Our Story

Strength. Resilience. Legacy.

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe carries a heritage rooted in strength, survival, and the enduring identity of the Chiricahua Warm Springs Apache people. Our ancestors lived across the vast landscapes of what is now eastern Arizona, western New Mexico, and the U.S.–Mexico borderlands. For generations, they defended freedom, culture, and community.

our history

A Journey Marked by Hardship — and Hope

In the late 1800s, the Chiricahua Apache became the last Native American group detained as prisoners of war. After years of imprisonment in Florida and Alabama, the Tribe was moved to Oklahoma in 1894 by a special act of the U.S. Congress.

Upon arriving at Fort Sill, they were told the military post would become their permanent home. Yet political pressure and shifting federal priorities soon forced another pivotal moment. By 1913, many Chiricahua were relocated to the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico — while others held firm, demanding the lands originally promised to them.

Ultimately, a group of 81 tribal members were granted allotments around Apache and Fletcher, Oklahoma. These families shaped the foundation of today’s Fort Sill Apache community.

Rebuilding a Homeland

Throughout the 20th century, the Tribe fought for recognition and the restoration of rights and land.

Mid-1970s

Land claim settlement and adoption of the Tribal Constitution

2000s

Acquisition of land in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona

2011

Reservation Proclamation issued for the Tribe’s New Mexico land

2014

New Mexico Supreme Court recognizes the Fort Sill Apache Tribe as a state tribe

Today, the Tribe stands strong — honoring the past while building a sustainable future for its people through education, economic development, and community sovereignty.

Economic Growth Through Community-Owned Enterprises

The Fort Sill Apache convenience stores — Apache Market 1, Apache Market 2, and Chiricahua Apache Plaza — represent the tribe’s commitment to:

Creating jobs
Strengthening tribal sovereignty
Supporting families and community programs
Building long-term economic opportunity

Every purchase helps support tribal services, cultural preservation, and future generations.

Our Commitment

We honor our ancestors by investing in our people and serving our surrounding communities with integrity, respect, and hospitality. The Chiricahua Warm Springs remain dedicated stewards of our lands, our businesses, and our shared future.

Visit Our Stores