Apache Crown Dancers

Video of Apache Crown Dancers taken at the 2011 Navajo Nation Fair. These dancers are from White River Junction in Arizona, 30 miles from where I grew up. I have posted these videos for their cultural and enterainment value.

[@jeaninewright1936]

I am Apache and I have seen the Apache Crown danse one time. We paid for them to come up to NYC. There was no noise, no photographs, no stands; instead we stood in a big circle around them. It was dark out and you felt the mysticism around the danse. It was not a spectacle, it was treated as such. It was the first time for them to travel so far. It was an experience I will never forget. It was AMAZING!

[@swapmeetsheriffdonknottexp3046]

Iam in Cali and my tears tell me I get it. Iam a city. Indian burnt people served WW2 KOREA Veitnam we have our feathers here.!

[@jean-baptistelasselle4562]

Thank you so much for your comment , it makes clear things . Yes its unrespectful to treat this very anciens and deep wisdom culture as an entertainment, and it just prooves how stupid those évent organizers are, including thé people in public making noise no respect. It is just a sheaame for those american people, and today in 2022 i believe you start to see conséquences

[@amandahough7994]

What a honor for them I'm sure. Wish I could have seen that, they raise such a feeling of wonderment, I'm not sure of what the dance means. But it is beautiful.

[@jarlnils435]

​@@cappystrano1 where does he disrespect the natives? It is clear that he thinks that the tumult around these dancers is disrespectful and that the ritual should be respected and that it is not made for mass Entertainment.

[@jarlnils435]

@@cappystrano1 doesn't mean that he had bad intentions when he wrote that. think about it. It was meant as respect to a ceremony. But I can only tell you. If you want to continue to see everyone as an enemy, it is not my beer.

[@skywind8030]

I went to school in elementary boarding schools who invited the Apache crown dancer. They are magical and the clown at the end will chase you. Scared me as a child. But I respect their beautiful beliefs and people. ♥️🙏♥️🦅♥️🙏

[@monicajordan9262]

Do not ever let this cultural go to the way side these are beautiful dances and music. Love every moment.

[@ToniM10]

We grew up singing songs like this... I ddnt even know that we were Apache till my Grandma passed on... Prayers and Blessings to ALL my brothers and sisters!!... ✌😎❤👍

[@barbaralemere5183]

I have never seen headdresses like these. The Dancers are incredible. They do look like crowns for sure. Thank yo for sharing your wonderful traditions with us on you tube. Sharing brings friendship, understanding, respect, and hopefully peace.

[@gouyenapache2486]

Always an honor to see the Apache Crown Dancers and receive their BLESSINGS.

[@seantsosie]

Some people just dont get it! this is TRUE for all social dances that are performed out of CONTEXT of the sacred! the songs are NOT the real songs sung in actual ceremony, the way dancers are dressed, and the markings on thier bodies are NOT the actual ones.....THOSE ARE ALL RESERVED FOR THE RESPECTIVE TRIBES THE DANCES COME FROM........this is just to show other non-tribal members and non-natives about dances that tribes perform....so by all means, I think Mr. Tahonnie HAS RESPECT FOR HIS TRIBE

[@RayniDayze]

seantsosie oooh :(

[@gabemccue3497]

That's right preach brother!👏👏👏

[@mangast2863]

But nobody from WMAT believes in what his doing...

[@teresamireau966]

He doesn't have Apache accent

[@debrashoulder2910]

Omg that Cray Cray Lmao we done those steps back in the 70 s omg get it rite. An I'm 60 yrs ol an those are the disco back on the. 70 u got your tribe rite r what lmao .

[@derrickbarney8731]

Just as we have adapted our way of life in this modern world, we too adapt our songs and dances. We still keep the sacred ones hidden away. Even if it is turned into a show sometimes, it still creates laughter and positive feelings. Laughter is a powerful medicine.

[@Mesa86]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing your culture with us. Respect from Australia!!

[@redspencerchannel8640]

🙊 thxs im from usa Arizona

[@redspencerchannel8640]

Fun fact 😅 these guys are wild then other tribes...

