The Silver City Public Library will host "Hanstaadaka'nde: The Apache Are Coming … (for a gift)," a presentation by Ruben Leyva, on Friday, April 11, 3:00pm. Mr. Leyva will be at the library in-person, but the presentation is accessible simultaneously in-person and online. Those interested in attending virtually can find registration information at www.silvercitypubliclibrary.org.
This engaging presentation will delve into Ruben Leyva's rich Indigenous history. In 1879, Leyva's ancestors journeyed to Fort Bowie to seek peaceful negotiations with the U.S. Discover the remarkable story of former Medal of Honor recipient and Apache scout Tlol-dil-xil (Black Rope), shared about Leyva's family with anthropologist Grenville Goodwin.
Regarding his doctoral work, Ruben Leyva said, "I desire to publish ethnographic work on behalf of my people, today known as Gila Apache or Chíhéne, by documenting our history and advocating for our sovereignty." Leyva publishes detailed columns in the Arizona Silver Belt newspaper and the Grant County Beat about Gila Apache history, and he made six presentations about tribal history and sovereignty last year. Leyva has a master of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in criminal justice administration from Trident University International. He also earned a Senior Executives in State and Local Government certificate from Harvard Kennedy School.
For more information call the library at (575) 538-3672 or email at
