VOLUME 16 EDITION 7
VOLUME 15 EDITION 10
Published by the Comanche Nation Public Information Office, Lawton, OK
June 2015
Lawton, OK
Student Services Preparing for Upcoming School Year Fred Harris, LaDonna Harris (Co-
October 2014
Free is Flute Stand Down Set Making to Help Homeless NativeWorkshop Veterans By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
You see them everywhere. Homeless men and women walking the streets and chatting among the manche), and Wakeah Tabbytite trees and at parks. Submitted Comanche at Nation inby grandstands a parade. Photo Sometimes they live among Student Services Staff courtesy of LaDonna Harris. their families, moving from house to house, helping their loved ones with The end of the school year is what they can, and happy to have a now upon us and the Comanche Nacomfortable place to eat and sleep. They are U.S. veterans, who tion K-12 Student Services is preparserved valiantly for our country, proing for the upcoming academic year tecting American with honor, and (2015/2016). through heroic deeds. Applications will become Now, after giving their available July 1, 2015 and will be Courtesy Photo youthful lives to the military branchaccepted beginning July 20, 2015. I es, they are without homes, Staff without Submitted by CNMCC strongly urge the parents/guardians steady meals, and do not know where The Comanche Nationto turn in receipts from the previous they will lay their head to rest for the al Museum and Cultural Center issue before submitting a new applinight. (CNMCC) is hosting a free fl ute cation, as the receipts are needed for Vision Maker Media Press Release Members of local tribes and making workshop by tribal artist Tim audit purposes. A list of failure to reVeteran Affairs (VA) have been meet All-star fi lmmaking duoTate Nevaquaya from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ing for several months to organize a turn receipts has been compiled along -Comanche producer and director Stand Down for the American Indian, on June 27. Pre-registration for this with a list of returned receipts with Julianna Brannum and executive proand other veterans the Anadarko, workshop is in required. Historically, non permissible items. ducer Johnny Depp (Transcendence, Okla. area. the fl ute was an instrument made Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lone It is the policy of Comanche “In military a Stand men. Ranger)--bring the story of politically and used only terms, by Comanche Nation K-12 Student Services ProDown is when military personal can uential enrolled Native American In an effort to preserve this tradition, gram to infl provide Comanche leader come in from the fi eld and get a hot LaDonna Harris to Public Television CNMCC is limiting the workshop to tribal members who are in grades meal, shower, and a time to rest and stations nationwide with broadcasts male, enrolled tribal members age 15 K-12 with supplemental assistance eat,” said coordinator, Mary Culley. beginning November 1. and older. for basic school needs. Assistance The Stand Down will take LaDonna Harris reshaped Nevaquaya Photos by Tomah Yeahquo/News Staff will be Indian a shopping/gift card for the place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7 is at the the son of Country both in America and renowned Comanche artist and fl ute purchase of clothing/shoes and school Iscani Gym 1 South Coronado CirPhotos by Paula Karty/News Staff abroad. A Comanche from OklahoTime, weather, and poor maintenance are taking a toll on the maker, the late Doc Tate Nevaquaya. Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages gathered Sept. 19-20 at the LO cle, Anadarko, Okla. Lunch will be supplies.ma, she helped convince the Nixon legendary Star House, owned by Quanah Parker. Chairman WalRanch in Lawton, Okla. for the Arrington-McSpadden All Indian served at 11:30 a.m. Participants will gain knowledge Each participant will receive administration to return sacred land Coffey and thelive CBC are leading the way to help restore the Rodeo Association Region 8 Finals to golace Head-to-Head with stock Pick ute’s origination, stories, culup locations will be about fl assistance once per year program year to the Taos Pueblo Indians of New historic to qualify for the National Indian Rodeo Finalssite. in November at Las available to drive veterans who may tural teaching, and basic fundamenMexico, founded the Americans for (program year begins October 1st and ABOVE: The back of the star house shows decaying wood struc-not have transportation to the Stand Vegas, NV. See Page 10-11 for more action pictures and winners. Indian Opportunity in 1970, and betals of cedar fl ute and courting fl ute ends September 30th of the following tures and panels. Down.making. came a vice-presidential nominee in year). Please note that purchase canLEFT: The upper bedroom, closest to the roof, shows the deterio- Veterans are asked to bring 1980. Nevaquaya will demonstrate not exceed amount of the cards. Partheir DD 214 Forms, if available. rating inner structure. LaDonna Harris: Indian 101 the process of making these types of ent/guardian will be responsible for Several services will be is a refl ection of her political achievefl utes fl utes in various the difference should it occur. available for with not several only Native Vetments, personal struggles, and the states of assembly. Participants will The amount has increased erans, but for all veterans, spouses events that led her to becoming a Simon Moya-Smith/Indian Country Today website: www.indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com 9/10/14 keep their work at the conclusion of for the voice for Native people. Raised on a upcoming academic year or widows or veterans. Some of the the workshop. services include housing assistance, therefore the in program will be very farm Oklahoma during the Great An elected offi cial in Colo- undocumented persons and likened Former Colorado State Senemergency shelter and other social means “This workshop By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff strict on Depression, the disclosure and did guideLaDonna not attend rado