Know what Kinishba is? Still not sure -- March 22 2019
We decided to stay another day in this god-for-saken parking lot because we wanted to check out Fort Apache. Remember Cornelia from last night? She told us to go there. Boy I am glad we did. The 75 mile one way trip was totally worth it. Who knew we would be crossing a canyon?
Once we navigated that, we arrived 2 hours later at Ft. Apache, which if you didn't know, was a fort set up to protect white settlers from Indians back in the 1870's. The place is located on the White River Apache Reservation (this is where Cornelia and her family live), has been well taken care of and there is even a private and public school for the local children.
While we were walking through the fort, we met a fellow who teaches at the private school in Fort Apache (sponsored by the Lutheran Church). We asked him if the children who graduated from these schools went onto college and he told us, sadly, no. I have been struck by how sad the situation is for these Beautiful People. They are living mostly in deplorable conditions and, for some reason, no hope or ambition for any future. I don't get it. Not looking to lay blame, just wondering what it would take to turn the course on this ship.
I digress.
I was actually amazed to find that Cornelia was interviewed on one of the videos in the museum. She spoke entirely in Apache (but there were subtitles) about the traditions of her people. So we knew we had spoken to a celebrity.
On the way back to our home away from home, we stopped at the ruins at Kinishba. My headline question stands. I'm still not sure what it is or who lived there. Apparently they are dated back to 800 AD and have housed Hopi and Zuni Indians. The fact that they lie on Apache land sort of relegates the ruins now to their protection and I am afraid that they are not doing a very good job of it. I was struck by the lack of interest that this country (the USA) has taken in preserving the history and archeology of the First Americans. What's up with that?
On the drive back, I ruminated about the people that lived a the ruins. Can you imagine a world where you were the only group of people within 1000 miles? You would have to really love your neighbors.
Dinner at the Steakhouse tonight. Tomorrow we are off to head west. Really glad we made this stop thought. Thanks Cornelia! I will be forever touched by this land.
Once we navigated that, we arrived 2 hours later at Ft. Apache, which if you didn't know, was a fort set up to protect white settlers from Indians back in the 1870's. The place is located on the White River Apache Reservation (this is where Cornelia and her family live), has been well taken care of and there is even a private and public school for the local children.
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| General Crook's Residence |
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| Inside General Crook's Residence |
While we were walking through the fort, we met a fellow who teaches at the private school in Fort Apache (sponsored by the Lutheran Church). We asked him if the children who graduated from these schools went onto college and he told us, sadly, no. I have been struck by how sad the situation is for these Beautiful People. They are living mostly in deplorable conditions and, for some reason, no hope or ambition for any future. I don't get it. Not looking to lay blame, just wondering what it would take to turn the course on this ship.
I digress.
I was actually amazed to find that Cornelia was interviewed on one of the videos in the museum. She spoke entirely in Apache (but there were subtitles) about the traditions of her people. So we knew we had spoken to a celebrity.
On the way back to our home away from home, we stopped at the ruins at Kinishba. My headline question stands. I'm still not sure what it is or who lived there. Apparently they are dated back to 800 AD and have housed Hopi and Zuni Indians. The fact that they lie on Apache land sort of relegates the ruins now to their protection and I am afraid that they are not doing a very good job of it. I was struck by the lack of interest that this country (the USA) has taken in preserving the history and archeology of the First Americans. What's up with that?
On the drive back, I ruminated about the people that lived a the ruins. Can you imagine a world where you were the only group of people within 1000 miles? You would have to really love your neighbors.
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| Plaque at the Ruins |
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| sadly and poorly restored ruins-Kinishba |
Dinner at the Steakhouse tonight. Tomorrow we are off to head west. Really glad we made this stop thought. Thanks Cornelia! I will be forever touched by this land.
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