Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Justice Dept. Opposes Effort to Dig Up Geronimo

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 11:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to unearth the bones of Geronimo from his Oklahoma tomb and rebury them in his native New Mexico, the BBC reports. The Apache leader’s descendants also name Yale University and the Skull and Bones society, which allegedly stole some of the bones to keep in its New Haven clubhouse.

The lawsuit says it seeks to recover the famed Apache warrior’s remains “from 100 years of imprisonment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the Yale University campus … and wherever else they may be.” It cites a 1990 law giving Native Americans the rights to the remains of their family members. But the Obama administration says Geronimo’s grave would need to have been disturbed after 1990 for the law to apply.

This April 22, 2009, photo shows Geronimo's grave in the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.
This April 22, 2009, photo shows Geronimo's grave in the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.   (AP Photo)
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
A stone eagle on the top of Geronimo's grave is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.
A stone eagle on the top of Geronimo's grave is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.
The grave of famed Apache warrior Geronimo is pictured at the Apache cemetery at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., April 22, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Geronimo, leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe in Arizona is seen, circa 1905.
Geronimo, leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe in Arizona is seen, circa 1905.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Chudluv
Jun 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT
My Great-Great-Grandfather mother was a comanche or Apache. This Administration has it's head on backwards. The remains should be rebury on Indian burial grounds not on some G-damn Fort.
psycada
Jun 22, 2009 9:48 AM CDT
I atcually agree with you anchower. Tis a no brainer. I almost spit coffee on the monitor when I say Obama's administrative logic. Such douchery.
RobN
Jun 22, 2009 5:38 AM CDT
Yes, it's an effort by the Obama administration to protect the Bush's. Now it makes sense.

More Newser Stories

Feds Sue South Carolina Over New Immigration Law

Annie Le's Family Sues Yale

Feds Sue Alabama Over Immigration Law

Freed Gitmo Detainee to Sue US for Damages

US Settles Tax Evasion Suit With UBS, Swiss


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne