The Apache, Kiowa people, also known as the Plains Apache, are among five Apache people groups in the United States. Their name, Kiowa, means "Principal People". They reside in southwest Oklahoma, along with the Comanche people. The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma is headquartered in Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Kiowa live near the towns of Anadarko, Fort Cobb, and Carnegie in Caddo and Kiowa counties of Oklahoma. Kiowas also reside in urban and suburban communities throughout the United States.

Their cultural identity and pride is apparent in their expressive culture and strong influence on the southern plains art and the Gourd Dance. Traditionally, they revered the Sun, constellations, and natural forces. As such, one of their more importance ceremonies was the Sun Dance where individuals sought power and personal visionary experiences. These visionary experiences often were displayed through natural forces and animal spirits.

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Today two major religious forms are practiced by the Kiowa-Apache. One of these is evangelical Christianity, the other a nativistic movement known generally as the Native American Church. In terms of denominational evangelical Christian presence, Kiowa are Methodists, Baptist, and other denominations. When the Sun Dance and other hunting and war ceremonies were prohibited, the Native American Church increased in importance.

As a result, traditional practices continue and have experienced revival. Their beliefs and iconography are now a blend of Kiowa tradition and Christian influences. Peyotism also now follows the ceremonialism of the Native American Church. As in earlier days, tribal ceremonies are held during the summer, now centered on July 4.

To learn more about the Kiowa people, click here.