The legacy of Geronimo, the renowned Apache leader and medicine man, has once again surfaced in a legal battle that reaches into the hallowed halls of Yale University and the secretive world of its Skull and Bones society. A lawsuit, filed by Geronimo’s great-grandson and other descendants, seeks to uncover the truth behind long-standing allegations that the society possesses the remains of the legendary warrior. This article delves into the details of the lawsuit, the historical context surrounding Geronimo’s life and death, and the enduring mystery of the alleged grave robbery.
The Core of the Dispute: Geronimo’s Bones
At the heart of the legal action is the claim that members of the Skull and Bones society desecrated Geronimo’s grave in 1918, allegedly stealing his skull, bones, and burial artifacts. The lawsuit, initiated on the 100th anniversary of Geronimo’s death, aims to compel Yale University and the Skull and Bones to disclose whether they possess these remains. The plaintiffs, comprising 20 of Geronimo’s blood relatives, seek the repatriation of his remains to his ancestral lands for a proper burial, adhering to Apache traditions.
Harlyn Geronimo, the great-grandson leading the charge, expressed his motivations at a press conference in Washington, D.C. He emphasized the broader context of historical injustices inflicted upon indigenous peoples, stating, "I believe it’s a good cause because indigenous people over the century have been annihilated, removed from their homeland." The lawsuit represents an effort to rectify a perceived wrong and honor the memory of a significant figure in Native American history.
Defendants in the Case: A Cross-Section of Power
The lawsuit casts a wide net, naming not only Yale University and the Skull and Bones society but also prominent figures in the U.S. government. President Barack Obama, then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and then-Army Secretary Pete Geren were included as defendants due to their respective roles in overseeing the U.S. Army base in Oklahoma, where Geronimo was initially buried.
The inclusion of these individuals underscores the plaintiffs’ belief that the government bears some responsibility for the alleged mishandling of Geronimo’s remains. The lawsuit suggests that these officials possess the authority to investigate the matter and facilitate the return of the remains if they are indeed located.
Skull and Bones: A Society Shrouded in Secrecy
The Skull and Bones, formally known as the Russell Trust Association, is a highly selective and enigmatic secret society at Yale University. Founded in 1832, it has cultivated an aura of mystery and exclusivity, counting among its members numerous influential figures in American politics, business, and academia.
The society’s rituals and activities are closely guarded secrets, fueling speculation and intrigue for decades. The allegations of grave robbing involving Geronimo’s remains have further tarnished the society’s image, contributing to the perception of it as an elitist and morally questionable institution.
The Alleged Grave Robbery: A Historical Context
The purported grave robbery is said to have occurred in 1918, during World War I. According to the allegations, several members of the Skull and Bones, including Prescott Bush (father of President George H.W. Bush and grandfather of President George W. Bush), were stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. It is claimed that these individuals exhumed Geronimo’s grave and absconded with his skull and other artifacts.
The motive behind the alleged act remains unclear. Some speculate that it was a macabre prank, while others suggest that the remains were intended for use in the society’s initiation rituals. One version of the story even claims that the skull is kissed during these ceremonies. The truth behind these claims remains elusive, shrouded in the secrecy that defines the Skull and Bones.
Yale University’s Response: A Disclaimer of Knowledge
Yale University has officially distanced itself from the lawsuit, stating that it has no knowledge of Geronimo’s remains being in its possession. A spokeswoman for the university asserted that Yale has no relics or bones belonging to Geronimo. She further clarified that the university cannot speak on behalf of the Skull and Bones, as it is an independent entity.
This response highlights the complex relationship between Yale University and the Skull and Bones. While the society is deeply intertwined with the university’s history and culture, it operates autonomously and is not subject to direct oversight by the university administration.
Geronimo: A Life of Resistance and Resilience
To fully understand the significance of the lawsuit, it is crucial to consider the life and legacy of Geronimo himself. Born in 1829 in what is now Arizona, Geronimo (whose Apache name was Goyaałé, meaning "one who yawns") emerged as a formidable warrior and leader in the face of relentless encroachment upon Apache lands by Mexican and American settlers.
For decades, Geronimo led his small band of Apaches in a fierce resistance against both governments, employing guerilla tactics and exploiting his knowledge of the terrain to evade capture. His name became synonymous with courage, defiance, and the unwavering defense of his people’s way of life.
In 1886, after years of relentless pursuit, Geronimo and his remaining warriors surrendered to U.S. troops. They were subsequently imprisoned and exiled to Florida, later transferred to Alabama, and finally settled at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Imprisonment and Celebrity: A Complex Legacy
Despite his status as a prisoner of war, Geronimo became a celebrity in his later years. He appeared at fairs, sold souvenirs and photographs of himself, and even dictated his autobiography. His story captured the imagination of the American public, transforming him from a feared warrior into a symbol of the vanishing frontier.
Geronimo died of pneumonia in 1909 at Fort Sill and was buried at the Apache Indian Prisoner of War Cemetery on the military base. His final resting place became a site of pilgrimage for those who admired his courage and mourned the loss of Native American sovereignty.
The Lawsuit as a Quest for Justice and Reconciliation
The lawsuit filed by Geronimo’s descendants represents more than just a legal dispute over the possession of human remains. It is a quest for justice, a demand for accountability, and an attempt to rectify a historical wrong. By seeking the return of Geronimo’s bones, the plaintiffs hope to honor his memory, restore dignity to his legacy, and promote reconciliation between Native Americans and the institutions that have historically oppressed them.
The case also raises broader questions about the ethics of collecting and displaying human remains, particularly those of indigenous peoples. As museums and institutions grapple with the legacy of colonialism and cultural appropriation, the lawsuit against Yale and the Skull and Bones serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the cultural heritage and ancestral remains of all people.
The Role of Ramsey Clark
Ramsey Clark, a former U.S. Attorney General under President Lyndon B. Johnson, served as the lawyer for the Geronimo descendants in this case. Clark’s involvement lent significant weight to the lawsuit, given his reputation as a champion of civil rights and social justice. His statement that the 100th anniversary of Geronimo’s death was "a good time to say enough is enough" underscored the moral imperative driving the legal action.
The Appeal to President Bush
Harlyn Geronimo had previously appealed to former President George W. Bush for assistance in recovering his great-grandfather’s remains. This appeal highlights the sensitivity of the issue and the recognition that resolving the matter may require intervention at the highest levels of government. The fact that the appeal was made to President Bush, whose grandfather was allegedly involved in the grave robbery, adds another layer of complexity to the story.
The Ongoing Mystery of Geronimo’s Bones
The lawsuit against Yale and the Skull and Bones society has reignited public interest in the enduring mystery of Geronimo’s bones. Whether the allegations of grave robbing are true remains to be seen. The legal process may shed light on the truth, but the secrecy surrounding the Skull and Bones could continue to obscure the facts. Regardless of the outcome, the lawsuit has served to highlight the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and the importance of honoring the legacy of Geronimo, a symbol of resistance and resilience. The title New Lawsuit Against Yale Skull and Bones Society Regarding Geronimo’s Bones clearly represents the core issue. The article explores the implications of New Lawsuit Against Yale Skull and Bones Society Regarding Geronimo’s Bones. This investigation into the New Lawsuit Against Yale Skull and Bones Society Regarding Geronimo’s Bones is far from over.