has received an onslaught of hate Native American mascots to animals. ator Suzanne Williams, a Comanche, services, employment assistance, sharing,” Nevaquaya said. “It means college. However, she studied and mail since he announced his plan to lines. All applicants who have failed “I think that your bill is out In his formal wallpapered forging new friendships and being After Parker’s surrender in introduced a similar bill in 2010, but In an effort to help restore alongside her husband, Fred introduce a bill to ban Native Ameri- rageous,” she wrote. “Do you really it was pulled in committee due to a health screenings, hair cuts, and legal to return learned receipts or have purchased dining room with its wood-burning 1875, he lived for many years in a the crumbling Star House, owned services. Harris, who would become a U.S. can mascots throughout the state. able to create something of great items not allowed will be suspended believe that schools are being deroga- lack of support. by Quanah Parker, Chairman Wal- reservation tipi. Parker decided that stove, Parker entertained white busi There will be personal care Senator. Upon his taking offi ce, she beauty, together, as a Tribe.” House Representative Joe tory because of their mascot name? If Salazar said he has no intenfor the academic year 2014/2015. products, a clothing closet, surplus ness associates, celebrities and tribal he needed living quarters more befi tlace Coffey will have a Vigil 11 a.m. too undertook a public service role. The workshop will be open Salazar said most of the hate mail ac- that is the case, then we shouldn't use tion of withdrawing the bill. He said Please contact the program items such as blankets and boots that June 20, at the Star House location, LaDonna is best known for her work cuses him of being politically correct ting his status among the Comanches, animal names, cowboys, colors foods he members alike. will push it all the way through to all enrolled Comanche tribal memoffi ce regarding any questions about will also be given away. in U.S. civil rights when she set the more suitable to his position as the legislature. Among celebrated in Cache, Okla. A caravan leading and and excoriates him for addressing the or anything as peoples feelings might “I’m his not pulling this visi- bers if the 15 available slots are not receipts at (580) 492-3278. “There are a lot of veterans tone with a landmark legislation inispokesperson for the white cattle bill,” tors he was Roosevelt.[7] to the location will leave the Co- a be hurt. I mean, I love the color green mascot issue instead of handling othsaid. Theodore “It’s a different day fulfi lled. Anyone interested in regthat does not know what the VA has tiative that returned land to the Taos Parker was a founding supporter of istering for the workshop is asked manche Nation Complex at 10 a.m. er state matters. Salazar begs to dif- owners. In order to accommodate his so don't use it because it offensive to here in Colorado.” to offer them,” said Commander of Pueblo Tribe and Native tribes of me. Mascot names have been around the Native Should American the bill Church. become His fer. “Now is the time to address issues “We need to begin the multiple wives and children, this twoto contact Michelle Timbo at (580) the Comanche Indian Veteran AssoAlaska. She also served a pivotal role that have been ignored so Star long,” story eight-bedroom clapboard house for many years, probably before you law, one was of the schools that would home often the scene of practiprocess of renovation of for the ciation (CIVA. “Many of the ones I 353-0404 Ext. 303. The deadline for in helping the Menominee Tribe re- he said. were ten-foot born, and because and one a person ceilings picket be required to change its name is the tioners who sought him out for spiriHouse,” said Coffey. “There is con- with talked to does not want to fi le a claim registration is June 15. gain their federal recognition. His bill would require the gets upset it's all over. There are so Lamar High School Savages. The siderable roof and house damage.” fence was constructed for Parker. tual advice. Parker fed hungry tribal because they feel they did their job, CNMCC is located in Law Her trailblazing efforts be- more than one dozen schools in Colo- many other issues that need to be ad- school’s mascot is an Indian. Salazar Following the Vigil, lunch Request for fi nancial asmembers in his home and was known and the VA does not owe them anygan when President Lyndon B. John- rado with a Native American mascot dressed such as illegals and you are said Lamar High School’s reluctance ton at 701 NW Ferris Avenue, behind thing. But they do not know the benwill be provided, and a tour of the sistance was denied by the United to never turn away anyone. son selected her to educate both the McMahon Auditorium. For more into change their logo and name or lose worried about school mascots. If you to change its name and logo is a prime efi ts the VA can give them fi nancially site of the Quanah Parker States government. Parker’s friends example of why the bill is necessary. The home has been on the Prayers will be given on original executive and legislative branches of state funding, unless a school has an used your time wisely this state may formation about the museum, visit and medically.” House is scheduled. the cattle business, particular Register of of Historic Places top of Medicine Bluff 10 a.m. June U.S. government on the unique relaestablished relationship and permis- in actually become better. in Get some National “There’s a lot pride for www.comanchemuseum.com. Red Elk added Native famitionship that American Indian tribes sion from an Indian nation. All are welcomed to attend 6666 Ranch owner Samuel Burk being a Lamar Savage," Lamar City as of 1970, according to the National 19, marking the fi rst day of summer. new issues to focus on, please.” lies take care of their loved ones who hold within our nation. This educa Salazar nanced the building of the Register of Historic offi cial Chairman Wallace Coffey the vigil. Salazar provided ICTMN Burnett, fi said he has invited Councilman Kirk Crespin Places told The are veterans, having them stay at tion course was affectionately called with several of the emails he has reThe Star House was built house.