Native American History

02/16/2025

A LAUGH FOR TODAY❤
When NASA was preparing for the Apollo moon landings of the late 60s and early 70s, they did some astronaut training along a Navajo Indian reservation in the SW. One day, a Navajo elder and his grandson were herding animals and came across the space crew. The old man, who only spoke Navajo, asked a question, which the grandson translated: "What are the guys in the big suits doing?" A member of the crew said they were practicing for their trip to the moon." Then, recognizing a promotional opportunity for the spin-doctors, added, "We will be leaving behind a special record with greetings in many languages and such. Would the old man be interested in giving us a greeting to include?"
Upon translation, the old man got really excited and was thrilled at the idea of sending a message to the moon with the astronauts. The NASA folks produced a tape recorder and the old man recorded his message at which the grandson fought back the urge to laugh... but he refused to translate.
After Apollo 11 had successfully landed on the moon and brought its astronauts homes, a new group were training in the desert when one of the NASA officials recognized the Navajo elder and his grandson and went to tell them that the old man's message was indeed on the moon which was met with laughter.
Finally, the NASA rep caught on that not everything was as simple as he had originally thought and asked for a translation. With a chuckle the youngster replied: "Beware of white man; they come to steal your land!"

12/13/2024

Pocahontas, a Native American woman of the Powhatan tribe, married English settler John Rolfe in 1614. Their union was significant as it symbolized a brief period of peace between the English colonists and the Powhatan tribes. Together, they had one son, Thomas Rolfe, born in 1615. Thomas later married and had a daughter named Jane Rolfe, who continued the lineage. Over the centuries, the descendants of Pocahontas and John Rolfe have grown significantly, intertwining with many prominent families in American history.
In 1887, a genealogical study revealed that Pocahontas had thousands of descendants. This number has since been updated, with recent estimates indicating that there are over 30,000 named descendants of Pocahontas today. These descendants include notable figures and families, reflecting the extensive and enduring legacy of Pocahontas and her unique place in American history.

12/13/2024

JINGLE, JINGLE LITTLE STARS, LET US SEE HOW BRIGHT YOU ARE:
Courtesy~winyontahtonkah

12/10/2024

Hand woven rug made by 90 years old Elder Alice Begay, of the Navajo" Nation.

12/10/2024

12/10/2024

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in Custer County, South Dakota, United States. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. It is operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization

12/02/2024

My mother turned 98 years old today, happy birthday dear mother։ ❤️🎂

11/27/2024

Choctaw-Irish bond continues to strengthen over time.

11/26/2024

Two Leggins (c. 1845-1923) River Crow.Take part in many battles with traditional Indian enemies. He had little influence in the tribe and was not much different from other members of the community, but from 1919 to 1923 he told his life story to Montana businessman and amateur anthropologist William Wildschute. , whose recordings were later reworked by Peter Nabokov. The result of his work was the biography "Two Leggins: The Formation of the Crow Warrior", which is one of the sources on the history and culture of the Crow of the second half of the 19th century. Two Leggins (c. 1845-1923) River Crow.Take part in many battles with traditional Indian enemies. He had little influence in the tribe and was not much different from other members of the community, but from 1919 to 1923 he told his life story to Montana businessman and amateur anthropologist William Wildschute. , whose recordings were later reworked by Peter Nabokov. The result of his work was the biography "Two Leggins: The Formation of the Crow Warrior", which is one of the sources on the history and culture of the Crow of the second half of the 19th century.

11/26/2024

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮?
Discover their fascinating history filled with bravery and resilience. The Apaches, one of the most emblematic indigenous groups of North America, have left a profound mark on the history of the United States. Originating from the vast regions that today encompass Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, the Apaches were known for their fierce resistance, war skills, and a rich and diverse culture.
The history of the Apaches dates back to immemorial times. It is believed that they migrated to the southwestern United States from the north over a millennium ago. Their name, "Apache," comes from the Zuni word "apachu," which means "enemy." However, the Apaches referred to themselves as N'de or Dine, which means "the people."
Organized into various tribes such as the Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, and the Western Apache, each group had its own territory and leaders. Among these leaders, Geronimo stands out as perhaps the most famous of all Apache warriors. Born into the Chiricahua tribe, Geronimo became a symbol of resistance against colonization and oppression. Known for his bravery and strategic skills, he led numerous raids and battles against Mexican and American forces in an attempt to protect his land and people.
The life of the Apaches was deeply connected to the land. They were hunter-gatherers and expert horsemen, allowing them to move quickly across their vast territory. Their knowledge of the environment and survival skills were exceptional. They lived in hogans, structures made of wood and earth that provided shelter against the elements.
Apache culture was rich in traditions and spiritual beliefs. They believed in a Great Spirit and the interconnectedness of all things in nature. Ceremonies and rituals, such as the Sun Dance and the Corn Dance, were fundamental in their community and spiritual life. These ceremonies were not only ways to worship their gods but also to strengthen community ties and pass on knowledge to new generations.
However, the arrival of European settlers and westward expansion brought inevitable conflicts. The Apaches fiercely defended their territory but were gradually displaced. The Apache Wars, a series of intermittent conflicts that lasted over a century, left an indelible mark on history. Despite their resistance, many Apaches were eventually forced to live on reservations, far from their ancestral lands.
The history of the Apaches does not end with resistance and conflict. Today, Apache communities have managed to preserve and revitalize many of their traditions and cultures. Through community efforts, education, and the defense of their rights, the Apaches continue to be a living testimony to the resilience and strength of their people. Festivals, such as the San Carlos Fiesta, celebrate their heritage and offer a window into their rich traditions.
The Apaches have demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt and survive in the face of adversity. Their history is a reminder of human resilience and the importance of preserving and respecting indigenous cultures. Today, their legacy endures not only in stories and traditions but also in their contribution to the cultural diversity of North America.
Over the years, the Apaches have taught the world valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and respect for nature. Their history is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a people who, despite great adversities, have kept their identity and culture alive.

11/22/2024

GOOD MEDICINE:Various plants and herbs were used for cooking, medicine, and dyes.