[@cjbankz5864]

Fuck this bullshit hes a navajo disrespecting real APACHES fuck joe

[@Kywann0524]

@@cjbankz5864 real talk🎯

[@ToniM10]

Y.. are we showing the World that we HATE EACH OTHER.. Thts wrong.. No matter what u think... Apache and Navajo are Distant Cousins.. and even the Indigenous People of Alaska and beyond... Stop fighting and bickering.. This is the NOT kid stuff... We should Stand 2gether....✌ ❤❤❤❤✌

[@irfanyucetas6978]

I do respect this culture and this nation. greetings from Turkey.

[@kobayashi425x]

Hello

[@officialVozie100]

Ixehe thank you from an apache to you turkish brother

[@cassandrafisher2437]

I love that second song! What is it about?

[@ToniM10]

Thnk U... Blessings to U and Ur people! ✌🤠❤👍

[@darinlewis7170]

I am yavapia /Apache of Az this is special it's usually not seen for all just us

[@MsLummy]

IT IS SO SAD THAT THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO WATCH AND LEARN FROM AND PEOPLE WANT TO FIGHT AND ARGUE OVER THINGS THAT DONT MATTER THIS IS NOT OUR WAY THIS IS NOT OUR POEPLES WAYS LOVE ONE ANOTHER RESPECT IS THE BIGGEST THING WE ARE TAUGHT BUT YET WE SEEM TO FORGET THI BECAUSE OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN WE COME FROM SOMEWHERE AWSOME WE HAVE A HISTORY LIKE NO OTHER NO MATTER IF WE ARE FROM DIFFERENT TRIBES WE ARE STILL NATIVE TOGETHER.....

[@roseloring9024]

+MsLummy agree!!

[@nelsonnotah5138]

MsLummy .8dnfkjb .

[@mynameislove7605]

MsLummy it should be taken down..

[@anonymouswatchers1201]

If it was done on a reservation, I agree it should be deleted unless they asked permission, if it is done off the reservation, there's no problem with it.

[@handreayazzie4823]

It NAVAJO ok

[@rxnvaz18]

It is so gracious and generous that they share this beautiful part of their culture with us.

[@taimeetapedo2317]

I love the Apache Crown Dancers

[@austejarainbowcloud140]

Linksmas year 0 of Contemporary Polytheism. The group of dancers featured in this video looked like Christian converts. 🐈🐎 ➕ other year.

[@theleeandperaltogirls848]

Same

[@markmosq]

Greetings from Alaska, (Inupiaq) thank you for sharing this beautiful tradition. I wish I knew more about the back ground to this dance, I know the person painted white is the spirit. The singer has a very beautiful voice, the head dress is amazing!

[@KB-mm9cr]

These dances are fake and the songs are changed. Kind of a fake ceremony for show to try not to disrespect the actual ceremonies.

[@ToniM10]

Inupiaq.. Navajo.. Apache.. We are ALL RELATED.. Love Ur Culture and Dances as well!!... Love.. Prayers.. and Blessings to u and Ur Family!.. ✌🤠❤👍

[@dominus6434]

My Tribe, Mescal Apache, do not use these for monetary gain. Its for all our people's protection.

[@kathyharrington546]

Yes I agree 🤗

[@jonathancarpenter3505]

I totally listen to this song everyday 💯!

[@juanzavala7231]

Nice 👍 the original people of this country.

[@motherwolf1529]

I dont think this video was specifically for monetary gain. What if it was for educational purposes?

[@phyllispena2759]

I know that I am part Chiricaua and that my Great Grandfather died in the 1917 influenza. He was from the Mescalero Nation. Unfortunately I know nothing about tradition or ways. Do you know anyone who can help me?

