Thanks for all the great comments and questions. Joe and I are thrilled to be part of your learning experience about Geronimo. We hope we have answered your questions satisfactorily and we look forward to more questions and comments from you.
KRYSTAL STEWART
Joe and I are happy to see that you are part of this class and that you are Native American. We know that there are many similarities among the native peoples. We have found this to be true in meeting many people from various tribes at powwows and other Native American events.
One of the advantages of this class and its blog is to inform others of the culture of the Native Americans. This is one good way to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes. In addition, you are a great example of what a true Native American is. Keep up the good work.
We will certainly go into the website of your tribe. We love reading about other Native American cultures and traditions. It confirms as to how much alike our customs and ways are.
MEGAN SNYDER
It was the custom for stories to be told at night around a campfire throughout the year. The winter season just brought added closeness to the families since it was an excellent time for discussion and stories. Storytelling continues to this day.
Back in the days of the “Ancient Ones” and Geronimo, there was no written way to preserve the history and the ways of “Inde” (the People). The only means of preserving the richness of this history was by storytelling. These stories were repeated nightly, especially to the children in order for them to memorize the history and hand it down to the next generation. Because of this, our culture and history has not been lost.
Honesty was and is a common trait among the Apache people. We were also taught to put others needs before ours. To be generous with what we have. It’s common for an Apache to give away a personal belonging to someone that has admired that item. We have seen Apache’s give away jewelry, items of clothing, blankets and many other things only because someone admired that belonging.
CANDACE CARPENTER
Joe and I are glad to see that you are enjoying reading Geronimo. The Apache are very closely connected to the Earth, the Four Directions and Nature. We are all part of the “circle of life”.
The section about “Skinny Yellow Hair” and his gesture of the finger across the neck had a very personal and emotional meaning to me (Gloria). My grandfather always told us that we were related to Mangas Coloradas. Mangas had a brother named “Torres”. My grandfather and his father were from that Torres line.
I also want to set the book straight. Mangas Coloradas was not killed in Pinos Altos. He met with the soldiers at Fort McLane and was killed there. Fort McLane is about 20 miles southeast of Pinos Altos.
ASHLEY GARBRICK
Joe and I have found the book to be very interesting even though it is a novel based on fact and fiction. The Apache believed that gold, silver, turquoise and other valuable stones were very sacred. That they helped in spiritual healings and protection. The Apache did not put a monetary value to these stones.
ELIZABETH KIRK
We look forward to your comments and questions.
HEATHER GLOVER
We are glad that you are enjoying reading Geronimo. To answer your question about us being taught the “value of truth”, the answer is, “Yes”. We have also instilled the value of truth to our children.
To answer your question as to why the Apache called the soldiers “White Eyes, it is because the Apache had never seen people with blue eyes before. From a certain distance, the soldiers’ eyes appeared to be all white and that is how they got the name “White Eyes”.
TAYLOR CAIRNS
Do not be ashamed. Joe and I are happy that you are now interested in Geronimo and the Apache people. We have a beautiful history. Continue to read about us.
Yes, the Apache have always had a great respect for Apache women. Women played a very big role in decision making in the days of Geronimo. We are a matriarchal society. The women in Joe’s family and mine played a big role in shaping us into who we are today. That was very obvious when my Grandmother and Joe’s mother were alive. They were truly respected women and they deserved our respect.