[5][6] The cost of construction website. invites everyone to join the Comanthe opposition to a meeting on Sep- Denver Post. “Why should we have their homes and live with them. "Indian 101" and was taught to memceived from constituents who oppose was slightly over $2,000 ($48,000 in tember 10 at the Denver Indian Fami- to go through the state to get a mascot che Nation on top of the historic by lifelong friend of Parker, Samuel “They do not consider bers of tribal Congress and other federal his bill. Some messages poke at Sala- 2010, adjusted for infl ly Resource Center. He said the meetapproved that's been around for deBurk Burnett, in 1890. ation). bluffs, where members have themselves homeless, but they are, agencies for over 35 years. zar for being too far on the left. ing is to provide the community with cades?” prayed since time immemorial. and this stand down can help them La Donna Harris: Indian 101 “Isn’t there something more “ownership of the bill.” The meeting Salazar said the argument of Lunch will be provided folhelp themselves.” is the fi rst documentary about the Na- important you could be addressing will be from 4:30-7 p.m. school pride and tradition is a weak lowing the prayer vigilance. For more information, to tive activist and national civil rights [than] school mascots?” writes one. So far, he said, none of the one. “It’s an appalling argument,” he donate to the Stand Down, or to set For more information, conleader, LaDonna Harris. Brannum “It’s a waste of time, money and just opposition Nation has accepted his invita- said. “[The word ‘savage’] will never Floods Damage Area, Comanche Emergency Management Activated tact the commented, Comanche "LaDonna's Nation at (580) unique and plain stupid. But what should I expect tion. “They’re not coming. We invite take on a new meaning. The defi ni- up a booth at the Stand Down, call Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff Culley at (405) 626-3426. 492-4988. bi-partisan approach to political and from a Democrat?” them to meet the community then tion in itself is something that doesn’t Another person wrote to they don’t want to show up. It’s a connote anything positive.” When the rain began to pour cern,” said Coffey. “ I have activated See HARRIS, Page 2 Salazar arguing he should focus on sanctimonious attitude,” he said. DUE TO THE FLOODING down in Southwest Oklahoma, with
LaDonna Harris: Indian 101 Shares the Life of One of America's Most Politically Influential Native Americans
Proposed Bill Would Ban Native Mascots in Colorado; Sponsor Gets Hate Mail
A Morning of Prayer is Set the First Day of Summer
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE
CONDITIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA, THE COMANCHE ENCAMPMENT, SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 15-17, IS POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE
Only the roof of the Ft. Sill Picnic Area, off of I-44, can be seen May 24, as Medicine Bluff Creek overflowed.
no signs of stopping, Chairman Wallace Coffey, made one of his fi rst decisions since winning the Chairman position for a second term; he declared a State of Emergency on May 19, and activated the Comanche Nation Emergency Management Team. “The safety of the Comanche people, and everyone who live in fl ooded communities , are my con-
our Comanche Nation Emergency Management Team, and they are ready to help the communities who are in need.” The team, who are trained in State and Federal Emergency Management, swiftly took action by fi rst creating a hot line specifi cally for fl ood assistance, and ordering materials to make sandbags. Once those
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June 2015
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THE COMANCHE NATION NEWS The award-winning Comanche Nation News, the offi cial communication of the Comanche Nation, is available at no charge upon request. The deadline to submit information for the July 2015 edition is noon June 18. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome. Contact: The Comanche Nation News P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908 Telephone: (580) 492-3386 Fax: (580) 492-3709 Emails: comanche_news@yahoo.com pio@comanchenation.com •
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TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: jolenes@ comanchenation.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: paulak@ comanchenation.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/ Photographer- Telephone-(580) 492-3385. Email: staceyh@comanchenation.com. Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. Photographs will be copied and will become the property of TCNN. To return original photographs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send faxed photographs or newspaper copies of photographs. The Milestones Page (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements,Memorial Pictures, Weddings, Births) are by submission only. The Passings are submitted by the Comanche Nation Funeral Home or by tribal members on a funeral home letterhead. The Milestones Page is for tribal members only. TCNN publishes all services conducted by The Comanche Nation Funeral Home without discretion. Obituaries are written for tribal members only. TCNN will print a Comanche organization’s annual event fl yer once free of charge as a courtesy to our tribal organizations. The guidelines for fl yer submission are: Pow-wow fl yers have to be from an established Comanche organization. There has to be contact person and number on the organization’s annual fl yer. We reserve the right to edit all material. Letters or articles that contain libelous information, slander, or personal attacks will not be printed. Letters to the Editor must be signed with a legible name. The letters to the editor or articles contained in the The Comanche Nation News does not reflect the views or opinions of the PIO staff.
