Inee Language
Dago'tee!
Dago'tee! Shì Sadie Tsosie gonséé. Shíma Tabaa. Shì Ho-Chunk, Díne, Inee! Shi'choo Seven Mile Wash, San Carlos, Arizona!
Hello! My name is Sadie Tsosie. I am Inee (Apache), Ho-Chunk, and Díne (Navajo). I come from the Tabaa (Edge Water) Clan on my mother's Díne side! I am an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. I travel to PowWows and dance Southern Traditional. I am in my 3rd year at UC Davis studying Native American Studies alongside minoring in Art Studio!
I grew up in the Los Angeles area; however, I feel a deep connection to my Apache heritage in San Carlos, Arizona. Growing up in an urban area, I often traveled back to the San Carlos Apache Reservation to visit family. At age 13, I had my traditional Apache Sun Rise Dance, where I participated in a four-day ceremony. It was truly an honor and a great experience to have in my life. I am thankful my family gave me the gift of transitioning into Womanhood traditionally.
At a young age, I realized that the Apache language would constantly surround me. There was a language barrier when visiting family and understanding what songs were translated into. I began asking my grandpas questions here and there. As time passed, I started taking courses at UC Davis, where I could learn an Indigenous language of my choice. Due to my close connection to the language, I decided to learn the Apache language! Since then, the language has been one of my priorities. Here on this website is what I have learned in 10 weeks! I am by no means an expert, I am still learning!
Special Thanks to my Grandpas
I couldn’t have done this work without Shíchoo’s (my grandpas) John Dawson and Earl Sisto. I am so thankful to have them in my life, as they have taught me everything regarding the Apache culture!
My grandpa, John Dawson, is from Seven Mile Wash in San Carlos, Arizona. He grew up in a traditional household hunting and learning the Apache ways. His first language was Apache! Luckily, my Grandpa John Dawson is helping me learn Apache!
I also have great help from my grandpa, Earl Sisto, who is also from Seven Miles Wash in San Carlos, Arizona. My grandpas, John and Earl, are cousins! I am so lucky to have loving and caring grandpas helping me learn the language of our Inee (Apache) people!