Jicarilla Apache protocols

The Jicarilla Apache are characterized as reserved and private people. For this reason, the Tribe has opted to forgo tourism development for many years and few books are written about the Jicarilla Apache. The Jicarilla Apache people believe in the interconnection of all things and that one should live in balance with nature. Therefore, certain rules have been set forth that guide an Apache to the route of harmonious existence. The People of the Jicarilla Apache consider the following guidelines important when visiting friends, on an outing on the reservation or attending one of the very important ceremonies.

CHILDREN

OUR CHILDREN ARE SACRED AND REPRESENT THE FUTURE OF THE PEOPLE. It is said by elders, that children are not allowed to ask, "Why?" When one proves him or herself as having proper upbringing and respect, an elder will then provide the reasons why.

- DO NOT push a child away! If one accidentally pushes a child, give him/her a hug immediately.

- Children are not allowed to put a basket or bowl on their heads because it is believed that this will stunt their growth.

- At the first thunder of the season, a child may be stretched to encourage growth, or he/she may be stretched by the medicine man at a keesda.

- Bears or bear hides are not be to handled by children.

- Children are not to go outside wearing red on days that it is lightning. It is said that red attracts lightning. Do not run or stand under trees at these times.

- Snakes are not to be touched. Ropes that are coiled should not lay on the floor. It is said that this will attract snakes.

- Eagle feathers are not to be touched unless they are properly cleansed by a medicine person.

- Owl or owl feathers are not to be handled.

- Coyote or coyote skins are not to be handled. Coyotes are thought to represent bad luck and make one crazy.

- Do not build shelters, that is big enough to crawl into, inside a home. It is said that this will cause health problems.

- Avoid whirlwinds. If an item is picked up by a whirlwind, sprinkle it four times with water before you pick it up. If a medicine man/woman is around, ask him/her.

- Children are to be taught patience. Patience is a value that is highly valued. The ability to wait is looked upon with great admiration.

- Apaches are a giving people. Sharing and giving is a sign of achievement and generosity. Ceremonies use "Give-aways" such as at Go-jii-ya and Keedas use this concept.

- Children are to be taught respect for elders. Experience is felt to bring knowledge. Gray hair or other signs of age are highly valued.

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SITE SEEING

WHEN TRAVELING AND SIGHT SEEING ON THE RESERVATION, one must treat the reservation as one who is visiting a home.

- DO NOT LITTER. What you bring in, you take out. Littering is punishable in the tribal courts.

- Stay on main roads. J-roads and State Highways.

- Ask permission to take photos, videos or audio recordings of individuals.

- Do not remove potsherds, feathers, arrowheads, stone tools or other artifacts.

- Harvesting plants, berries, pinions and medicinal plants is prohibited.

- Hiking and mountain biking is prohibited.

- Check with the Jicarilla Game and Fish for sites that may be open to the public.

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VISITING

(Traditional Apaches)

WHEN VISITING, ONE MUST

- Have patience and be open to listening and learning.

- Not honk, but knock on the door. (unless mean dogs are present)

- Never refuse food when offered or ask for anything else that's not offered. If food is refused, the host(ess) will think you do not like them.

-Take one's hat off and do not place on the table.

- Never stand when an elder is present. Always sit even if it is on the floor.

- Never look straight into the eyes of an Apache or stare. It is a sign of aggression.

- Stay until a story that is being told is finished. Do not stand.

WHEN BEING VISITED BY AND APACHE, ONE MUST

- Not begin to sweep. It is a sign that you want your visitors to leave.

- Offer food and drinks.

- Welcome your visitors by telling them to come in, sit down, there's plenty of room.

- Get after your dogs, if they bark at visitors.

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FOR THE STORY OF

GO-JII-YA

CLICK HERE

GO-JII-YA

(September 14 & 15)

Go-jii-ya is the tribal harvest festival where emphasis is place on the participation of the young boys. It is derived from the story of the Jicarilla where there was race of all the animals and birds around the world. Today, there is a relay race which takes place at Stone Lake between the Llanero (Red Clan) and the Ollero (White Clan).

- Women and small children are not allowed in the Kiva and on the race track after it has been blessed on the 14th, because it is said that they affect the strength of the runners. Today, the Ollero allow their women to dance on the race track before the race. Llanero women dance only when the race is over.

- People who are not participating in the race are not to cross the race track after it has been blessed on the 14th.

- Only the losing clan is suppose to give fruit and vegetables after the race is completed.

- One does not throw the fruit and vegetables but give it in an appropriate manner.

- The spectators should give their support by yelling only. Clapping is not a traditional way to encourage runners.

- Jicarilla women take care of their camps and feed anyone who come to their camps. Giving and sharing are traditional values that are highly regarded. It is a sign of generosity.

- The Jicarilla people are a matrilineal tribe. This means that one follows his/her mother's side when it comes to traditional ways including clan.

- In the old days, women and young children were not allowed to attend the tryouts.

- Photos and recording devices are NOT PERMITTED. Only tribal members can take photos for their own use.

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KEESDA

COMING OUT FEAST

Keesdas are put on by families of young girls who has begun her menses. A young man is requested to aid in the keesda by dancing with the young girl for four nights. These puberty ceremonies are undertaken to provide a long and good life for the young pair.

- The tipi is a scared place (like the church). The young and old should behave accordingly. People should show respect by looking, listening, and learning.

- Families should eat out of one bowl to strengthen family ties.

- Families should bless their food by offering a portion to Mother earth and praying for the young maiden and brave.

- A widow/widower should stay out of the tipi in respect for the family, unless he/she has been properly returned their families by a medicine man.

- Until completion of a ceremony or until directed by the medicine man, one should not leave the tipi. It is disrespectful to run in and out of the tipi when the medicine man is busy.

- It is disrespectful to run around the tipi.

- It is disrespectful to flash your flashlight or headlights on the tipi.

- Parents and extended families must show respect by keeping their children in line and teaching them proper behavior.

- One must not go just to eat, but also to pray for the maiden and the brave and give thanks for the food.

- One must be thankful for whatever they are given to eat and not ask for more or for anything else.

- It is better manners for non-Indians to go to a keesda when invited or accompanied by an Apache.

- The morning after the last night of praying, the family paint their faces for protection and as a blessing. It is proper to wash face only when the sun begins to descend (afternoon). Children must be taught not to make fun when they see this, but to be proud.

- In the old days, families bring their own eating utensils, bowls, etc. and eat off the ground or vehicles.

- Photos or recording devices are NOT PERMITTED.

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