Comanche Nation Officials
Chairman Wallace Coffey Vice Chairman Mike Mack Mahsetky Secretary/Treasurer Jerry Tahsequah Committeeman No. 1 Jonathan Poahway Committeeman No. 2 Sonya Nevaquaya Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Clyde Narcomey Tribal Administrator William Owens To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK 73505
Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001 Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
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The Comanche Nation News
Nine Resolutions Pass During May CBC Meeting By Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
Chairman Wallace Coffey called the May CBC meeting to order at 10:21 a.m. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah conducted Roll call. A quorum was established. The invocation of the meeting was given by Chairman Wallace Coffey. Resolutions No. 50-15 Enrollment List No. 988 Vice-Chairman, Mack Mahsetky, makes motion to approve. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 51-15 Enrollment List No. 999 Committeeman #3, Harry Mithlo, makes motion to approve. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 52-15 Enrollment List No. 1000 Committeeman #3, Harry
Mithlo, makes motion to approve. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 53-15 Enrollment List No. 1001 Committeeman #3, Harry Mithlo makes motion to approve. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 54-15 Enrollment List No. 1002 Vice-Chairman, Mack Mahsetky, makes motion to approve. Committeeman #3, Harry Mithlo, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 55-15 Road Improvements to Route No. 7142 Committeeman #3, Harry Mithlo, makes motion to approve. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 56-15 Resend the bar of BIA Moved to Executive Session.
No. 57-15 Reappoints Peggy Paddyacker to the Gaming Board of Directors Moved to Executive Session. No. 58-15 Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Highway Safety Program Vice-Chairman, Mack Mahsetky, makes motion to approve. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, seconded the motion. The motion carries. No. 59-15 Grant App to the Dept. of U.S. Vice-Chairman, Mack Mahsetky, makes motion to approve. Committeeman #3, Harry Mithlo, seconded the motion. The motion carries. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, makes motion to adjourn meeting. Committeeman #3, Harry Mithlo, seconded the motion. Executive session began at 10:51 a.m.
FLOOD
Continued from Page 1
were established, the that helped me and my famteam extended to men ily in a time like this,” stated and women making Misty Dawn Komahcheet sandbags, and began Cardona, of Dallas, Texas, on distributing them as her Facebook Page May 30. the calls for fl ood as“Thursday night my apartsistance came in. ment fl ooded out, and me and Little did my 4 and 2 (year olds) live in the team know that Dallas. I have all my family in the worst was yet to Oklahoma. We had nothing. come, and on MemoAnd Anthony (Nauni), Wilrial Weekend, waters lie (Owens) and a lady named Tribal Employees load sandbags to take to Walters May 22. rose in the surroundDonna (Wahnee) got together ing lakes in record and got me and my children numbers. Flood gates were forced by morning, there was a break in the some help and off the street…” open at area lakes after being dormant rain to allow roads to reopen. Other calls through the for years. This added to the rain’s ris- Some tribal members need- Emergency Hot line included storm ing waters, and the result was fl ood- ed more help than others, and with shelters and basements that were ing from Anadarko, Apache, Medi- the approval of the Tribal Adminis- fl ooded, plumbing problems due to cine Park, Cache and Indiahoma, to trator and Comanche Business Com- the fl ooding, fallen trees or debris Walters, Grandfi eld, and Temple. mittee, families who were complete- around homes, and roof damage, to Around 200 people who ly fl ooded out of their homes were name a few. were at the annual Yellowfi sh De- moved to hotel rooms. “We are trying to help as scendant Powwow May 23 at the “I am so proud to be Coman- many as we can who are affected by Comanche Nation Complex were che,” said tribal member Leann Park- the fl ood,” said Emergency Managestranded due to waters fl ooding both er Smith, whose house was fl ooded ment Incident Commander, Charles roads leading to the tribal headquar- was forced to evacuate her home of Crutcher. “We have been in contact ters. Members of the Emergency nearly 20 years. “I did not think any- with the Indian Health Service EnManagement Team who were present one would help me and my family. vironmental Department to help asat the powwow helped tribal law en- We had nowhere to go. I was devas- sist residents, as well as other tribal forcement evacuate the crowd once tated, and scared. Our Chairman de- programs like Home Improvement, fl ood waters descended long enough clared a State of Emergency before Capitol Improvement, and the Transto allow cars to pass. Members of our own State Governor did. There portation’s Gravel and Road, to help the CIVA helped steer traffi c out of are no words I can say to describe get chat on some of