IPR: Indian Country bristles at use of 'Geronimo' codename

Thursday, May 5, 2011  

"American Indians across the U.S. are voicing frustration with the codename used for the mission to capture and kill Osama bin Laden.

The radio call that came shortly after bin Laden's death was: Geronimo E.K.I.A., meaning: Geronimo, Enemy Killed In Action.

"Why did it have to be Geronimo? Why did that have to be referenced? There was no need for that. You just alienated Indian Country from sharing fully in this moment," says Derek Bailey, chair of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He says the good news of bin Laden's death will always be tainted for him by a codename that links the Al-Qaeda leader with an 19th Century Apache warrior many in Indian Country today see as hero.

Bailey says he hopes this will force national discussion on the use of native stereotypes. Coincidentally, that issue will be taken up by a U.S. Senate committee Thursday."

Get the Story:
Many Native Americans Bristle At "Geronimo" Codename (Interlochen Public Radio 5/4)

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