Chiricahua Apache National Foundations

DAH GUH TEH!

The 11th Red Paint Powwow is coming to Southwestern New Mexico. This international intertribal event will happen November 15, 16 & 17, 2024, at WNMU in Silver City.

The Red Paint Powwow includes a variety of dances with their own meanings and dance styles, along with the participation of drum groups, vendors and food booths. The Red Paint Powwow helps to celebrate and recognize the Apache people of the Southwest, along with numerous other participating indigenous tribes. With a daily attendance of 500 to 800 visitors and participants per day, many have awaited the return of this social and competitive powwow. The Red Paint Powwow is a Tribal effort to reestablish Southwest New Mexico as a Native venue for ceremonies and gatherings to highlight and share Apache lifeways, culture and history.

NDÉ LEGACY

The Chiricahua Apache (Ndé) are the Indigenous People of the Southwest – lands now known as New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Northern Mexico's states of Sonora and Chihuahua. Ndé occupied and existed within their territories with each local group adapting to their own distinct environment, climate and/or terrains by available food sources. This territory has become known to all as "Apacheria." Through creation stories and oral history passed down through countless generations, the Apache have maintained their heritage and culture to this day.

The Chiricahua Apache people are probably the widest known groups of Apache, based on the often romanticized portrayals of great leaders and warriors, Victorio, Cochise and Geronimo. In truth, leaders and all Apaches displayed character traits like no others. After 1886, the Chiricahua people were displaced, scattered and imprisoned. This experience has become an element of our identity – one of adaptation to any environment – that we continue to honor our history, culture and elders.

From around the world, the Chiricahua Apaches are returning to their traditional lands to reclaim a connection with Ancestral Territory. With a history of nine reservations in our territory, eight of which were negotiated, surveyed and initially populated, but never ratified by Congress and eventually taken away, we are one of the few tribes without a current home reservation in our own land. The return of all Apaches to Southwest New Mexico is an effort to reintroduce a Native economy that promotes Apache Lifeways and EcoTourism, adding to the state's and region's economic benefit.

Located in Grant County, New Mexico, part of the Northern Stronghold, the Chiricahua Apache Nation have reorganized as a Tribal group to provide stability to returning Apaches and other Native People. The Chiricahua Apache Nation promotes the Red Paint Powwow. Our event has become a major tourist attraction and provides "Representation of Cultures" for this region as a Native Venue.

All are invited to attend the Powwow! We have some basic etiquettes around not photographing and some other important cultural etiquettes that are easy to learn. Please feel welcome to come.

Please join us November 15, 16 and 17, 2024, for the Official 11th RED PAINT POWWOW 2024 in Silver City, New Mexico at Western New Mexico University - Old James Stadium. For those visitors new to Powwow Culture, please honor Powwow Etiquette.

GET INVOLVED

There are many ways to support the mission of the Chiracahua Apache Nation, a Federal 501(c)3 non-profit. Consider becoming a Red Paint Powwow Sponsor, Vendor or Volunteer.

www.redpaintpowwow.com