[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E277-E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE ON THE 100TH YEAR PASSING OF GOYATHLAY

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                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
year passing of Goyathlay.
  Goyathalay or Goyaale, also known as Geronimo, was a Chiricahua 
Apache leader that leader that led the Apache people through some of 
the roughest times they would experience.
  Goyathlay is a strong figure in the history of the Apache people. He 
was considered by many a great spiritual and intellectual leader and is 
recognized throughout the country as a military leader during the late 
1800s.
  On this anniversary Apache Tribes from Arizona, New Mexico, and 
Oklahoma will join in San Carlos, Arizona to begin a healing process.
  Next week's gathering will be a search for answers for some and a 
healing for others.
  For all present it will be a reflection of what the Apache people 
endured and the strength that lies within them. The Apache have 
overcome great adversity, but they are strong as a culture, as a people 
and in what their future holds.
  The Apache people are working to connect families, tribal members, 
and communities that were separated while Goyathlay was alive.

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  Goyathlay was a strong believer in the sovereignty of his nation, a 
struggle he had regularly with the representatives of the US Government 
at the time that did not understand the Apache ways or homelands.
  Madam Speaker, I would hope that our country has learned and 
corrected its ways since the passing of Goyathlay. That we as a nation 
commit to ensuring families are kept together, not separated. And that 
we as a nation do not negate the culture and tradition of others.
  I believe that we all join with the Apache people in working to find 
answers and heal.
  I commend the Apache people for their strength and work in uniting. 
We must care for our elders and provide them peace. We must remind our 
children of our past and educate them to pursue a just future of 
respect and to not allow atrocities to occur anywhere.

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