•HRES 132 IH 
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-
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; 
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•HRES 132 IH 
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-
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 extraor-
dinary 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. 
Æ 
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