The Wild West is a famous part of history that helped shape the United States. But did you know that the spirit of the Wild West is still alive today? In Southeastern Arizona, you’ll find a mix of hot deserts, green scrublands, and cool alpine meadows. This area is home to the San Carlos Apache Reservation, a place created by the U.S. government in 1871. The Apache people were made to live here, and today, more than 16,000 Apache tribal members still call this part of Arizona their home.
My name is Melan Ike, and I am a San Carlos Apache, specifically a Chairkala Apache. Our traditional lands stretch from Texas through New Mexico and Arizona into Mexico and California. About 150 years ago, the Apache people lived freely, and our diet was so healthy that it was like having an Olympic-level diet. We were strong and could run up to 80 miles a day! We had a deep spiritual connection to the Earth, which made us happy and healthy.
One of the most special places for the Apache is Oak Flat, a peaceful mesa located 15 miles outside the Apache reservation. We believe Oak Flat is where our people originated. My family taught me that we were free, nomadic people who lived closely with the Earth. Oak Flat has everything we need—water, food, and medicine—so we could live our whole lives there.
For many generations, Apaches have gathered at Oak Flat for religious ceremonies, to honor their ancestors, and to celebrate important life events like girls entering womanhood. Growing up, I saw Oak Flat as a place of freedom and spiritual connection. But as I got older, I realized we needed to fight to protect it.
In 1995, a huge copper reserve was found under Oak Flat. Copper is very important for making electronics and technology, so this discovery could be worth billions of dollars. However, this has caused problems for the Apache people. After years of debate, Congress decided to give Oak Flat to a private mining company. The mining plans threaten our sacred land.
The mining company wants to use a method called block cave mining, which will create a giant crater two miles wide and as deep as the Eiffel Tower. This will harm the plants, animals, and our spiritual connection to the Earth.
Nylin and her family, along with their group called Apache Stronghold, are working hard to protect holy sites like Oak Flat and defend their freedom of religion. They also want to create a better future for the people living on the reservation. The Apache community faces challenges like low employment and poverty, which especially affect young people.
In 2018, Nylin and others started raising money to build the San Carlos Apache Sports Complex for local youth. They wanted to give young people a positive place to go, helping them avoid bad influences like substance abuse and violence. Building a skate park became a way to engage the youth and promote resilience.
Nylin believes that the fight for their rights and heritage is ongoing. She feels a strong connection to her ancestors and is dedicated to ensuring a better future for the next generations. The Apache community is full of resilience and hope, believing they are caretakers of the land, responsible for protecting it.
Research and create a presentation about the Apache people’s traditional lifestyle, including their diet, spiritual beliefs, and nomadic way of life. Share your findings with the class to help everyone understand the rich cultural heritage of the Apache community.
Create a map that shows the traditional lands of the Apache people, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Mexico, and California. Highlight important sites like Oak Flat and discuss why these areas are significant to the Apache people.
Participate in a classroom debate about the pros and cons of mining at Oak Flat. Take on roles as Apache community members, government officials, and mining company representatives to explore different perspectives and the impact of mining on sacred lands.
Work in groups to design a skate park for the San Carlos Apache Sports Complex. Consider how the park can serve as a positive space for youth and promote community engagement. Present your design ideas to the class and discuss how they can benefit the Apache community.
Develop a plan to protect and preserve Apache heritage sites like Oak Flat. Include strategies for raising awareness, engaging the community, and advocating for the protection of these sacred lands. Share your plan with the class and discuss how it can be implemented.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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The Wild West defined a time and shaped the country. But the West never left. In Southeastern Arizona, scorching deserts, verdant scrublands, and alpine meadows stretch out over millions of acres. In the heart of this patchwork landscape is the San Carlos Apache Reservation, established by the U.S. government in 1871. The Apache people were forced to live within the confines of this federally designated land. Today, over 16,000 registered tribal members still call this corner of Arizona home.
My name is Melan Ike, and I am a San Carlos Apache, specifically a Chairkala Apache. The traditional lands of the Apache extend from Texas through New Mexico and Arizona into Mexico and California. Being a free Apache 150 years ago, our diets were remarkable. We were considered to have an Olympic-level diet, and we were strong people, capable of running 80 miles a day. Our spiritual connection to the Earth and the environment was profound, and we were happy.
The Apache’s spiritual connection to the Earth is especially strong here at a serene mesa, 15 miles outside the boundary of the Apache reservation. This place is known as Oak Flat, which we believe to be our origin. My grandmother, great-grandmother, and grandfather taught me that we were free, nomadic people who lived intimately with the Earth. We could live our entire lives here in Oak Flat because there is water, food, and medicine.
For generations, Apaches have gathered at this site for religious ceremonies, buried their honored dead here, and celebrated coming-of-age ceremonies for girls entering womanhood. Growing up, I understood this place as one of freedom and spiritual connection, but as I got older, I realized it was a place we were fighting to protect.
In 1995, a massive untapped copper reserve was discovered under Oak Flat. With the modern world’s increasing reliance on copper for electronics and technology, this copper mine could be worth billions. However, this raises concerns about the cost to the Apache people. After a decade of debate, Congress passed a law transferring Oak Flat to a private mining corporation. The area has been targeted for mining, which threatens our holy land.
The mining corporations plan to use the block cave mining method, which will create a massive crater estimated to be two miles wide and as deep as the Eiffel Tower. This will affect not only the plants and animals but also our spirituality and connection to the Earth.
Nylin and her family, along with their organization, Apache Stronghold, have fought to preserve holy sites like Oak Flat and defend their freedom of religion. They are also focused on creating a better future for tribal members living on the reservation. The Apache community still faces challenges like low employment rates and poverty, which particularly affect the youth.
In 2018, Nylin and others began raising money for the San Carlos Apache Sports Complex for local youth. They aimed to provide a positive outlet for young people, helping them avoid substance abuse, violence, and other negative influences. Building a skate park became a way to engage the youth and promote resilience.
Nylin believes that the fight for their rights and heritage is ongoing. She feels a deep connection to her ancestors and is committed to ensuring a better future for the next generations. The Apache community embodies resilience and hope, believing they are stewards of the land, tasked with protecting it.
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while removing any potentially sensitive or inappropriate content.
Apache – A group of culturally related Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States known for their rich traditions and history. – The Apache people have a deep connection to the land they have inhabited for centuries.
Land – The part of the Earth’s surface that is not covered by water, which is often used for agriculture, habitation, and development. – The government implemented new policies to protect agricultural land from industrial development.
Mining – The process of extracting minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, which can impact the environment. – The mining of coal has significant effects on the local environment and communities.
Heritage – The traditions, achievements, beliefs, and artifacts that are part of the history of a group or nation. – Preserving cultural heritage is important for maintaining the identity of a community.
Environment – The natural world, including the air, water, and land in which people, animals, and plants live. – Students are learning about the importance of protecting the environment from pollution.
Community – A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, often working together for a common purpose. – The community came together to clean up the local park and plant new trees.
Future – The time yet to come, which can be shaped by current actions and decisions, especially regarding sustainability and development. – Investing in renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. – The freedom to express one’s opinion is a fundamental right in a democratic society.
Connection – A relationship or link between people, places, or ideas, often emphasizing the importance of understanding and cooperation. – There is a strong connection between the health of the environment and the well-being of the community.
Culture – The social behavior, norms, and practices found in human societies, including language, religion, cuisine, and arts. – Learning about different cultures helps students appreciate the diversity of the world.
