Nde Beneh, Land of the Nde Chiricahua Apache Nation, is the region colonially known as Southwest New Mexico, Southeast Arizona and Northern Mexico. Many Apache bands exist throughout New Mexico. The Chiricahua Nation is regional to the southwest and represents Chiricahua Apache bands.
Nantan Council Leader Joe Saenz stresses that the modern intent of the Chiricahua Nation is to promote the reestablishment and reinstatement of the Chiricahua Apache to the region. This reestablishment is key to the resilience of the Chiricahua Apache people as “A People of Peace and Harmony.” The goal is to increase the community awareness, correct historic misinformation and teach the cultural ethics of the Chiricahua Apache people.
Native educational and cultural events are planned to engage the community. The events will promote and familiarize awareness and understanding of the Chiricahua Apache culture and history. The Apache word “Ha Honda” has recently been added to the Silver City and Gila National Forest welcome signs. A Chiricahua Apache kiosk at Gila Hot Springs and the Geronimo Memorial at the Gila Cliff Dwellings are examples of Chiricahua Apache public information sites.
The Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces is hosting a major two-year exhibit, “Land of the People”, which opened in September 2025. This dynamic exhibit tells the story of six Indigenous groups including the Chiricahua Apache Nation.
Through their own words and perspectives, each group presents information about their traditions and current lifeways. A secondary gallery changes every 12 weeks, allowing each Indigenous group to go deeper into its own unique stories, traditions, and perspectives.
A new educational exhibit about the Chiricahua Apache will be on display at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center, 201 North Hudson St. in Silver City, January through February 2026. Learn about the history, culture, sacred lands, events and current affairs of the Chiricahua Apache Nation. Several talks will be scheduled throughout the exhibit. Dates will be listed on the calendar at visitsilvercity.org. Street banners will hang on Bullard and Broadway to celebrate the Chiricahua Nation during the Spring of 2026.
A mural depicting Chiricahua Apache life will begin in the spring of 2026 in downtown Silver City. The mural is designed by artist Delia deVer and incorporates the Nde Benah map by Joe Saenz and Marion MacDonald. The Youth Mural Program of Silver City will also add elements to the mural. Watch the progress on the wall of the Hacienda Realty building at the corner of Bullard and Yankie. Dedication for the mural will be in spring 2026.
Special events including lectures, demonstrations, and short plays will continue to be presented throughout 2026 to promote the community’s knowledge and awareness of their local Chiricahua Nation. Joe Saenz gave a talk on the Apache use of native plants to the New Mexico State Native Plant convention in Las Cruces. Delia deVer Mudge exhibited and spoke on her contemporary fiber sculpture at Light Art Space.
Her basket is inspired by traditional Chiricahua burden baskets with imagery woven in showing the ancient and ongoing sunrise ceremony.
“The underlying concept of the basket holds the idea that people working together weave a stronger whole.”
Online courses are being developed for the Nations’s website. During events the public’s support is invited to purchase maps, shirts and other items.
Eco-Tourism presented by the Chiricahua Apache helps to increase the economic value of cultural tourism. A series of hiking tours, eco tours, native plant hikes and talks are available. Group education presentations about Apache culture and history may be arranged for any size group.
The Red Paint Powwow and Indian Market is being planned to return in 2027 to the gymnasium of Silver City High School. Watch for the call to drummers, dancers, royalty and the public. All are welcome. This is an international and intertribal event. Open to the community, the Red Paint Powwow supports and keeps native culture alive, promotes native artists and performers.
Native elders are honored and at the same time sets a direction for native youth. Dance presentations and competitions will include native dancers of all ages. The Grand Entry scheduled at noon and 6 p.m. is amazing pageantry as native members enter the arena. The Indian Market features indigenous artists selling authentic products.
The Red Paint Powwow is open to the community and is an event the entire family can enjoy. For visitors new to powwow culture, please honor powwow etiquette. This is an enriching experience for all to enjoy.
The Chiricahua Apache Nation has a rich history and culture in Silver City and Grant County. Attend the events and lectures, and support this rich heritage. Do you have a native story? Are you interested in native ancestry? Please contact the Chiricahua Apache Nation for more information.
For further information and to donate to the Chiricahua Apache Nation, PO Box 837, Santa Clara, NM 88026; 575-534-1379; info@chiricahuaapachenation.org; www.chircahuaapachenation.org; www.redpaintpowwow.com; www.wolfhorseoutfitters.com; Friends of Chiricahua Apache on Facebook.
