Paths of Life

Indé—The Western Apache: The People of the Mountains

In the story of their creation, the Apache people learned their way of life from the Gaan—the Mountain Spirit people. When the people stray from this path, the Gaan still visit to lead them back to the Apache way.

The Gaan taught the people to use the plants and animals of the mountains to sustain life. Historically, the Apache people traveled throughout their rugged homeland to hunt and gather foods. From the Gaan, the Apache also learned how to use the spiritual power of the mountains to cure illness.

Today, the mountains still guide and support the Apache way of life. Elders tell stories that took place at certain locations in the mountains to teach their children the values of their culture. The physical beauty and resources of the mounains provide the San Carlos and White Mountain Apache with an economic base of tourism, ranching, and lumbering.