The Western Apache of east-central Arizona occupy land with numerous climates, topographies, and an array of animal and plant life. The variations in the environment, especially the array of animal and plant life, has had a profound impact on the Apache way of life. For example, this exploratory study examines the interaction between the Western Apache, their environment, and the linkage between this environment and their conceptions of health and illness, as well as animal and plant taboos and their correlation to Apache health and illness.