What Is the White Mountain Apache Tribe?
The White Mountain Apache Tribe are the descendants of the native peoples of central Arizona. Today, between 12,000 and 15,000 members of the tribe live in nine Apache communities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The modern Apache tribe, for the most part, no longer adheres to its traditional nomadic lifestyle, but now enjoys an economy based mostly on tourism. The White Mountain Apache Tribe, however, continues to keep alive its traditional beliefs and customs. The White Mountain Apache Reservation was founded on 9 November 1891, by Executive Order of the President of the United States. It was originally called the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The White Mountain Apache Reservation once included the San Carlos Apache Reservation. These two reservations were separated by Congressional Act in 1897, and remain separated today.