"I was warmed by the sun, rocked by the winds and sheltered by the trees as other Indian babes. I was living peaceably when people began to speak bad of me. Now I can eat well, sleep well and be glad. I can go everywhere with a good feeling. The soldiers never explained to the government when an Indian was wronged, but reported the misdeeds of the Indians. We took an oath not to do any wrong to each other or to scheme against each other. I cannot think that we are useless or God would not have created us. There is one God looking down on us all. We are all the children of one God. The sun, the darkness, the winds are all listening to what we have to say. When a child, my mother taught me to kneel and pray to Usen for strength, health, wisdom and protection. Sometimes we prayed in silence, sometimes each one prayed aloud; sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us... and to Usen. I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures."

Goyathlay, "One who Yawns," was a Chiricahua Apache Medicine Man. He was born in what is now Clifton, Arizona in 1829, in Mexican government territory. He was admitted into the "Warriors Council" at the age of 17. Though he was never a chief, he was held in very high respects by all member of his tribe.

In 1858, while he was away from his home, a group of Spanish/Mexican soldiers murdered his wife, children, and mother. This was the beginning of a hatred that ran deep for all white men. Geronimo is a nickname given to him by Mexicans because of his courageous acts. He was known for boldly running towards his well-armed enemies with only a knife for protection. He knew how to protect himself from bullets by spiritual acts.

For years to come he fought against the Mexican government and the American government. He showed no mercy for these trespassers on his land. In 1876, the American government attempted to move the Chiracahua from their home to San Carlos, NM. Geronimo did not stand for this treachery and fled from the government with over 700 other Chiracahua Apaches.

In 1883 General Cook began hunting for Geronimo and his rebels. After three years, he finally captured the evasive Apache warriors and forced a treaty to relocate them to Florida. Geronimo did not bend at the will of the oppressive Americans, and once again left the reservation.

General Nelson Miles captured Geronimo. The United States government cold-heartedly punished these Apache freedom fighters, and Geronimo spent almost
thirty years of his life as a prisoner. Geronimo appealed to President Roosevelt before his death so that he would be allowed to return to his homeland, so that
he could die and be buried along with his ancestors. The President, showing no compassion for another human being, denied the request.

At the age of 85 years old, in 1909, Geronimo fell off of his horse and remained in a ditch until the next day. He caught pneumonia and died a few days later on February 17, 1909. Goyathlay is one of the most renowned heroes of native American history. His memory will never be forgotten by those who continue in the struggle for indigenous independence.