[@barryfrank8385]

Greetings thank you for sharing. It's been many years since I had the opportunity to see these dancer's. I remember it like it was yesterday. Keep strong my native brothers and sisters

[@NathanArizona]

I was at this specific dance. What a fun and memorable night! :)

[@kamauwikeepawikk9520]

We were at an Indigenous conference in Alberta Canada and were blown away by your culture. The similarities between your culture and mine were not surprising. The histories and illustrations portrayed​ in dance and song as well as dress were simply awesome to behold. Coming from my own culture one can grasp and understand although in some small way the relationship we have with mother nature. Kia kaha, Mauro ora.

[@virginiaharrison6828]

I watch this because my heart feels happy, My Son..is no longer with us. And he participated in the dance.. thank you our Apache Relatives. Sharing my son is painted white. Therefore he had great respect for all the Apache tribe's.

[@zhell44]

Me too. When I was 4 years old watching the Shiprock Fair parade, I would hide behind my mother. I'm 48 years old now, so that tells you how long they've been performing for the Navajo people. I like their dances now (not afraid any more)

[@tianabrown3074]

This is just my opinion but I think it makes perfect sense that the dance and songs that are being performed here are for exhibition not the actual ones as a number of people have pointed out. There are many KZbin videos that have been taken down because it showed actual sacred dances on film. This way the public gets an opportunity to learn about the Apache culture without breaking any taboos.

[@NativeHoney81334]

I'm a Ute girl by heart and an Apache girl by blood. Something pulls at me seeing this and hearing this. Thanks

[@chrisbrown9246]

im yaqui apache i love are music im proud to be apache we were the last tribe fighting RIP GERONIMO

[@beverlymiklaszewski8599]

Apache I love and deeply respect very beautiful

[@MegaLastchild]

My great uncle is buried in Oklahoma........ Moore, Oklahoma

[@MegaLastchild]

@CHIEF TAHCHAWWICKAH they did not let themselves

[@MegaLastchild]

@CHIEF TAHCHAWWICKAH they were tricked.......... Cheated and lied to

[@MegaLastchild]

I cannot believe you are a Chief

[@Thor312full]

Thanks for a beautiful ceremony dance my respect for all native Americans

[@RayniDayze]

Breathtakingly beautiful.

[@marypete7451]

I'm native & im really proud of the Apache people they really respect their tradition, they're way of life, great people.

[@gallardo7813]

Why do they paint themselves black?

[@noahshadlow4914]

one time, a group of these dancers came to my tribes dance, the i^lo^shka, and I have to say, it was one of the best dances i've been to

[@bookbabe3270]

Puts my heart in the sky. Thanks, and much love and peace from Oklahoma.

[@salvadorlucero2967]

Aho....all natives are beautiful

[@kathleenlucero4676]

Thanks, Lucero 👍

[@khrystielharvey3289]

I love the Apache crown dancers

[@bellis808]

I haven't been home for a while and seeing this is absolutely beautiful helps me remember home.

[@amandahough7994]

Awsome, I was lucky to see the crown dancers while we was in Arizona.thank you for sharing with us. Truly a awesome dance

[@leonewest2239]

During COVID-19 - December 2020 -Will miss Joe Tohonnie and White Mountain Apache Crown dancers (this year, at Albuquerque Indian Pueblo Culture Center) wonderful to have found this video today , we go there every year at Christmas time to see and be there with everyone on this video. Thank you for up loading. LMW.

[@crobledo89]

HAIL TO MY APACHE AND NAVAJO ANCESTORS !!!! 6:47

[@anonymouswatchers1201]

Agreed. 25% Chiricaha Apache. A'Ho.

[@theleeandperaltogirls848]

reyes robledo Say it loud and PROUD

[@anotherkat4u]

hi from haida gwaii vancouver canada my name is timothy greenfeather ,,,,,=^..^=,,,,

[@brad4017]

White Mountain Apache Tribe

[@karlakirkpatrick8927]

I have respect for the southwest tribes well all tribes everywhere

[@tomsplayground7712]

Very impressive, specially the deer-dancer. Thanks for sharing and keep your traditions alive, where you come from is where you are going to.

