H. Res. 132 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
February 23, 2009. 
Whereas Goyathlay or Goyaale´, called Geronimo by the sol-
diers 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 Mex-
ico; 
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, be-
came 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 an-
cient forests and was a place beloved and revered by the 
Apache people, who had lived there for countless genera-
tions; 
Whereas Goyathlay’s band, along with other Apache peoples, 
were forcibly removed by the United States Army, in-
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terned 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 sol-
diers; 
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 mis-
•HRES 132 EH 
treatment of their ancestors under past policies of the 
United States Government, that can commence by hon-
oring 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 home-
land, 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.