Women Of The Apache Nation: Voices Of Truth (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Apache women were inspired leaders during the 19th-century raids and skirmishes spearheaded by the legendary Geronimo, and they continue to play significant roles in their communities today. In this very personal account, the first solely devoted to Apache women, the author contrasts the life of Chiricahua Apache women in the 1800s with that of four of their contemporary descendants. Women from the Chiricahua community on the Mescallero Reservation in Arizona and from Apache, Oklahoma relate their life experiences, interweaving their lives as Apaches today with their roles in the larger society. While the narratives skirt some of the very real problems women from these communities face, libraries with women's studies or Native American collections will want to acquire the volume.
- Mary B. Davis, Hun tington Free Lib., Bronx, New York
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: University of Nevada Press (August 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874172217
• ISBN-13: 978-0874172218
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,005,418 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction!, July 11, 2002

By	Sally A. Newland (Pearce, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Women of the Apache Nation (Hardcover)

This book is a fast read, probably even if the reader does not have a background in the history of the Apaches versus the US Military. Stockel's empathy for the plight of the Chiricahua Apache tribe rings true to me, especially in the last chapters that describe her participation in a puberty ceremonial on the Mescalero reservation in New Mexico and a celebration marking the 75th year of the end of captivity for the Ft Sill, Ok, Apache tribe. The author begins with an historical overview of the hostilities between the Apache tribes and the US government, focusing on what is known of women's role in the tribe and retelling the stories of Lozen, sister of Victorio and famous warrior and shaman in her own right, among others. She outlines Apache creation myths and how their belief system manifested itself in tribal customs and daily life.

The most compelling part of the book contains her interviews with four Apache women that took place around 1989. One of the women, Mildren Imach Cleghorn, was a Chiricahua Apache woman born into captivity at Ft Sill for the first four years of her life and whose family elected to stay in Oklahoma rather than be sent to the Mescalero reservation in New Mexico. The other three are no less compelling, but perhaps more revealing of the struggle of these women of Apache blood to live in the mainstream world and on the reservation, raise their children to survive in it, and still maintain and honor their ancient traditions.

After reading this book, which quotes extensively from Eve Ball, Dan Thrapp, Opler, Debo, and other chroniclers of Apache primary history, I think readers will be excited to learn more about the Apache people. Ms. Stockel is not complimentary toward certain New Mexican politicians and the US government's handling of this conquered people, which she readily admits in her preface. What shines through this book is the honoring of these women whose struggles in the face of near annihilation can inspire all of us.