[@georgiegirl1940]

You people with negative comments, I say to you, if you can do better then get with the program and do it. I presume you sit on the sidelines and judge. It is a beautiful program and it involves all people, not just a few. Everyone there was enjoying the program. If the dancers dont think it is real, and the women on the side lines dont think it is a positive thing, then why are they there? They do have a choice not to. Get off your high horses, shut up, and join in

[@aznative4749]

I member my grandma and gramps telling me growin' up that I'm not suppose to sing the song/lyrics of a medicine man......I'm San Carlos apache and I could sing a lot of songs that I've heard but I don't....

[@saber2802]

+Az Native As I've heard it from my own tribe is you have to be given those songs by someone else.

[@Mudkip3r]

+Holo The Wise Wolf (Holo.) What is your tribe?

[@theeagle7521]

same and I'm Dakota Sioux

[@theleeandperaltogirls848]

I’m 100% Dine’ (Navajo)

[@theleeandperaltogirls848]

Az Native nizhoni

[@nokandui09]

I'm Apache and I've never even heard any of these songs sung before for the Crown Dancers. This is bizarre.

[@kirininumashi4004]

There fake bud

[@ravenpelcher8381]

It seems to be phoney thisis not done with genuine respect for our dance and prayers and im deeply saddened that we use our sacred ways and disrecepect our own belifes and to do so is a dishhonor our ways and our way of.life.....i wish all understood why the teahings are a way of life a d our dance is our way to give honor to the animals guides and to know our spirit name the name creator gave u and not many even know thst ur indain name doesnt jut come from ur mother father it directly ckme from a medicine man or lady who can spaek for u and ask creator what your spirt name is

[@melanieblackelk4252]

I think they are scary!!!🙀

[@phyllispena2759]

Do you know the Chiricaua Nation? I know that I am part Chiricaua and would like to explore their teachings. I just don't know where to start. Could you help me with that? My Grandfather taught me respect and silence. I carry that with me.

[@GRI5WALD]

He's respecting how the Apahce songs and Dances are sacred to us Apaches so they're fake.

[@rublym]

THanks for sharing!!! (from Brazil)

[@TheLongjohntim]

So grateful that you've been able to save your language!

[@theeagle7521]

I was taught not to publicize sacred ceremonies and dances. These songs and dance are supposed to be done privately and not filmed. The thing now a days is through the church ran schools and being assimilated in the euro American culture all those traditional teachings are slowly being lost.

[@YaTaSay]

I was also taught this way. The RIGHT WAY. There are Rez’s who will close the Rez due to Ceremony only. No outside traffic ..But I’m getting old and the old ways are disappearing. I am Ndé, not GAAN but I have an understanding how the choices are made. But never is meant for anyone other than very very personal. This new age has made the bastardization much easier.

[@mikarc8890]

This is why it’s lost because of ppl like you that don’t want it “publicized “.

[@teresaking3610]

I'm from ny. Iroquois confederacy. We have our medicine societys.that are sacred. N not to be filmed. Just curious to know if this is sacred why film it? 2nd question do these medicine people ward away skin walkers I hear are from down there??

[@kaylae3661]

@MikArc they’re not lost because we keep it amongst our people and teach it to our people, and it keeps being passed on, etc. Some tribes have lost their way and traditions making our sacred dances for show and not for the higher purpose they’re meant to be for in the first place. We do it to connect and honor our ancestors, to bring protection and abundance to our tribe and most importantly for gratitude to great Spirit our creator.

[@psbgabriel]

beautiful chant, music and dance...long live the people of Cochise!!!!

[@480leeann]

i love the danse and i do enjoy seeing the crown dancers- i am a navajo, but i didn't like the shouting. i thought it was disrespectful for people to scream and shout during the dance. Its not a show- it is a ceremonial danse. It is sad to see that in our generation, sacred dances are now being used for show- won't be long til yei bi cheiis will be performing at rodeos and everyone will be shouting. huh.........

[@spookygirl7761]

..true.

[@krojones9270]

This guy is fake. Hes playing with something that ruin him. You dont play with Apache ceremonial things esp what's hes doing.