the driveways the parking lot, allowing everyone to how I feel after the tribe helped my that were washed out.” leave in a safe and orderly manner. family. Thank you is not enough.” An estimated 6,500 sand Rains continued to pour Hundreds of phone calls bags were distributed to tribal memthroughout the weekend, making poured into the hot line, and the bers and members of the affected East Cache Creek to fl ood over, and Emergency Management Team was communities. Those helping fi ll forcing the Comanche Nation Casino put into high gear, as they opened sandbags included the Lawton High in Lawton to temporarily close, along shelters in Walters and Cache to help Wrestling Team and Football Team, with the Comanche Nation Tourism the residents who were displaced due active duty military volunteers, and Center, and nearby Best Western to fl ooding. tribal members who just wanted to Hotel. The Comanche Nation Water With the help of Red Cross help. Tribal employees were also Park also took a hit with the high wa- and the Salvation Army, the shelters called to help check on tribal memters, and are not expected to open un- were assisting residents in the areas bers, fi ll sandbags, and access areas. til around July, tentatively. most affected. Food, cots, blankets, Now that the rains have An Emergency Shelter was water, and a place to wash clothes cleared and summer is around the created at Watchetaker Hall follow- was provided at the shelters. corner, the Emergency Management ing the powwow for ones who could The effects of the fl ood were Team continues to help those victims not travel back to their homes due felt in Texas as well, and tribal mem- of the fl ood. As of press time, the to road closures. Food and blankets bers in Dallas Ft. Worth area were team was in the process of assesswere provided for the shelter, through also calling the Emergency Hot line. ing homes and property, and helping the Family Assistance Center for “I would like to say Thank them fi nd way to help them repair those who had to stay overnight, and You to all of the Comanche Nation their homes and property.
Want to Start a Business? Need Money to Expand Your Business, Including Arts & Crafts Businesses ? Call (580) 351-9951 Comanche Nation Revolving Loan Program
Tribal Nations Unite Against State’s Efforts to Break Gaming Agreements The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas (UINOKT) recently passed a unanimous resolution to support the Citizen Potawatomi Nation against the State of Oklahoma’s attempt to tax business enterprises on tribal land and break casino compacts. The UNIOKT met on May 7th in an emergency session to discuss threats and impending actions from the State of Oklahoma against the economic sovereignty of Citizen Potawatomi Nation. The State’s Tax Commission and Alcoholic Beverage Liquor Enforcement agency threatens to revoke licenses and permits used for gaming operations unless the Citizen Potawatomi Nation reports and collects taxes for all transactions between the Nation and non-members on trust land. Native American Tribes, unlike other governments, don’t have a tax base so tribes must operate businesses to generate tax revenue income to fund government services, which typically benefi t the entire local community. Currently, the State is in the process of revoking sales tax permits, which is necessary to hold licenses to sell alcoholic beverages in the Nation’s casinos, unless the Nation reports and collects additional taxes for the State of Oklahoma. “The Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a model of economic growth for a sovereign Nation,” said Wallace Coffey, Chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. “Without any help from state and federal sources, they developed a successful business enterprise platform, which generated a tax base to grow and support their tribal programs and members. When the State of Oklahoma impedes on this success by garnishing taxes outside of our agreed upon compact terms, it erodes tribal sovereignty.” The tribal members of the UINOKT passed a resolution condemning the State for going outside the Model Tribal Gaming Compact (Compact) agreement that was jointly signed by the State and every Nation in Oklahoma who operates tribal governmental gaming operations on trust land. The UINOKT resolution calls for the State to stop the illegal action and to abide by the dispute resolution structure outlined in the offi cial Compact agreements instead of trying to force the CPN to defend itself within the state’s own administrative agencies. The UINOKT is a regional intertribal organization consisting of federally recognized Indian Nations whose collective purpose is to insure and maintain the integrity of their sovereign rights as independent nations under the protection of laws, jurisdiction, and government of the United States as well as support the free and independent commercial activity of tribes on Indian lands, free from the taxation of goods and services by other sovereign entities.
Watch the CBC Monthly Meetings by Going to the Comanche Nation Website:
www.comanchenation.com 10 a.m., (CST)The First Saturday of Each Month
The Comanche Nation Mass Text is being Upgrated, and will be active again soon.
