Silver City, NM – April 22, Western New Mexico University held a Geronimo Symposium at Miller Library, where speakers talked about the controversial aspects of Geronimo. Geronimo is a well known leader of the Bedonkohe Apache. He known for fighting against Mexico and Texas after his family was killed during the Apache Wars. He surrendered as a prisoner of war and was never returned to his home land.
Geronimo is buried at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Author, Carlos Melendrez of the book America! Don’t You Know Me? I’m Your Native Son: Geronimo said “I went home and started doing research and found a letter that belonged to my great grandfather founder of Las Cruces that was hand delivered by the Governor of New Mexico at the time. The letter was from Michael Aztecas, they wanted to make it better for Native American welfare. I wanted to know more about the history and it prompted me to write the book.”
Western New Mexico University professor Scott Fritz said “I was asked to participate in this symposium by Felipe and I teach history, including Native American History. I think that students do not realize that Geronimo is from this area. He was from the Gila and I think it’s important that students learn about the area they live.”
Dr. Felipe Ortego said “I heard about Geronimo during WWII they would say Geronimo when they parachuted . One of the reasons I think this is important and why I participated is that I was becoming aware of my own Apache roots. There is also an aspiration of doing a documentary about Geronimo. We are also in a school that has a high population of Native Americans.”
To learn more about Geronimo and Native American cultures. The Miller Library has provided multiple resources for students and the community.
