultural centers are good places to start, and many offer exhibits or guided tours created by the community. Historic sites such as Fort Bowie and the military posts in Arizona and New Mexico present part of the story, but they do not speak for Apache nations themselves.
When in doubt, contact the tribal office, ask a staff member, or read the nation’s own materials. Taking that step is itself a sign of respect.