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My name is Karen Kitcheyan Jones. I am an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. I have lived here most of my life with exception to grade school year where my late father’s employment took us off the reservation. I can safely say my exposure to off reservation life is a blessing as I was encouraged to make friends with non-native people of other ethnic origin. It was this experience I gained much value of what family is. My upbringing involved our practice of the matriarch, my paternal grandmother passed on strong, strict, moral lessons to her family. She practiced this by example and when we were old enough to understand only then were we allowed to question. Mable Dosela Kitcheyan was our late Grandmother’s name. We are not allowed to say the names of those who have passed on. This is allowed only in times to confirm our own identity.

  My grandmother raised us in our sunrise ceremony circle, raised us in our own Healing Ceremony circle, with this foundation of our teaching I have the ability to tell you the truth. So with great respect I share with you this truth.

  First, Yes our Apache people were a nomadic group of people who traveled by clan to harvest seasonal food.

  Second, change came, boundaries were drawn and a year of exploring our earth revealed that rich copper and more land was taken. Now we live within what is 1.8 million acres that was cut down drastically. Much, much change has occurred for the good and the bad. Boarding schools began to break up the family bond, re-location to employ our people in the urban-environment. In the midst of all this change, grandmother reminded us not to fear but to cling close to God that our worship to protect what our culture and tradition has already laid out; our own foundation. To keep up with change, stay in school, keep away from people who may mislead you for their own gain and rob you of your way, prayer and dance. Be aware of what alcohol abuse could lead to and it will destroy you! Today we see that drug abuse has already destroyed many of our beautiful people.

  Third, Tribal government established another change which included a political agenda. Real issues facing our tribe or made  up issues inspired by false information from our own tribal members who make a living on destroying and hunting people with their words. Another change that is highly influenced by money and special favor, this always keeps a one sided picture. Our tribal members face money concerns within the boundaries of our homeland. This is why I am taking the steps to clarify and make my statement that Oak Flat has no sacred significance to our Apache people. Yes, Acorn can be harvest there among many other areas on and off the reservation. Oak Flat does not influence nor determine the outcome to our on-going battle against our social ills, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, unemployment, housing issues, crime issues and education issues. I support the quiet elder members who have said “Oak Flat is not sacred. There are no sacred songs or sacred prayers that say Oak Flat is a Holy Place”. These very elders also ask “Why is there a Holy Ground over there, WHY? That is not good”.

  Fourth, it has been said many times we are reminded by the statements that come from our sacred sweat that “Change will ultimately happen”. Along with that statement, a true warning is also said “Do not let this change make you crazy!” Protect the sacred core of our people, culture, tradition, language. Protect our livelihood so that we continue to be strong and to welcome change gracefully.

  I am a daughter to our creator God. I am a daughter to my parents who co-created this gift to my family as mother and grandmother. We must continue to let honesty generate peace, to let courage promote fairness and to keep praying for unity. So be mindful of respecting each other’s uniqueness as we welcome others hand of friendship. I am my mother’s clan and I am born for my father’s clan. Please accept my statement of truth. Let it be known from this day forward that I will support valid issues that threaten our tribe. I will support our neighboring communities genuine concerns of water, environment and employment as that will also affect us here at home on the reservation. Furthermore, let it be known that I will support truth and fact and encourage all of you to call on your elders and the elders of our community as it is their voice that should be represented and respected – a voice that has not been at the forefront of the tribes endeavor. May we pray that the sacredness of our culture will no longer be exploited and the true representation, honor and integrity be restored to our ceremonies.

  Finally, I call upon our leaders to respect the wisdom of our elders, and return the holy ground crosses as they have asked.  As Apache people we were always taught to respect our elders and spiritual leaders, and as leaders of our tribal government, I ask that you honor the voice of the people of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

  Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Karen Kitcheyan Jones

San Carlos Apache Tribal Member

Staff (5795 Posts)

There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.

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