Fort Apache Indian Reservation

Fort Apache Indian Reservation is a Native American reservation located in eastern Arizona, covering over 1.67 million acres of land, and is home to the White Mountain Apache tribe. The reservation is situated near the Mogollon Rim, and its landscape is characterized by mountains, forests, and rivers, including the Black River and the Salt River. The reservation is also close to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation and the Navajo Nation, and is near the cities of Globe and Show Low.

Geography

The Fort Apache Indian Reservation is located in the eastern part of Arizona, and covers an area of over 1.67 million acres of land, making it one of the largest Native American reservations in the United States. The reservation is situated near the Mogollon Rim, a geological feature that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The landscape of the reservation is characterized by mountains, forests, and rivers, including the Black River and the Salt River, which provide hydroelectric power and support agriculture and fishing. The reservation is also home to several lakes, including Lake Hawley and Lake Nelson, which are popular for boating and fishing. Nearby cities include Globe, Show Low, and Pinetop-Lakeside, and the reservation is close to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation and the Navajo Nation.

History

The Fort Apache Indian Reservation was established in 1870, when the United States Army built Fort Apache to militaryly control the Apache tribes in the area. The fort was established by General George Crook, who was tasked with pacifying the Apache tribes and protecting the settlements and mining operations in the area. The reservation was initially established as a concentration camp for the Apache tribes, but it was later expanded to include other Native American tribes, including the Yavapai and the Tonto Apache. The reservation has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with many archaeological sites, including the Fort Apache Historic Park and the Kinishba Ruins, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The reservation is also home to the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center, which showcases the history and culture of the White Mountain Apache tribe.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, the population of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation was 13,409, with the majority being White Mountain Apache tribe members. The reservation has a total of 12 communitys, including Whiteriver, Canyon Day, and Bylas, which are the largest communitys on the reservation. The reservation is also home to several schools, including the Fort Apache Indian Reservation School District and the Whiteriver Public School District, which provide education to the reservation's youth. The reservation has a high unemployment rate, with many residents relying on federal and state assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

Economy

The economy of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation is primarily based on natural resource extraction, including timber and mining operations. The reservation is home to several forests, including the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, which provide timber and support recreational activities such as hunting and fishing. The reservation is also rich in mineral resources, including copper, gold, and silver, which are mined by companies such as Freeport-McMoRan and Asarco. The reservation also has a growing tourism industry, with many visitors attracted to the reservation's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The reservation is home to several hotels and resorts, including the Hon-Dah Resort Casino and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, which provide employment and revenue for the reservation.

Government

The Fort Apache Indian Reservation is governed by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, which is a federally recognized tribe. The tribe has its own government, including a tribal council and a chairman, who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe. The reservation is also subject to federal and state laws, including the Indian Reorganization Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The reservation has its own law enforcement agency, the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining law and order on the reservation. The reservation also has its own court system, including the White Mountain Apache Tribal Court, which hears cases involving tribal law and custom. The tribe is a member of the Intertribal Council of Arizona and the National Congress of American Indians, which provide advocacy and support for Native American tribes. Category:Native American reservations in Arizona