New Mexico

Cojoya Tribe

The Cojoya Indians, described by Fray Geronimo de Zarate-Salmeron in 1629, inhabited a fertile region approximately 80 leagues west of New Mexico. They cultivated cotton, corn, and various vegetables, and produced fine woven mantas. The Cojoya were neighbors to the Gorretas to the east, while their southern enemies were the Conchas living near the Rio Conchas and Rio Grande in Chihuahua, Mexico. Zarate-Salmeron suggested a previous misconception identifying the Cojoya with the Guaguatu, and their territory overlaps with the Jumano as noted in 1582.

Apache Indian Research

White-Man, head chief of the Kiowa Apache

This resource page offers extensive information on Apache Indian ancestry, tribes, and cultural heritage. It includes links to biographies, historical archives, and databases related to Apache leaders like Geronimo and Cochise. Researchers can access census records, cultural customs, and military history, alongside resources for tracing lineage and learning about Apache language and legends. Furthermore, the page outlines treaties involving Apache tribes and suggests readings that detail their history and culture.

Lipan Apache Tribe

The Lipan Apache Indians, known as Náizhan, historically roamed from the Rio Grande through Texas to the Gulf coast, engaging in raids against other tribes and settlers. By the 18th and 19th centuries, their population was divided into three bands. The Lipan faced significant adversity during the Texan wars, leading to their eventual displacement to Coahuila, Mexico. In the early 20th century, a small remnant was relocated to the Mescalero reservation in New Mexico. They maintain cultural similarities to other Apache tribes.

Mimbreños Apache Tribe

The Mimbreños Apache, named after the Mimbres Mountains in New Mexico, were a subgroup of the Apache tribe. They ranged from the Rio Grande in New Mexico to the San Francisco River in Arizona. Their population was estimated at 400 to 750 during the mid-19th century under the leadership of Mangas Coloradas. Primarily reliant on raiding for sustenance, they occasionally engaged in peace treaties. By 1875, they split, with some joining the Mescaleros and others residing at Fort Apache or the Mescalero Reservation.

Mescalero Apache Tribe

The Mescalero Apache Tribe, known for their consumption of mescal, occupied regions between the Rio Grande and Pecos in New Mexico, extending into northern Mexico. Unlike their more warlike counterparts in Arizona, they were organized into bands, each led by a chief. Historical accounts list divisions such as Nataina, Tuetinini, and Tsihlinainde. By 1905, they inhabited a 474,240-acre reservation established in 1873, with a population of approximately 460, including some Lipan Apache.

Gila Apache Tribe

The Gila Apache, originally designated as the name for an Apache settlement in southwest New Mexico, encompasses various bands over time, including the Mimbreños, Mogollones, and Warm Springs (Chiricahua) Apache. By 1853, there were approximately 4,000 individuals identified as Gila Apache, many settled at Ft. Webster, New Mexico. Despite efforts toward farming and peace, their return to a nomadic lifestyle occurred when promised supplies ceased. The Gila Apache are no longer recognized by this name, with Gileños referring to Pima people in Arizona.

Jicarilla Apache Tribe

The Jicarilla Apache Tribe, an Athapascan group, is historically noted for their basketry skills. They have inhabited the mountainous regions of southeast Colorado and northern New Mexico, with their origins tied to local rivers and the Taos area. First labeled by Spaniards in the 18th century, the tribe faced challenges from hostile relations with both Spanish settlers and neighboring tribes, leading to periods of conflict and forced relocations. Eventually, they were settled on a designated reservation in the Tierra Amarilla region, where they remain today.

Faraon Apache Tribe

The Faraon Apache Tribe, primarily situated between the Rio Grande and Pecos in New Mexico, is believed to descend from the southern division of the Querecho encountered by Coronado in 1541. Their frequent raids targeted Spanish and Pueblo settlements, especially around the Sandia mountains. Despite various Spanish military campaigns and treaties, lasting peace was never achieved. The tribe consisted of divisions such as Ancavistis, Jacomis, Orejones, Carlanes, and Cuampes, with the Carlanes likely associated with the Jicarillas.

Apache Chiefs and Leaders

Nahche

Geronimo, a prominent medicine man and prophet of the Chiricahua Apache, rose to notoriety in the late 19th century for his fierce resistance against U.S. and Mexican authorities. Born circa 1834, he initially farmed peacefully but became involved in conflicts following government policies that undermined Apache sovereignty. Notably, after fleeing to Mexico, he led raids across the border until his ultimate surrender in 1886. He, along with 340 followers, was relocated multiple times and eventually settled at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where they thrived under military supervision.

