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 When
the Earth Was Like New : Western Apache Songs and Stories
by Chesley Goseyun Wilson
In this enlightening
introduction to the history and culture of the Apache people,
including a pictorial essay on the girl's coming of age ceremony,
the Wilson family share their music, stories, skills and life
experience to reveal what it has meant to "grow up Apache"
in this century. Great-great grandson of the Chiricahua Apache
Chief Cochise and the White Mountain Apache Chief Hashkedasila
(Chief Diablo), and related to Geronimo, Chesley Goseyun Wilson
was born on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and raised in traditional
ways. He has devoted much of his life to the preservation and
promotion of Apache culture.
Chesley gives
us a rare glimpse into the lifeways of the Apache people, from
the loving welcome given to a newborn baby, to the challenging
transformation to womanhood experienced by an Apache girl during
her important Nai'es coming of age ceremony. His songs are the
songs of a vibrant culture‹ancient and also very contemporary.
His words and voice are imbued with love for his heritage and
especially for the young people who might be inspired to re-dedicate
their lives to the ways of their grandparents. This is Chesley
Goseyun Wilson's precious gift, offered to all who seek knowledge
and understanding of the Apache Way. (World Music Press)
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