About Us

A small spark first conceived in Fall 2024, Apache Ember is now born, an emerging literary journal published by Apache College Press under the care of The Apache Institute at San Carlos Apache College and guided by Nnee bi’at’e.

“Apache Ember honors the fire that burns in the hearts of Indigenous people everywhere.” - Dr. Linda Sue Warner, president of San Carlos Apache College

The Apache Ember is the new home for Indigenous creative expression. Rooted in the living traditions of Apache people, the journal’s vision is to ignite the creative spirit of the Nnee through storytelling, poetry, and the written word, honoring the enduring power of Apache wisdom and expression across generations. In speaking about tending this vision, the editorial staff—all of whom teach or work full-time for San Carlos Apache College—share the same goal:

We hope this journal uplifts the voices of Apache, Indigenous, and other writers through original works that reflect our languages, traditions, and lived experiences. It’s about cultivating a space for artistic excellence, supporting both emerging writers and artists as well as established ones, strengthening cultural identity and community connection, and serving as a living archive of creative resilience.

The existence of Apache Ember means current students and community members can get hands-on experience in the full spectrum of small-scale publishing, and invites future dreams of literary workshops, writer/artist retreats, youth and community connections, special issues connected with the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s annual poetry contest, and the like.

Since 2021, students enrolled in classes at San Carlos Apache College have been recognized for their fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art through the TCJ Student’s annual student writing and art contests. This newly formed literary space is a natural extension of what these students started.

Our students were courageous and vulnerable enough to share themselves with the world through their written and visual expressions. We hope this journal helps carry that momentum forward in a tangible form and supports publishing opportunities beyond the higher education experience.

Apache Ember is a bi-annual literary publication of Apache College Press. This publication seeks to include works of original unpublished poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, visual art, and hybrid/experimental works from creators whose work reflects Indigenous perspectives. Apache Ember is a uniquely Indigenous publication that is guided by the ARROW framework model set forth by the Apache Institute and SCAC. Furthermore, the editors of Apache Ember are dedicated to carry out the vision of Nnee bi'at'e'ihii nłdzilgo ádanłzih - upholding the Power of Apache Wisdom.

May the languages, experiences, and imaginations of our contributors reflect this Apache Wisdom, brightening the idea of culture without hesitation and igniting the creative spirits of all who read them.