Naiche (chief)
Naiche was a prominent chief of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, notably the son of the esteemed leader Cochise and the younger brother of Taza. Upon Taza's unexpected death, Naiche found himself thrust into a leadership role for which he may not have been fully prepared. During the 1880s, he collaborated closely with the renowned Apache leader Geronimo, participating in various raiding parties across the Southwest, where they developed a strong bond that endured throughout their battles and subsequent captivity. The two leaders were often seen together, and although Geronimo was seen as the dominant figure, Naiche held a significant position of respect among his people. In 1886, after a series of conflicts, Naiche and Geronimo attempted to negotiate surrender, driven in part by the hostage situation involving Naiche's family. Following their capture, Naiche was imprisoned in Florida but later became one of the first Apache soldiers in the U.S. military. His journey continued as he searched for remaining Apache groups and played a crucial role in the 1912 legislation that led to the release of Apache prisoners of war, marking a significant moment in Apache history.
Naiche (chief)
- Born: c. 1857
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: 1921
- Place of death: Mescalero, New Mexico
Category: Chief
Tribal affiliation: Chiricahua Apache
Significance: Said to be Geronimo’s closest associate in war and captivity, Naiche was a leader of the Apache people during their late nineteenth and early twentieth century interactions with the U.S. government
Reared by his father, Cochise, to be loyal to his older brother Taza (Tahza, Tazi), Naiche was unprepared to assume the leadership role he inherited when Taza died unexpectedly.
Naiche, with Geronimo, led many of the Apache raiding parties in the Southwest in the 1880’s. Although photographs reveal the deference with which Geronimo saluted Naiche, invariably placing Naiche on the right, interpreters believed Geronimo dominated. The two leaders were nearly inseparable in battle and in captivity for half a century.
In 1886, Naiche, Geronimo, Chihuahua, and Nana met with Lieutenant Marion Maus in the Sierra Madre to discuss surrender. Nine Apaches were held hostage, including Naiche’s oldest wife, Nah-de-yole, and their son, who would be known later as Paul. Naiche’s other wives were E-clah-heh and Ha-o-zinne. Naiche and Geronimo fled but were taken prisoner and sent to Florida.
In 1891, Naiche became one of the first soldiers in Company I of the Twelfth Infantry. He would later serve as a scout searching for Apaches still living in the Sierre Madre. In 1893, he was moved to Oklahoma, still as a prisoner of war. He was instrumental in accomplishing the 1912 congressional legislation releasing the Apaches as prisoners of war.