The Apache are a Native American tribe that have been on this continent since 850 CE. They moved to Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in 1000 CE. ‘Apache’ means ‘enemy in Zuni’. Ancient Apache spoke Athapaskan, which is very hard for English speakers to pronounce.
Usen is the name of the Apache Creator God or One God. He is a great holy power who is above everything. He is good and looks after the people of the world. In the words of a chief, “He made us in order to have mercy on us.” The Creator first made Apache people on White Mountain.
The Apache believe that their ancestors are guiding forces and are living among them as part of nature, such as rocks, trees, wind or mountains. They treat nature with dignity and respect out of reverence for their ancestors. Dances are used to communicate with the spirits. Traditional Apache religion was based on the belief in the supernatural and the power of nature. Nature explained everything in life for the Apache people.
The chief deity of the Chiricahua Apache was Ussen, whose will governed everyone. Ussen existed before the creation of the universe. He created the first Mother with no parents who sang four times, a sacred number to the Chiricahua Apache. The Apache believed in one supreme god and other lesser gods called the ga’ns. The ga’ns are protective spirits that came from the mountains, and their supreme god is named Ussen.
Some Southwestern tribes, especially the Apache and Navajo, feared the ghosts of the deceased who were believed to resent the living. The Apache buried corpses swiftly and burned the deceased’s house and possessions.
Upon death a soul remains close to home for four days; if a proper funeral and burial is held, the soul is freed to make its way to the Land of Ever Summer, as some call it. There is disagreement about whether reincarnation is possible, although most traditional people believe it is.
The sacred bison is sacred to all beings, not just to natives. Many may not know that because of their religions but the white buffalo is a symbol of peace and spiritual awareness something that religious people don’t quite understand.
The Apache were one of the first Indian tribes to learn to ride horses, and they quickly began using horses in order to hunt the buffalo. They also foraged for some berries and plants for additional food.
Apache language encompasses a mutual communication that takes into account the relationship to all beings and all forces and all elements. Truth in communication allows us all to exist in a mutually beneficial relationship. All beings, plants, animals, stone, air, water, fire, earth are all taken into account for the process of decision making for the highest wellbeing of all creation.
Value is placed on respect for an individual’s dignity and personal autonomy. People are not meant to be controlled. The Apache teaches us not to interfere in the affairs of another. Children are afforded the same respect as adults. Apache parents generally practice non-interference regarding their child’s vocation and support the rights of an individual.
As an oral tradition, the power of words is understood and revered. Therefore, the Apache value speaking carefully, choosing words specifically to address the connection. Speech is often delivered slowly, quietly, and deliberately. In social interactions emphasis lies in the feeling or emotional component rather than the verbal. Ideas and feelings may be conveyed through behavior rather than the vehicle of speech.
As an oral tradition, it is imperative to understand and internalize the message being conveyed and Apaches have developed listening skills and a keen sense of perception that quickly detects insincerity. Speaking and listening are storytelling and are an important means of remembering cultural history, teaching, and learning lessons.
Apaches are taught cultural patience. To an Apache, silence is a pleasure. In that patience and silence, Apaches utilize taught and personal skills to observe Nde Benah. Apaches have sharp observational abilities and note fine details, both in the natural world and socially.
Author: Spirit Connection
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