Apache is the collective term for several culturally related groups of Native Americans in the United States originally from the American Southwest.

These indigenous peoples of North America speak a Southern Athabaskan (Apachean) language, which is related linguistically to the languages of Athabaskan speakers of Alaska and western Canada.

The modern term Apache excludes the related Navajo people.

However, the Navajo and the other Apache groups are clearly related through culture and language, and thus are considered Apachean.

Apachean peoples formerly ranged over eastern Arizona, northwestern Mexico, New Mexico, Texas and the southern Great Plains.The Apachean tribes are historically very powerful, opposing the Spaniards and Mexicans for centuries.

The first Apache raids on Sonora appear to have taken place during the late 17th century.

In 19th-century confrontations, the U.S. Army finds the Apache to be fierce warriors and skillful strategists.Historically, there is little political unity among the Apachean groups, which speak seven different languages.

The current division of Apachean groups includes the Navajo, Western Apache, Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, and Plains Apache (formerly Kiowa-Apache).

Apache groups live in Oklahoma and Texas and on reservations in Arizona and New Mexico.Some Apacheans have moved to large metropolitan areas.

Some Apacheans sre employed in migrant farm labor and relocate to agricultural regions of Southern California.