portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Thursday, June 06, 2024

THE 500 NATIONS : an occasional series about the Wild West and USA History to the Trail of TEARS! | THE APACHE / CHIEF DAN GEORGE



The Apache are a group of culturally related Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States, which include the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Mescalero, Mimbreño, Ndendahe (Bedonkohe or Mogollon and Nednhi or Carrizaleño and Janero), Salinero, Plains (Kataka or Semat or "Kiowa-Apache") and Western Apache (Aravaipa, Pinaleño, Coyotero, Tonto). Distant cousins of the Apache are the Navajo, with whom they share the Southern Athabaskan languages. There are Apache communities in Oklahoma and Texas, and reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Apache people have moved throughout the United States and elsewhere, including urban centers. The Apache Nations are politically autonomous, speak several different languages, and have distinct cultures. 

Historically, the Apache homelands have consisted of high mountains, sheltered and watered valleys, deep canyons, deserts, and the southern Great Plains, including areas in what is now Eastern Arizona, Northern Mexico (Sonora and Chihuahua) and New Mexico, West Texas, and Southern Colorado. These areas are collectively known as Apacheria.

The Apache tribes fought the invading Spanish and Mexican peoples for centuries. The first Apache raids on Sonora appear to have taken place during the late 17th century. In 19th-century confrontations during the American-Indian wars, the U.S. Army found the Apache to be fierce warriors and skilful strategists

Chief Dan George

Chief Dan George was an indigenous Canadian actor, poet, and political activist. He was born on July 24, 1899, and passed away on September 23, 1981. Dan George was a member of the Tsleil-Waututh (also known as Burrard) First Nation, one of the indigenous peoples of the Vancouver, British Columbia area.


Chief Dan George is best known for his starring role in the film "Little Big Man" (1970), where he portrayed a Native American character named Chief Dan George, a role that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This performance helped Dan George become an icon for Indigenous peoples and brought greater attention to their important issues within the film industry.


In addition to his acting career, Chief Dan George was also renowned for his literary and artistic talents. He was a recognized poet and published numerous literary works focusing on the culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples. His works often centered around storytelling, traditions, and philosophies of the Tsleil-Waututh people, while also expressing love and reverence for nature and the environment.


Furthermore, Chief Dan George was a prominent political activist and human rights advocate. He spoke out on important issues affecting Indigenous communities, such as land rights, freedom, self-governance, and environmental protection. He actively promoted awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and rights through speeches, writing, and participation in political and social activities.




Group of Southern Cheyennes, 
White Antelope, Alights on a Cloud, and Little Chief - daguerreotype - 1851/52 Oklahoma



© Clark Dunbar

What have those eyes seen?

Wow


The stark reality from 1830 to today!



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