June 2015
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Programs Tourism Center Taking Youth Applicants for Summer Fest
The Comanche Nation Tourism Center is highlighting Native Talent at this year’s, “Tourism Summer Fest.” A “Talent Show Competition” will be a huge part of the festivities for 2015. “This will be one of the most entertaining, encouraging and exciting events of the year,” said Tourism Director, Bonnie Monoessy. “ We are encouraging our youth 6 years of age through 17, to come display your talent. If you like to sing...make up an Indian themed song or sing a tribal hymn, if you can dribble a basketball...make a routine to a pow-wow song, if you like poetry...write a powerful poem about your tribe, just a few suggestions. We are keeping the theme native and family friendly, so put your ideas to work and come out and show your pride.” Deadline for Registration Individual Competitors Age Groups 6 - 8 - 6 p.m. June 29, Age Group 9 - 11; 12 - 14; 15 - 17 • Group Competitors (No age split, age limit 6-17, 2 or more, limit 6 max) 6 p.m. June 29 • Native Arts & Craft Vendors 6 p.m. July 10 • Food/Concession Vendors 6 p.m. July 10 • Volunteers 6 p.m. July 13, 2015 The registration forms can be emailed to you in PDF form or you can request a form by calling (580) 595-4941. When submitting forms back to CNTC, please call to verify the form has been received. The Tourism Center Staff is not responsible for missing forms. They are looking forward to the event and hope that the public will come out and join in the fun. Visitors will get to enjoy special guests, local native performances, Native youth talent show, kids recreation, Native arts vendors, food vendors and much more. Mark your calendars for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 18.
Comanche Elders Council Attends 2015 White House Conference on Aging Listening Session
The 2015 White House Conference on Aging Listening Session was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at the National Center for
Employee Development (NCED) in Norman, Oklahoma. Attending the session were Adele Mihesuah, Board of Directors Secretary for the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) and Representative for the Southern Plains Region for NICOA which encompasses Kansas, Western Oklahoma and Texas, and member Comanche Nation Elders Council; Vivian Holder, Vice-Chairperson for the Comanche Nation Elders Council; and Rita Heath, member Comanche Nation Elders Council. The listening session offered an opportunity to provide input to the White House regarding the issues most importance to older AI/ AN Americans. This listening session will help frame the issues, foster discussion, and facilitate a vision for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. There were four common themes selected for each Listening Session: (1) Retirement Security; (2) Healthy Aging; (3) Long Term Services and Supports; (4) Elder Justice. Participating in the Listening Session were Cynthia LaCounte, Director, Offi ce for American Indian/ Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Programs; Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging; and Randella Bluehouse, Executive Director, National Indian Council on Aging. Ms. Bluehouse was instrumental in having a Listening Session for the Middle of the United States. None had been scheduled by the White House Council on Aging, the closest being in Phoenix, Arizona. There has been no defi nite date for the White House Council on Aging Conference but will be held in Washington, D.C., in 2015. The majority of concern expressed at the Listening Session was for Elder Justice, especially when elders are victimized by members of their own family. Where children and grandchildren take advantage by living with the elder, eating the elders meager food supplies, and taking money and/or prescription drugs. The problem is the elder doesn’t want to complain, they don’t want the children or grandchildren to leave them all alone. The Listening Session was fi lmed by a representative from the Seminole Tribe, the fi lm will be presented to Nora Super, Executive Director of the 2015 White House Conference on Aging for presentation to President Barack Obama along with the statements collected at the Listening Session from participants. There
were over 100 attendees at the Listening Session. The Listening Session was scheduled from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., but was sidelined by Mother Nature as she sent tornadoes through Norman and several other areas of Oklahoma at that time. We were warned of the tornado watch, then tornado warning and Mihesuah, Holder, and Heath opted to leave the Listening Session at 5:15 p.m. or so. There was some levity as one Elder from Navajo Nation took the podium saying she was doing a weather update. She stated we were safe because tornadoes wouldn’t dare hit a room full of Indians. In a press release from NICOA, it was stated that as the threat loomed, they were evacuated to a shelter in the NCED building; and, were kept there until 8 p.m. that evening. Because Mihesuah, Holder and Heath had opted to leave before the evacuation, they were on the road and witnessed the Tornado forming over Norman; and were turned away from a closed Interstate 44 due to overturned semi-trucks and numerous wrecks. The Interstate was closed from the Norman on-ramp to Chickasha until the next morning. The highway patrol advised we take Blanchard to highway 62 into Chickasha, then on to Duncan. The trio found that route, but later discovered that Blanchard had also been struck by a Tornado. So all together the trio dodged three tornadoes and made it home safely.
Elders Council Cancels Wichita Mountains Meeting The Comanche Nation Elders Council monthly meeting at Camp Boulder in the Wichita Mountains was canceled due to fl ooding. Comanche Elders Council meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. the fi rst Monday of every month. There are no requirements to become a member except be Comanche and 62 or older.
Next Rabies Clinic 10am-2pm Saturday, June 20 at the Comanche Complex Softball Field.
