"“Geronimo E-KIA.”

That’s the message from the Seal Team that raided the compound in Pakistan informing senior administration officials, including the president, that “Osama bin Laden,” an “Enemy,” had been “Killed in Action.”

But the use of Geronimo as the military code name for the architect of the 9/11 attack has ignited a firestorm of criticism from American Indians across the country.

Joseph Geronimo, a great-grandson of Geronimo, called it a “slap in the face” to the three generations of military veterans among the descendants of the Apache spiritual leader.

Jeff Houser, Chairman of the Fort Sill Apache tribe, the place where Geronimo lived and died after 23 years as a prisoner of America’s Indian wars, sent a letter to President Obama immediately after details of the code name controversy were revealed. He wrote:

Geronimo was a renowned Chiricahua Apache leader who personally fought to defend his people, territory and way of life. Unlike the coward Osama bin Laden, Geronimo faced his enemy in numerous battles and engagements. He is perhaps one of the greatest symbols of Native American resistance in the history of the United States.

What this action has done is forever link the name and memory of Geronimo to one of the most despicable enemies this Country has ever had."

Get the Story:
Johnny P. Flynn: American Indians Irate over Bin Laden Code Name “Geronimo” (Religion Dispatches 5/11)

Related Stories:
Lance Morgan: Indians as terrorists is a long-running trend (5/11)
Opinion: Use of 'Geronimo' as codename was unacceptable (5/11)
Opinion: The 'Indian wars' continue to play a role in culture (5/11)
Opinion: Geronimo's 'terrorist acts' were based on revenge (5/10)
Depree Shadowwalker: Use of codename an insult to Apache (5/9)
Ruth Hopkins: Geronimo and the myth of Indians as savages (5/9)
Jay Tavare: Names perpetuate false images of Indian people (5/9)
Opinion: Use of 'Geronimo' a tribute to famed Apache warrior (5/9)
Opinion: The truth about Geronimo and Osama bin Laden too (5/9)
Harlyn Geronimo statement for Senate Indian Affairs hearing (5/6)
Democracy Now: LaDuke on militarization of Indian Country (5/6)
Editorial: 'Geronimo' codename causes headache for Obama (5/6)
Opinion: Nothing wrong with use of 'Geronimo' as codename (5/6)
Opinion: Use of 'Geronimo' name defames American Indians (5/6)
MP3: Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on stereotypes (5/5)
Tina Marie Osceola: Apology due for US treatment of Natives (5/5)
Oneida Nation statement on use of 'Geronimo' as codename (5/5)
Rep. Albert Hale letter to President Obama about 'Geronimo' (5/5)
NMAI statement on military use of 'Geronimo' as codename (5/5)
Terry Rambler: Saying goodbye to our young Apache leader (5/5)
L.M. VanEvery: Use of 'Geronimo' codename was 'offensive' (5/5)
Lise Balk King: The Indian Wars still alive and well in the US (5/5)
IPR: Indian Country bristles at use of 'Geronimo' codename (5/5)
Rep. Cole says military didn't have to use 'Geronimo' name (5/5)
Defense Department says 'Geronimo' was chosen randomly (5/5)
Native Sun News: Veterans upset by 'Geronimo' codename (5/4)
Fort Sill Apache Tribe to President Obama about 'Geronimo' (5/4)
Seminole Tribe letter to President Obama about 'Geronimo' (5/4)
Navajo president's statement on 'Geronimo' as codename (5/4)
SCIA to address use of 'Geronimo' as codename at hearing (5/4)
NCAI statement on use of 'Geronimo' for Osama codename (5/4)
Steven Newcomb: US still treats Indian people like terrorists (5/4)
Lise Balk King: US drops bomb with 'Geronimo' as codename (5/4)
Military use of 'Geronimo' codename was apparently recent (5/4)
Onondaga Nation leaders criticize military use of 'Geronimo' (5/4)
Fort Sill historian doesn't think 'Geronimo' use is a big deal (5/4)
Opinion: Geronimo back in the news with Osama bin Laden (5/4)
Opinion: US slanders Geronimo's name with Osama mission (5/3)
Rep. Pearce: White House crowd celebrates Osama's death (5/2)