 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
San Carlos Apache Catholic Community
San Carlos, Arizona
For most of us, United States history seems pretty short, going back as far as the colonial periods on the east and west coasts. But of course the rich history of our Native American brothers and sisters is much longer. Yet for many, tribal culture is being undermined by poverty, addiction, unemployment and violence. 
The San Carlos Apache people are desperate to preserve their history, language, culture and community. In ancient times, the Apache people were nomadic bands, small groups with no settled homeland or permanent buildings, living simply in harmony with the land and their neighbors, hunting and gathering just enough for a decent human life. Then various Apache groups, strangers to each other, were forcibly settled on a dry reservation that they had never inhabited, becoming an artificially created “nation”.
The San Carlos Apache people share many of the problems that face other tribes. In desert isolation, with few job prospects nearby, the current unemployment rate is 85%. The vast majority, including those “lucky” few who receive some government support, get by on $500 or less a month for the whole household. Not surprisingly, illness, violence and substance abuse accompany such poverty.
Even with such daunting challenges, the Apache people have spiritual wealth, and they are a people who believe in sharing what they have. As one Apache explains, “If a relative or friend comes to us in need—to get the heat back on during the frigid desert winter, to purchase formula for a newborn, to make the 250-mile round trip to visit a sick relative in a Phoenix hospital—we never refuse a plea, we never ask to be paid back. God has truly blessed our Apache culture with this wonderful way: always to share when asked…and even when not asked.”
Beyond material goods, the Catholic community on the San Carlos Apache Reservation wants to share something even more uplifting: the heritage, customs and arts that have been part of their lives since long before the West was settled. The Franciscans began serving the San Carlos Apache people only recently, about ninety-two years ago. Now, with the encouragement of Friar Gino Piccoli, the community is planning a bold project that will provide much-needed employment and at the same time teach and sustain the artistic traditions of the Apache people.
The plan is to start two cottage industries employing some of the poorest of the people. The industries would teach traditional crafts and produce beautiful quilts and “burden baskets”—decorative forms of baskets originally used for gathering food—products for which the Apache are famous, products that can be sold to the public.
To begin these ambitious works, a total of $23,000 is needed to buy start-up supplies and pay Apache artisans while they build up an initial inventory for sale. After that, the industries would become self-sufficient and profitable.
The San Carlos Apache people have experienced some truly trying and faith-testing years on “the rez.” Much of the rich culture and many traditional ways disappeared over the decades. Creating these new cottage industries both preserves the Apache heritage and empowers through self-employment.
Your monetary gift can help the San Carlos Apache Catholic Community make this project a reality. Your support can make a difference as the Apache people work to preserve their culture, people and future. Please share. Please help to preserve our rich American history.
Will You Walk With Us?
We know that we are quite bold in asking you non-Apache brothers and sisters to share some of your substance with us, but for the sake of our Apache people we have to put aside our tribal pride. Many in our community share in the faith of Jesus Christ in our Saint Charles parish and grade school. Franciscan friars and sisters have left home and comfort to walk with us here in San Carlos. Will you walk with us, too? We have found that our only hope of survival is through the practice of sharing. Will you find it possible to share some of your own gifts with us? Will you walk with us so that we, as a people, might re-kindle hope and a measure of success for our future? We sincerely promise to use wisely and conservatively whatever funds you are able to share with us. We know that you are good and caring people, so we need to say A-HI-YI-EH!—our deep thanks for helping us—and may the Lord give you peace!
—The San Carlos Apache Catholic Community