DIVORCE? WRITS? WILLS/CODICILS? ATTESTATIONS? Packets/citations typed and prepared for Native Americans for issuance through BIA Court of Indian Offenses. (Additional BIA filing fees due at time of documentation). Reasonable prep fees. Contact: Jewell Tieyah at 580-678-2052 or 580-492-5455
The Comanche Nation News
Children’ Court Explains Program Mission and Goals The Comanche Nation Children’s Court was created on April 9, 1987, under the authority of Article VI, Section 7, Subsection (J) of the Constitution of the Comanche Tribe (later known as Comanche Nation). The Court’s powers and duties are set forth in the Code, pursuant to the inherent sovereignty of the Comanche Nation and in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. Based on the Codes, the Comanche Nation Children’s Court (CNCC) has jurisdiction of the following: • ICW cases; • Adoptions; • Guardianships; • Emancipation; • Paternity; • Name Changes; • Marriage; and, • Child Support. In the next several editions of The Comanche Nation News, articles will be published to explain important facts associated with each of these. The Comanche Nation Children’s Court (CNCC) may exercise jurisdiction over an adoption between two (2) adults who submit to the jurisdiction of the Court regardless of residence or domicile. The purpose of an adoption is to establish a formal and legal family relationship between two or more persons which after adoption, shall exist as if the parties were born into the adoptive relationship by blood. A child shall be deemed eligible for adoption upon voluntary or involuntary relinquishment of parental rights. Voluntary - any parent or legal custodian may relinquish any rights he may have to the care, custody, and control of a child. The consent or relinquishment shall be given by both parents, if living, or by the surviving parent. Involuntary - parental rights
have been terminated before a Court of competent jurisdiction. A parent who consents to adoption or relinquishment of a child shall not be relieved of the duty to support the child until an adoption decree becomes fi nal. Adoption of a child may be decreed without parental consent or relinquishment if a consenting parent, legal guardian or person having legal custody of the child to be adopted secures termination of parental rights by fi ling a separate application for termination of parental rights in the adoption proceeding based on the grounds of abandonment or failure to contribute to support. Adoption of a child may be based on failure to establish parental rights. In addition, consent of a child, over the age of ten (10) with suffi cient maturity and understanding the Court may direct entry of a decree based on interviewing the child. In all adoption cases parties must be represented by counsel. COMANCHE NATION CHILDREN’S COURT Pamela K. Adair, Court Clerk Court Administrator 1921 E. Gore Blvd. P. O. Box 646 Lawton, OK 73502 Offi ce Phone: 580-280-4744 Offi ce Cell: 580-583-7713 Offi ce Fax: 580-595-9423 Email: pama@comanchenation.com Tobias Robles, Jr. – Chief Judge Cornelia J. Karty – Associate Rita Coosewoon – Associate Lisa B. Otipoby-Herbert, Prosecutor HELP A COMANCHE CHILD… BECOME AN ADOPTIVE FAMILY OR FOSTER PARENT TODAY!!
Free Ballet and Hip Hop Dance Classes for Tribal Youth Offered In July
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Tribal youth who are interested in Dance have the unique opportunity to sharpen their skills in July, as International Choreographer, Anna Ward, will offer a Free Dance Workshop July 6-16. The classes will be held 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Lawton Ballet, 6726 NW Cache Rd., Lawton. The fi rst week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week will be Monday through Thursday. The workshop has been approved by the Comanche Business Committee. Many tribal youth are interested in taking Dance Lessons, but because of the cost associated with the extracurricular activity, parents cannot afford it. Ward wants to work with Comanche Nation Youth to share her passion and love of the art form of Dance. She welcomes both boys and girls from age 7 to 17. The girls will learn classical ballet, boys will learn more Hip Hop and have a male leader as well. She is hoping to have three groups. “ I am very excited to teach Comanche youth the art of Dance,” said Ward. “I know they are talented in many ways, and by tapping into their natural skills, they may take interest in it, and we may help produce the next Maria Tallchief or Billy Mills, since it takes discipline,
balance, and strength. Many male professional athletes have taken ballet or dance to improve their athletic skills.” Shoes and outfi ts will be provided for the two week workshop, the highlight will be the performance on the evening of July 16 that will include A Comanche Story to dance, two classical ballet dances and a boys hip hop performance. All Comanche tribal youth are welcome. No experience is needed. Currently, Ward is the director of the Contemporary Ballet Dallas Youth Ballet. She was born and grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas Ward is an international choreographer, Master teacher, and was a leading ballerina with Krassovska Ballet Dallas and Dallas Opera. She has trained under Maria Tallchief, whom she considers one of her biggest infl uences and was a great source of encouragement in her professional achievements. Registration Forms can be picked up at the PIO Offi ce,located at the Comanche Nation Complex. They can be faxed or emailed by calling (580) 492-3386. The deadline to register is June 21. For more information, call Ward, (409) 370-9181.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
A Fun Filled Day at the Comanche Tourism Center’s 2nd Annual Indian Art & Flea Market and Painted Pony Competition Rain Did Not Damper the Spirits of the Participants and Competitors during the Mothers Day Weekend Event Story and Photos Courtesy of the Comanche Nation Tourism Center Staff
All the participants in the Painted pony competition getting ready to begin. The blank ponies and paint were provided by the Tourism Center, each child was able to choose their pony , then proceed to paint in any way they wished!
