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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 132 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 132

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     February 23, 2009.
Whereas Goyathlay or Goyaale, called Geronimo by the soldiers against whom he 
        fought, was born in June 1829 to the Bedonkohe band of the Apache people 
        in No-Doyohn Canyon on the Gila River, which was then part of Mexico;
Whereas in 1858, Mexican soldiers attacked the Bedonkohe people within the 
        current borders of Mexico, setting in motion a war between that nation 
        and the Apache that would last for three decades;
Whereas Goyathlay, a spiritual and intellectual leader, became recognized as a 
        great military leader by his people because of his courage, 
        determination, and skill;
Whereas Goyathlay led his people in a war of self-defense as their homeland was 
        invaded by the citizens and armies first of Mexico, and then of the 
        United States;
Whereas that homeland was healthy, thriving, and beautiful with ample running 
        water, extensive grasslands, and ancient forests and was a place beloved 
        and revered by the Apache people, who had lived there for countless 
        generations;
Whereas Goyathlay's band, along with other Apache peoples, were forcibly removed 
        by the United States Army, interned at San Carlos, Arizona, subjugated, 
        and deprived of their rights as a free people, including the right to 
        practice their traditional spiritual beliefs and maintain long-standing 
        political and social structures;
Whereas Goyathlay led fewer than 150 men, women, and children out of captivity 
        and for several years evaded fighting forces consisting of one-quarter 
        of the standing United States Army, as well as thousands of Mexican 
        soldiers;
Whereas upon surrendering to Unites States forces, Goyathlay and his band were 
        promised a return to their homeland but were instead interned in 
        military prisons in Florida and Alabama, far from their homeland;
Whereas Goyathlay, promised respect as a prisoner of war, was put to hard labor 
        for eight years;
Whereas Goyathlay and other Apache prisoners of war were removed to Fort Sill, 
        Oklahoma, in 1894;
Whereas after his death on February 17, 1909, Goyathlay was not granted the 
        promised return to his homeland but instead was buried in the military 
        cemetery at Fort Sill;
Whereas Goyathlay's byname, ``Geronimo'', became a war cry uttered by 
        paratroopers fighting against the totalitarian enemies of the United 
        States during World War II, a name used with respect and honor for a 
        great warrior and leader;
Whereas to this day, the Apache people continue to honor and hold sacred what 
        Goyathlay represented to a people separated and destroyed by historic 
        and disruptive United States governmental policies of the past; and
Whereas there still exists a need for spiritual healing among Apache people, 
        stemming from the captivity and mistreatment of their ancestors under 
        past policies of the United States Government, that can commence by 
        honoring the memory of Goyathlay and his valiant efforts to preserve 
        traditional Apache ways of life and the health of Ni'gosdza'n, the 
        Earth: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the life of Goyathlay, his extraordinary bravery, and his 
        commitment to the defense of his homeland, his people, and Apache ways 
        of life; and
            (2) recognizes the 100 anniversary of the death of Goyathlay as a 
        time of reflection of his deeds on behalf of his people.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.
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