2019-5 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz
Remembrances Article 2019-5
Prepared by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Source: Juan Garcia, Lipan Council
Lipan Indian Tribal History & Customs
September 3, 2019, was the scheduled date for the Schertz Area Genealogy Club monthly
meeting and the program for the evening was a presentation made by Lipan Apache Tribe
member Juan Garcia. Mr. Garcia’s presentation was especially interesting for all in attendance
to include members of the Historical Preservation Committee. The history of the tribe’s
migration as a part of Indian nation’s movement from Canada into the United States between the
years 1000 and 1400 resulted in the establishment of several Apache tribes to include the Plains
Apache tribe. By 1700, several Apache bands fled southward into central and southern Texas
fearing attacks from war oriented Comanche tribes. The Lipans supported Texans during their
struggle for independence from Mexico but became adversaries following Texas independence
as Anglos sought to confiscate tribal lands all in the name of “Manifest Destiny”. The tribes
entered into treaties with their German and Anglo settlers but most such treaties were broken and
conflicts ensued until eventually the Lipan people were forced into tribal reservations in
Oklahoma and New Mexico. There are nine surviving Lipan tribes that operate under the
leadership of a tribal council. Only three such tribes are federally recognized tribes of Texas.
Mr. Garcia displayed numerous artifacts representing social, cultural and hunting tools produced
by Lipan tribe members for use in ceremonies, clothing décor, and hunting activity. He discussed
the custom of Peyote use among Lipan members as a ceremonial herb and use as a medical cure
device.
Below are photo of Juan Garcia dressed in Lipan ceremonial dress.
Garcia’s ceremonial dress (rear view) Garcia’s breast plate shield