Jicarilla

Definition

The Jicarilla are a Native American tribe belonging to the larger Apache group, primarily located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Known for their rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit, the Jicarilla played a significant role in the resistance against American expansion, particularly in the 19th century as they navigated pressures from settlers and military forces encroaching on their territory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Jicarilla tribe was historically known for their hunting, gathering, and later, farming practices, which helped sustain their community despite external pressures.
2. During the late 19th century, the Jicarilla fiercely resisted U.S. military campaigns aimed at subjugating them and forcing them onto reservations.
3. The Jicarilla were one of the first Apache groups to engage in trade with settlers and adapt some aspects of European-American culture while still maintaining their traditions.
4. In 1887, the Dawes Act significantly affected the Jicarilla by allotting their communal lands into individual parcels, which aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society.
5. Today, the Jicarilla Apache Nation operates as a sovereign tribal government, managing resources and promoting cultural heritage while facing modern challenges.

Review Questions

• How did the Jicarilla tribe's cultural practices influence their response to American expansion?
  • The Jicarilla's cultural practices, including their traditional hunting and gathering lifestyles, played a key role in shaping their resistance to American expansion. Their strong connection to the land made them fiercely protective of their territory. As settlers encroached on their lands, they utilized guerrilla tactics learned from their nomadic lifestyle to resist military forces effectively. This resilience allowed them to adapt while fighting to preserve their way of life amidst external pressures.
• Evaluate the impact of treaties like the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on the Jicarilla tribe and other Apache groups during westward expansion.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had significant ramifications for the Jicarilla tribe and other Apache groups. By transferring vast territories from Mexico to the United States without adequately addressing Native American rights, it exacerbated tensions between tribes and settlers. The treaty set the stage for increased encroachment on tribal lands and a loss of autonomy, leading to more aggressive U.S. military actions against tribes attempting to maintain their territories. The resulting displacement altered traditional ways of life for many tribes in New Mexico.
• Analyze the long-term effects of U.S. policies on Native American tribes like the Jicarilla, particularly regarding land ownership and cultural preservation.
  • U.S. policies such as the Dawes Act had lasting impacts on Native American tribes like the Jicarilla by promoting individual land ownership over communal living. This shift disrupted traditional social structures and eroded cultural practices that relied on shared stewardship of land. As a result, many tribes faced challenges in preserving their languages, customs, and collective identity. Over time, these policies contributed to socioeconomic struggles among tribes while simultaneously sparking movements for sovereignty and cultural revival as communities sought to reclaim and revitalize their heritage.

Related terms

Apache: A group of culturally related tribes in the Southwestern United States, known for their nomadic lifestyle and fierce resistance to encroachment.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in significant territorial changes and impacting many Native American tribes.

Reservation: Land designated by the U.S. government for Native American tribes, often resulting from treaties that restricted their movement and traditional practices.