Apache Tribe

The Apache Indians, part of the Athapascan family, were historically noted for their warrior culture and territorial raids across New Mexico and into Mexico. They were first recorded by Oñate in 1598. Over time, the Apache experienced significant shifts, including forced relocations and interactions with other tribes, resulting in varying tribal identities. Despite initial hostility, some Apache bands, notably under leaders like Cochise and Geronimo, later engaged in agriculture and demonstrated adaptability. Their history is marked by continuous conflict, cultural resilience, and complex social structures involving various clans and divisions.

Asa Tribe

The Asa Tribe, a phratral organization of the Hopi, comprises several clans, including Chakwaina and Posiwu. Originating near Abiquiu, New Mexico, they journeyed through various pueblos before settling in Tusayan. They experienced significant challenges, including drought and disease, leading to a brief relocation to Canyon de Chelly, where they mingled with the Navajo. By 1700-1710, they returned to Hano and later settled in Walpi, adapting to their new environment as they navigated relationships with neighboring tribes.

New Mexico Indian Agencies and Schools

The listing details various Indian agencies and schools in New Mexico, providing specific information about their locations, postal services, telegraph addresses, and access via railroad stations. Notable institutions include Albuquerque School, Acoma day school, Isleta day school, and the Jicarilla school, among others. Each school is tied to local postal routes, telegraph services, and rail connections, emphasizing the importance of transportation and communication in supporting educational access within indigenous communities across the state.

Indian Tribes of New Mexico

Governor Charles Bent, appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for New Mexico, reflects on the diverse Native tribes in the territory following its annexation. He details the Apaches, Navajos, Moques, Yutas, Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Comanches, and Kayaguas, highlighting their various lifestyles, populations, and relationships with settlers. Bent stresses the need for effective management and suggests sending tribal delegations to Washington for peace talks. He advocates for stockade forts to protect against Indian raids and the necessity of resources to establish friendly relations with the tribes.

Tewa Pueblo Indians

The Tewa Pueblo Indians, deriving their name from a Keres word for “moccasins,” are a significant branch of the Tanoan linguistic family in New Mexico. They inhabit the Rio Grande valley, with notable pueblos including San Ildefonso and Santa Clara. Their history includes substantial depopulation due to conflicts and diseases, particularly in the 17th and 19th centuries, yet they maintain a presence today. The Northern Tewa have shown resilience, with some pueblos still occupied, particularly around Santa Fe.

Zuñi Indians

The Zuni Indians, also known as Ashiwi, are a distinct cultural group descending from two ancestral peoples. Located along the upper Zuni River in Valencia County, they were historically associated with the legendary Kingdom of Cibola. Their early interactions with Spanish explorers were marked by conflict and attempts at missionary work, notably beginning in 1629. The Zuni population has fluctuated over the centuries, with significant historical events including their role in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Today, they are recognized for their unique language and rich cultural heritage.

New Mexico Indian Tribes

Numerous tribes have historically inhabited present-day New Mexico, each with unique ties to the region. Notable tribes include the Apache, Comanche, Jemez, and Navajo, among others. The Comanche and Kiowa, known for their raids, navigated through New Mexico during the Spanish and early American periods. Other tribes such as the Pueblo, Pecos, and Zuñi have deep cultural roots in the area. Each tribe’s presence contributes to the intricate tapestry of New Mexico’s Indigenous history.

Keresan Pueblo Indians

The Keresan Pueblos, located on the Rio Grande in north-central New Mexico, comprise the Eastern (Queres) and Western (Sitsime or Kawaiko) groups, including various pueblos such as Cochiti and Acoma. They trace their origins to the underworld and historically moved south along the Rio Grande, developing autonomous communities. European contact began with Coronado in 1540, followed by later missions and a significant rebellion in 1680. Keresan populations fluctuated over the years, showing resilience despite cultural pressures from American civilization.

Navaho Indians

The Navaho Indians, part of the southern division of the Athapascan linguistic family, originally intruded upon Tewa lands and were referred to by various names by neighboring tribes. Their historical records date back to the early 1600s. The introduction of sheep transformed their economy, and though they faced conflicts with Pueblo Indians and settlers, treaties with the U.S. government were often broken. Following a period of hardship, they regained their land and prospered, particularly through sheep herding and the production of renowned blankets.

Tuscarora Immigration

In May 1846, approximately forty Tuscarora Indians migrated from their reservation to the Indian Territory, suffering greatly due to inadequate government support. Dr. A. Hogeboom, the emigration agent, mismanaged the process, leading to widespread disease and mortality among them. Despite claims of a large emigration party, many were deceived into leaving, often under false pretenses. Within a year, a third of the Tuscarora died, prompting complaints and memorials from tribal leaders seeking government assistance to bring back the survivors.