Fort Sill Apache Tribe

The Fort Sill Chiricahua/Warm Springs Apache tribe's Apache Prisoner of War Audio Collection Digitization and Processing Project will process, catalogue, and make accessible for tribal library users the recorded sound heritage of the Apache prisoners of war seized with Geronimo in 1886. These recordings document local history and culture that address Chihene Apache experiences on the Warm Springs reservation (circa 1870-1878); in the Sierra Madres with the Nednai Apaches (1881-1883); after seizure as Apache prisoners of war (1886-1914); and throughout twentieth century post-imprisonment Oklahoma life and Federal tribal recognition (1914-1970s). The project includes processing audio files so they are usable by both Fort Sill Apache cultural programs and the community and establishing a sustainable collection database and catalogue processed file metadata. Ultimate aims include the completion of a finding aid, efficient cultural program and community access via database search, and promotion of the collection to enrolled tribal members both within the southwest Oklahoma service area and throughout the nation.