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THE CHIRICAHUA APACHE
The Dragoons and other nearby ranges such as the Chiricahua Mountains lie within the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache. The Chiricahua traveled widely throughout southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northern Mexico, much as earlier Archaic Tradition people had done.
The Chiricahua are one of seven Apachean tribes, which also include the Kiowa-Apache (Oklahoma), Lipan (west Texas around El Paso), Jicarilla (northeast New Mexico and western Oklahoma), Mescalero (south-central New Mexico), Western Apache (east-central Arizona and west-central New Mexico), and the Navajo (Four Corners area). Although related, these tribes differed in the details of their language and customs.
The Chiricahua were further divided into bands. Cochise was a member of the Chokonen
Tall Cliffs Peopleband. Each band was made up of several groups, centered on a favorite location or territory, and made up of related families who hunted and gathered together. The settlements of these families were called
guutaby the Chiricahua, and
rancheriasby non-Indians.
To be familiar with when and where important natural resources could be found, children underwent extensive survival training, accompanied by public and private ceremonies designed to provide young men and women with health, prosperity, and long life. Many people are familiar with the Sunrise Ceremony, which is still held by many Apaches to symbolize a young woman's passage to adulthood.