Last Wednesday, Dr. Wendsler Nosie Sr., former chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and founder of the Apache Stronghold, took the stage at Goshen College’s convocation. His powerful message kicked off a series of speeches throughout the week, made possible by One Circle and the Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Lectureship Series endowment.
They are taking our minerals and are trying to take away our way of life. We are the first people and we have the right to give America their report
— Dr. Wendsler Nosie Sr.
Nosie’s arrival comes weeks after Goshen College publicly announced that they had submitted their amicus brief supporting the Apache Stronghold before the court.
The brief states, “[Goshen College’s] values of peace-making, sanctity of religious freedom and practice, and deep respect for the religious traditions of the Indigenous people of North America have drawn them to lend their support to the Apache Stronghold at Oak Flat.”
The college’s brief is one of many that have been signed and submitted by various congregations and institutions across the country as the Indigenous people of central Arizona fight to protect one of their most sacred sights, Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, or “Oak Flat.” Oak Flat is located 70 miles east of Phoenix and is facing imminent destruction as a result of copper mining, a direct violation of Indigenous religion and culture. According to Mennonite Mission Network, “The outcome of their struggle could set important precedents for Indigenous rights and the protection of sacred lands across the United States.”
In his role, Nosie advocates for the preservation and protection of Indigenous religion and existence alongside his family and those who stand in solidarity with the Apache Stronghold. As a father of six and grandfather of 18, Nosie emphasized what the loss of these Indigenous sacred places would mean for the future generations of Apache and their children, “We are at a time where we have to put our differences aside and our spirituality at the forefront. We have lost the connection between the children and our Spirit.”
Following the convocation Wednesday morning, Nosie attended a reception with the Restorative Justice Department and spoke with multiple classes, including Women and Gender Studies, Transforming Conflict and Violence, and Living Ethically. Within these spaces, Nosie challenged students to live their lives ethically, encouraging mindfulness in the pursuit of happiness. Martinez attended each session alongside Demetrio Garcia, vice president of One Circle.
Garcia reiterated, “This is happening. If you think the destruction of Oak Flat does not affect you, you are wrong. We all come from Indigenous roots. We have to think back to where we started and fight for these people who continue to suffer at the hands of the government. Everything about who they are, their religion and culture, is connected to and comes back to the land.”
At one point, Nosie asked Martinez to present on his behalf, “I described my own relationship to the land and challenged the idea that only indigenous people can have a connection to it. That is what Wendsler has challenged me to think for myself. It is sacred.”
While living with the Nosie family earlier this year, Martinez’s career as a cross country runner was put to the test. “Running is sacred to the Apache,” Nosie said, “It is a way to connect back to the Earth. There is a spiritual connection there that connects you to everyone else who has ever touched that land and the spirits that exist there.”
Wednesday’s activities concluded with a dinner at the Goshen College cabin, where local community members, students and professors joined together for a meal and bonfire with Nosie and his wife, Theresa Beard Nosie.
On Thursday evening, Nosie spoke at the fifth annual Beechy Peace, Justic, and Reconciliation Lecture paired with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery’s Repair Network and One Circle leadership. Following a brief introduction from Dr. Regina Shands Stoltzfus, professor of Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies, Martinez welcomed Nosie to the stage, where he spoke of the reality being faced by Indigenous people around the world.
“They are taking our minerals and are trying to take away our way of life. We are the first people and we have the right to give America their report,” Nosie said.
Nosie continued with a message of unity, “You are my relative and we are intertwined forever. Every single one of us has the Spirit inside of us.”
The evening concluded with a Q&A session. An audience member asked, “How can we abandon material necessities fueled by copper and minerals?” To which Nosie replied, “One day, you’ll wake up, have had enough, and say no more. And you’ll know.”
The Nosies wrapped up their Goshen visit with a sunrise run on Friday morning. The run, which was open to the public, invited community members and students alike to join in, running on the Goshen Mill Race and back, beginning at the Recreation-Fitness Center. The group gathered at 8 a.m. and ran together through the drizzling rain. The run concluded with a prayer of blessing at the Goshen Dam Pond, where the group shared a moment of gratitude and a quiet greeting to the new day.
Nosie said his farewells shortly after the Sunrise Run and voiced his desire to come and visit Goshen again in the future. He extended the invitation to join in the fight for justice to all: “Come walk with me. Yes, your family made mine prisoners of war. But walk with me.”
