Pronunciation: [ɐpˈat͡ʃiɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Apaches" with a final -es is due to its origin as a plural of the Spanish noun "apache", which refers to a member of the Apache tribe. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be represented as /əˈpætʃɪz/, with the stress on the second syllable and the /tʃ/ sound for the "ch" digraph. The plural -es ending is pronounced as /ɪz/ due to the voicing of the final consonant.
Apaches refers to a group of Native American tribes formerly living in the southwestern United States, particularly in present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. They are part of the larger cultural group known as the Athabaskan-speaking tribes, which also includes groups in Alaska and Canada. The term "Apaches" is derived from the Yavapai word "apachu," meaning "enemy."
The Apaches were known for their nomadic lifestyle, as they moved frequently following the seasonal availability of resources. They were skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on deer, antelope, and small game for sustenance, as well as collecting edible plants and fruits. Additionally, they were adept warriors and frequently engaged in conflicts with neighboring tribes, Spanish colonizers, and later, American settlers.
Apaches developed a rich and complex social structure, with leadership typically being determined by individuals who displayed exceptional hunting or warrior skills. They lived in small groups known as bands, which were governed by a chief and a council of elders. Moreover, the Apaches relied heavily on oral traditions to pass down their cultural practices, history, and spiritual beliefs from one generation to another.
Today, the Apaches are recognized as distinct sovereign nations and maintain their unique cultural identity. They have governmental systems, reservation lands, and continue to assert their rights and preserve their heritage. Apache culture, including their traditional arts, music, dances, and ceremonies, hold significant value for the modern Apache people while also contributing to the broader cultural diversity of the United States.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Apaches" is of Spanish origin and is derived from the term "Apachu de Nabajo" or "Pueblo de Nabajo", meaning "enemy" or "people" in the Zuni language. The Spanish term was later anglicized to "Apache" and referred to a collective group of Native American tribes in the southwestern United States, particularly in present-day Arizona and New Mexico.
