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Dahteste
(pronounced ta-DOT-say)
The Apache is another nation of Natives who teach their boys and girls the same
skills, leaving the choice of lifestyle to follow an individual decision. Girls
who choose the warriors' path are not ridiculed; neither are boys who choose a
gentler life - they receive equal praise if they excel in their chosen path.
Dahteste is described as a very beautiful woman who took great pride in her
appearance and, even though she married and had children, she chose the life of
the warrior. No one challenged Dahteste lightly for it was widely known that
she could out-ride, out-shoot, out-hunt, out-run, and out-fight her peers, male
and female, and she did so with grace. She was credited as being courageous,
daring and skillful, and she took part in battles and raiding parties alongside
her husband, and a good friend of her family, Geronimo.
Fluent in English, Dahteste became a trusted scout, messenger and mediator
between her people and the U.S. Cavalry. Along with another woman Apache
warrior named Lozen, Dahteste was instrumental in the final surrender of
Geronimo to the U.S. Government and, as thanks for her efforts in their behalf,
she was imprisoned with Geronimo and shipped to prison with his remaining
followers. Dahteste was as strong in her personal spirit as her warrior spirit,
and she survived both tuberculosis and pneumonia while imprisoned. Both
diseases killed untold thousands of Natives across the land, but not Dahteste.
After 8 years in the Florida prison, Dahteste was shipped to the military
prison at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. After 19 years at Ft. Sill, she was finally given
permission to return to her homeland. She lived the balance of her life on the
Mescalero Apache Reservation until she died there of old age.
Mescalero Apache
By Julia White
Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect. Remain close to the Great Spirit. Show great respect for your fellow beings. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed. Do what you know to be right. Look after the well being of mind and body. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. Be truthful and honest at all times. Take full responsibility for your actions.
Chief White Cloud
The coyote is one of 8 species of the genus Canis. Four of these are jackals of Europe, Africa & Asia. Other members of the genus include the Gray Wolf (C. lupus), the Red Wolf (C. rufus) and all the breeds of the domestic dog (C. familiaris).
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