[@kyjuanfeather3446]

We should be thankful these are some of the last people that know our languages I am native souix and chippiwea the louder they scream is the more they love our culture we should just be glad that they are respecting it and that they are actually inderocing it

[@kaylahowe9464]

You can cheer for these dancers but not Ye'ii Bi Cheii. I saw them once at the Shiprock fair and they were amazing. They were helping a sick person. Nobody was cheering though. If you wanna listen to their music you can only listen to it when it's winter season. Plus you can't take pictures or record them.

[@jonahwilliams2576]

I always enjoy these songs, reminds me of my fort lewis college days when bala sinem choir sang them.

[@redskyeagle3456]

When I was 11yrs old I went to boarding school in white mountain Apache tribe. These is what I learned there. So beautiful!

[@maddygoode6660]

I miss watching the crown dancing! I grew up on this when I was little and living in San Carlos!

[@sectionman_]

This is awesome. I wish I could have witness and experience this is person. Stay blessed from Hawai'i.

[@sectionman_]

I've just noticed some na wahine (women) in the background. Looks like a halau hula (dance class) with thier kumu (teacher). Great video thank you for sharing.

[@kaecake9575]

Stay strong indigenous people of Hawaii. Ahéhee from Diné Nation 🕊️

[@michaelmadrid]

Greetings from southern New Mexico, and thanks for sharing!

[@michaelenawilson3405]

Lh

[@Ladybugyayo]

I love the 2nd song Joe sings, grew up to it.. Thanks for posting. i miss home so much in New Mexico. to those of you saying its not right to be exploiting or this video is a disrespect to our culture, shame on you for watching! lol.

[@teslaimhotep6095]

👍

[@ToniM10]

Grew up with this "song" 2!!.. ✌❤🤠👍

[@codymonroe6809]

Wats the song called?

[@miraristic5322]

THIS IS AMERICA I LOVE...THIS IS AMERICANS I LOVE....GOD BLESS THEM ALL...!!!!!!!!!

[@lucasharvey8990]

Thanks for the video!

[@Onahauntingnote]

Going to miss checking out the dances at NN fair. We will meet again! 💖 Be safe !

[@matthewlee3505]

I saw them at the Navajo nation western fair in tuba city on Saturday night I enjoyed

[@tatu197]

this goes so hard.... no one else could understand but natives !!

[@shericorum2020]

Love it. They’re so awesome.

[@blackgarou]

realmente excelente el que hayas subido estos videos. excelentt! i am from sonora in the valley of yaqui. anda i admire the apache culture in the same way i admire my yaqui heritage.

[@Lookie_Louie]

What a beautiful sight to be hold.

[@phillc5157]

these Apaches have the huge balls to represent there culture this way. Great song. Most Natives these days don't even know there culture or language....

[@ramonareyes1323]

This is bringing tears to my eyes

[@IrenedeMarzolagatamayor]

¡Que hermosas son las danzas de nuestra America India!Nuestras culturas nos enseñaron la belleza de la vida a travez de la danza.Luchemos por mantenerlas vivas.Saludos cariñosos desde Lima,Perú.

[@hollyw3332]

I had the privilege to see them up close in the Yavapai nation culture center, amazing day of dancing and food.

[@JesusLopez-pk7gr]

I still remember when I was there I miss them it's been 20 years ago in the memory of my grandpa and dad

[@roseloring9024]

KEEP IT UP JOE!!! I APPLUAD YOU FOR EMBRACING AND SHARING!

[@whnaly38]

Enjoy watching the video. I want the cd. Will watch it again and again just hear him sing.

[@amynewton2283]

Awesome majestic dancing and singing.

[@missxalim6822]

Much love from Nooksack pacific northwest. Love seeing how western tribes do

[@keoniwilson]

Lhokw te S'eliya lummi nation in the building 💯💎

[@teresamireau966]

Haha ! Lummi, WM Apache, Sisseton Wahpeton, crazy to see coastal comments ! Yeah !

