Tappan's Burro (Yaqui)

"Yaqui" is a story included in Zane Grey's collection of short stories entitled Tappan's Burro and Other Stories.  This tale is set in Mexico, but depicts Yaqui people, many of whom were driven into Arizona by the Mexican army.  It also accurately describes Mexico's effort to enslave a Native people who had the misfortune of be located on top rich silver mines in the Rio Yaqui Valley (Sonora).

Zane Grey chose "Yaqui" as the name of the chief who is the primary character in this tale.  Yaqui had led his people in a long, courageous fight against the Mexican army.  However, his warriors have dwindled and their days are drawing to a close.  He is captured and sold into slavery far south on the Yucatan Penninsula. Grey's words describe Yaqui's revenge. 

The entire story, "Yaqui" can be read online if you:

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Zane Grey despised the Mexican army for what amounts to an attempt to destroy the Yaqui tribe and steal their land.  Captured members of the tribe either fled into their territorial lands in the United States or were sold into slavery.  Many, like the story's hero, were sent to work in the henequin fields of Yucatan, a job from which few survived.  Others were were sold at 60 pesos a head to the owners of sugar cane plantations in Oaxaco and to tobacco planters in the Valle Nacional. Women were only allowed to marry Chinese workers. 

Thousands of Yaquis died, but they survived as people.  Eventually, the Mexican government recognized their sins and created a reserve for the Yaqui in Sonora.  After many years, On September 18, 1978, a law was enacted that established a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and gave reservation status to Pascua Yaqui lands near Tucson

Many other Yaqui people live in Arizona.  There are existing communities in Guadalupe and Penjamo though these people are not formally recognized by the federal government.  Other Yaqui are dispersed through the state. 

Zane Grey included Yaqui characters in other novels, always portrayed in a positive manner.