The saga surrounding the remains of Geronimo, the renowned Apache leader, is a complex tapestry woven with threads of cultural heritage, historical injustice, and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Geronimo’s death and burial, the controversies that have plagued his final resting place, and the recent congressional petition aimed at repatriating his remains to his ancestral homeland. The call for the return of Congress Petitioned for Return of Geronimo’s Remains underscores a growing awareness of the need to address historical wrongs and honor the legacies of Native American leaders.
Geronimo: A Life of Resistance and Resilience
To understand the significance of the petition, it’s crucial to appreciate the life and legacy of Geronimo himself. Born in 1829 near the Gila River in present-day Arizona, Geronimo, whose Chiricahua Apache name was Goyaałé (meaning "one who yawns"), rose to prominence as a fierce warrior and a symbol of Apache resistance against the encroaching United States government. His life was marked by conflict, displacement, and the struggle to preserve his people’s way of life.
The Apache, comprised of several distinct groups with unique customs and territories, traditionally thrived as nomadic hunter-gatherers and skilled raiders. Their relationship with the U.S. government deteriorated throughout the 19th century as westward expansion led to increased encroachment on their lands. Treaties were broken, resources were depleted, and violence became commonplace.
Geronimo’s personal story is intertwined with this history of conflict. The murder of his mother, wife, and children by Mexican soldiers in 1858 fueled his resolve to fight for the survival of his people. He became a prominent war leader, leading raids and skirmishes against both Mexican and American forces. His knowledge of the terrain, his tactical prowess, and his unwavering determination made him a formidable opponent.
For years, Geronimo and his band of warriors eluded capture, becoming legendary figures in the American West. Their exploits were romanticized in popular culture, often portraying them as savage adversaries, while simultaneously highlighting their bravery and resilience. The relentless pursuit by the U.S. Army, however, eventually took its toll.
In 1886, after years of fighting, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson Miles in Skeleton Canyon, Arizona. This marked the end of the Apache Wars and the final major armed resistance against U.S. domination in the Southwest. Geronimo and his followers were taken as prisoners of war and transported to Florida, far from their ancestral lands.
Imprisonment and Death at Fort Sill
Despite promises of eventual return to their homeland, Geronimo and his people were never allowed to return to Arizona. They were initially held at Fort Marion in Florida, where they suffered from disease and harsh conditions. They were later moved to Mount Vernon Barracks in Alabama, and finally, in 1894, to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Life at Fort Sill was a stark contrast to the freedom they once knew. Geronimo, though still a figure of respect and fascination, was essentially a prisoner. He adapted as best he could, participating in agricultural activities and selling souvenirs to tourists who came to see the famous Apache warrior. He even converted to Christianity later in life.
Geronimo died on February 17, 1909, at Fort Sill from pneumonia. He was buried in the post’s Apache Prisoner of War Cemetery. The circumstances surrounding his death and burial have fueled controversy and speculation for years, contributing to the ongoing efforts to repatriate his remains.
The Controversy Surrounding Geronimo’s Skull
The controversy surrounding Geronimo’s remains extends beyond the simple desire for repatriation. It involves allegations of grave robbing and the supposed possession of his skull by members of the secret society Skull and Bones at Yale University.
According to oral tradition and some historical accounts, shortly after Geronimo’s death, members of Skull and Bones, including Prescott Bush (grandfather of President George W. Bush), allegedly exhumed Geronimo’s grave and stole his skull. The skull, along with other artifacts, was supposedly kept at the Skull and Bones tomb in New Haven, Connecticut.
While Yale University has consistently denied possessing Geronimo’s skull, the allegations have persisted for decades. Letters purportedly written by Skull and Bones members in the early 20th century describe the exhumation and the transfer of the skull to the tomb. These letters, while not definitively authenticated, have fueled the controversy and strengthened the calls for investigation.
The Apache people have long considered the alleged theft of Geronimo’s skull a sacrilege and a grave injustice. They believe that the remains of their ancestors should be treated with respect and allowed to rest in peace in their ancestral lands. The allegations against Skull and Bones have added a layer of complexity and emotional intensity to the repatriation efforts.
The Congressional Petition: A Renewed Effort
The recent congressional petition represents a renewed effort to address the historical injustices surrounding Geronimo’s remains and to fulfill the wishes of his descendants. The petition, sponsored by members of Congress from both parties, calls for a formal investigation into the allegations of grave robbing and the possible possession of Geronimo’s skull by Skull and Bones.
The petition also urges the Department of Defense to work with the Apache tribes to facilitate the repatriation of Geronimo’s remains from Fort Sill to his ancestral homeland in Arizona or New Mexico. The petitioners argue that returning Geronimo’s remains would be a significant step toward reconciliation and healing.
The effort to repatriate Geronimo’s remains is not new. Over the years, various Apache tribes and organizations have made similar requests, but they have been met with resistance from the U.S. government and Yale University. The recent congressional petition, however, brings a new level of political pressure and public attention to the issue.
The success of the petition depends on several factors, including the willingness of the Department of Defense and Yale University to cooperate, as well as the level of public support for the repatriation effort. The effort to return Congress Petitioned for Return of Geronimo’s Remains is a struggle for cultural preservation and the redress of historical grievances.
The Broader Context: Repatriation and Cultural Heritage
The petition to repatriate Geronimo’s remains is part of a broader movement to reclaim and protect Native American cultural heritage. Throughout history, Native American artifacts, remains, and sacred objects have been taken from their communities and placed in museums, private collections, and other institutions.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), passed in 1990, requires federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding to return Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, to their lineal descendants or affiliated tribes.
NAGPRA has been instrumental in the repatriation of countless Native American cultural items, but it has also faced challenges and limitations. The law can be difficult to enforce, and some institutions have resisted complying with its provisions. The case of Geronimo’s remains highlights the ongoing need to strengthen NAGPRA and to ensure that Native American cultural heritage is protected and respected.
The return of Congress Petitioned for Return of Geronimo’s Remains would be a powerful symbol of respect for Native American culture and a reaffirmation of the principles of NAGPRA. It would also serve as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Healing
The story of Geronimo’s remains is a poignant reminder of the complex and often tragic history of Native American relations with the United States. The congressional petition to repatriate his remains represents a renewed effort to address past wrongs and to promote healing and reconciliation.
Whether or not the petition succeeds, the effort itself is significant. It raises awareness of the historical injustices faced by Native Americans, it amplifies the voices of Geronimo’s descendants, and it underscores the importance of protecting and respecting Native American cultural heritage.
The pursuit of Congress Petitioned for Return of Geronimo’s Remains is more than just a legal or political issue; it is a moral imperative. Returning Geronimo’s remains to his ancestral homeland would be a fitting tribute to his life and legacy, and a significant step toward building a more just and equitable future for all. The ultimate decision regarding Congress Petitioned for Return of Geronimo’s Remains lies with the relevant authorities, but the momentum for repatriation is undeniable.