Natiotish (war chief)
Natiotish was a prominent war chief of the White Mountain Apache tribe in the late 19th century, known for his leadership during a period of conflict with U.S. forces. His rise to prominence was catalyzed by the death of the prophet Nakaidoklini, whose teachings had inspired a rebellion among the White Mountain Apaches against the encroachment of white settlers. Following this event, Natiotish led a retaliatory raid on the San Carlos Reservation, resulting in the deaths of several police officers.
In 1882, he engaged in the Battle of Big Dry Wash against U.S. Cavalry forces led by Captain Adna Chaffee. This confrontation marked a significant moment in Apache resistance, as Natiotish attempted to ambush Chaffee's troops but ultimately faced defeat due to strategic miscalculations and overwhelming numbers on the U.S. side. The battle resulted in substantial losses for the Apache forces, including the potential death of Natiotish himself. Following this defeat, the Apache tribes, particularly the White Mountain Apaches, largely ceased their militant resistance, with only a few factions, such as those led by Geronimo, continuing to fight. Natiotish's actions and leadership exemplify the struggles faced by Indigenous peoples during a time of significant upheaval and change.
Natiotish (war chief)
- Born: Unknown
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: Probably July 17, 1882
- Place of death: Upper fork of Clear Creek, Arizona Territory
Category: War chief
Tribal affiliation: White Mountain Apache
Significance: Bitter over the death of the Apache prophet Nakaidoklini, Natiotish led White Mountain Apache warriors in the Battle of Big Dry Wash, 1882
In 1881, fearing the influence of the prophet Nakaidoklini, who preached a religion in which dead warriors would be resurrected to fight in battles against whites, Fort Apache’s commander ordered the prophet’s arrest. A rebellion of White Mountain Apaches ensued and Nakaidoklini was killed.
Angered by Nakaidoklini’s death, Natiotish led his militant band of White Mountain Apaches on a retaliatory raid on the San Carlos Reservation, July 6, 1882. Four policemen, including the chief of police, “Cibecue Charley” Colvig, were killed.
Thereafter, Natiotish’s band relentlessly raided the Tonto Basin, pursued by U.S. Cavalry led by Captain Adna Chaffee. Natiotish planned an ambush for Chaffee at a canyon near General Springs on the Mogollon Rim on July 17, 1882. Warned by army scout Albert Sieber and reinforced by troops under Major Andrew Evans, Chaffee’s forces outnumbered and outfought Natiotish. The Apaches suffered a major defeat in the battle, during which they had abandoned their typical guerrilla tactics. Twenty-seven Apache warriors, probably including Natiotish, were killed in the skirmish, which became known as the Battle of Big Dry Wash. The survivors returned to the reservation and abandoned further resistance. Only the Chiricahuas and Mimbrenos under Geronimo remained militant.