[@Geronimoosceolamaccabeas]

Been having visions of someone looking at me wearing a similar crown, similar to the 3 crown, didn't know what it was till i came across this video

[@LeBronKK]

This is amazing and beautiful

[@1968hawkman]

Apache groups aren't anyTHING NEW to Dinetah (Navajoland). I can recall Navajo Nation fairs throughout Dinetah, Eastern-Western etc., as far back as the late 80's and NO Mr. Joe wasn't even performing then so to all the Apaches that are getting upset about this just recent...Get the history first. They came to Dinetah with sacred songs/chants way before he did.

[@karissacharlie612]

I love the way they sing

[@soniacastro6598]

This is a great video,More videos Please

[@trevorclausen2994]

Wow, this is awesome thanks.😎

[@psychojetabuser]

As a kid I was scared of these things

[@s.r.r.]

Amazing. Just love this.

[@missfortune66]

I use to have nightmares because of them lol!! Love it!

[@rickygarcia1476]

Navajo night really wow. So glad I’m Apache

[@keetdayeen2164]

tippn the ground give me goosebumps-dope! powerfull

[@jktoooo]

I think as this guy talking is not respective of apaches. It is much easier to find "apache crown dancers" on youtube vs navajo " yei bi chei" dancers. Its because navajos protect sacredness fiercely, and thats good, but treat apache crown dancers as a novelty. I love my navajo culture, and a word to apaches.....if this is that sacred to u u would make sure its kept that way.......

[@joaquinmccurty4762]

And there are things the Apache do not show. We do NOT prostitute ourselves to the masses.

[@ToniM10]

ALL dances are "sacred"...

[@AprilLuv247]

Sacred it is, and to watching is to be reminded. We are still here, living our ways on ground & in spirit. I am very proud to be 100% Native. I'm Sioux - Yavapai - Apache. The culture & Traditions are lived, they aren't taught!

[@ivanlongcrow]

thank you for sharing

[@ericdeichmuller3731]

Hy, super Rytmus Singer. Regrds from Germany

[@apachetewa8053]

To ALL MY NATIVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS!! BE KIND......SMILE......BE OPTIMISTIC!!!!

[@huneebeedee]

We were there that year!

[@ptay.makanahimana8873]

oooh, cadeau! :) - this is big show!!! I enjoyed it

[@davidlyons345]

I love it.

[@hopenavajo1391]

As a native Christian,I have nothing against these native dancers.

[@viviantabaha4116]

Luv to watch apache crown dancers n hear the songs.

[@nathandalke9318]

I'm proud to be apache and Navajo I really loved dancing it so relaxing

[@tmad665]

I love the singers voice. Wish I could find out how to hear him sing more often.

[@elenabaker3967]

Each April, I attend the Sherman Indian High School Ceremonies, Riverside, CA, and we are not permitted o photograph any of the Crown/Gaan Celebrations. I am enjoying watching and singing on line, since I do not live near to a place where my People celebrate. I have mixed feelings, but we are in the age of having all things recorded. Dr. Elena Baker Lipan/ San Antonio Paco Mission

[@BluCheeksProductions]

such a beautiful gift

[@RainCloudSociety]

He's half Navajo/Apache. And this is a social song. Jesus fucking Christ chill out.

[@Sig721Tau]

Jesus isn't real. Why bring the white man's mythology into it?

[@spookygirl7761]

Do NOT disrespect His Name! Use any other name but His.

[@ozzterry2874]

All of the crown dancers are groovin,but there's one thats really ROCKIN! why is that?

[@riotgirl1974]

I enjoyed this,

[@indigozen4794]

they were at my granddaughters coming of age ceremony

[@homefryable]

Ty sean', im Ojibwe nd was wondering if I could attend one of this Dances?

[@thirdstarspiritscholar5763]

These songs bring me back to my mother

[@chuckheppner4384]

Thankyou to Joe Tohonnie Jr and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers.🙏🏻

[@juliageorge-bill4251]

Totally awesome 😊👍

[@brandimckinnie8423]

This dance and regalia and music is beautiful

[@JaneJeffer]

AWESOME!