Vendors set up outside of the Tourism Center, selling unique Mother’s Day Gifts for the ladies who have “everything.”
Winners in the 10-12 Yrs. Category
Pony entries in the Age 10-12 Category
"Most Creative" Nicholas Chibitty
“1st Place” Ariana Parker
"2nd Place" Mackayla Chibitty
"Best of Show" Soonts Gooday
"3rd Place" Kris Killsfirst
"2nd Place" Torrel Parker
"Most Creative" Nzhune Gooday
"Best of Show" Kobe Louis
Winners in the 13-15 Yrs. Category
Pony entries in the Age 13-15 Category
"Consolation" Winners Marissa Chibitty and Sean Louis
"1st Place" Naiyah Gooday
The Comanche Nation Tourism Center would like to thank the following Sponsors who donated prizes to the winners: - IAMNDN - donation of prizes - Billy Simms BBQ - donation of coupon for dinners - 580 Roller Girls - tickets to the May 30 Roller Derby Bout - Comanche Nation Water Park- passes - Charley’s / Cinnabon- coupons for meals
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Dedication Of Cemetery ‘Tears Of Joy For the Ancestors Who Were Honored’
Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
The Comanche Cemetery located on Fort. Sill Base in Lawton, Okla. Several came out on May 13th to pay respects to the loved ones that have passed on.
Chairman Wallace Coffey explains what the medal he is holding is all about. Coffey said, “This is the medal of the tomb of the unknown soldier. I wanted to share it with everyone today because one of these days it’s going to be in the museum.
Col. Waters thanked everyone for coming out to show their respects and said, “Anytime you want to come out, we welcome it.”
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
MAKING MUSIC IN MEDICINE PARK. Olivia Komahcheet, left, with her father, Travis, visit with a customer at the opening of Intertribal Visions in Medicine Park, Okla. The store officially opened March 20, and has been thriving since. Komahcheet, owner of the facility said he is happy with the move and has expanded to music entertainment, on top of his multimedia business. He is working in conjunction with tribal artists Tim Saupitty, Keisha Cable, Calvert Nevaquaya, Mike Espinosa, and Carington Johnson, and feels they are moving in the right direction. The stores offers many forms of artwork. The hours are Friday 10 a.m.-midnight; Saturday 11 a.m. - midnight; and Sunday noon - 7 p.m.
Information and Activities Fill Agenda of the Women’s Wellness Seminar
By Stacy Heminokekey/News Staff
May 13, marked a historic day in the Comanche Nation’s preservation of their culture and heritage. A ceremony was dedicated to the Ft. Sill Indian Agency Cemetery on Fort Sill Post in Lawton, Okla. The cemetery was built near the post in the 1870’s. Over the years, the post expanded and the graves were covered by sod and concrete when an airstrip was built in 1953 by Ft.Sill. A lengthy battle with the U.S. government to uncover the site ensued until 2012. During this time, parts of the airfi eld were removed to expose the cemetery once again. Throughout the ceremony the weather didn’t seem to want to cooperate, it rained very hard. Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, summed it up best when he said, “It was like Mother Nature was crying tears of joy because their ancestors were fi nally honored.” Denise Karty who attended the ceremony has six of her family members buried in this cemetery. “One grave has four children. Two are twins and they died of small pox, so they are all buried together and their grave is marked Kate Karty’s children, and that is my great grandmother,” explained Karty. Karty also expressed, In a way, this has given the members of her family a voice that was taken away before. “It is a very important day, because we have got the headstones here and you know it is all about respect. The federal government has fi nally honored our wished and allowed us to recognize our deceased,” said Karty. Coffey said, “When the tribe became aware of where their ancestors were located on Fort Sill,
they knew a change had to be made.” “Primarily, whenever the Chinook helicopters were landing on this site here, that just really hurt us in a way that we can’t really describe. So we put an all-out effort to lobby the Pentagon, the secretary of the Army and the cemeteries,” explained Coffey. In November 2013, the Comanche tribe was given a Memorandum Of Agreement from the U.S. Army Secretary Of Cemeteries at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. The agreement stated the Indian Agency Cemetery would be treated no differently than any other military cemetery. “I was so elated that it was a commitment that he made. Our ancestors here deserve the same type of consideration as given to the unknown, so we feel very humbled because this has occurred and it’s fi nally come to pass,” said Coffey. The grave markers were just installed last month. A temporary driveway was created to the cemetery next to the air fi eld. However, the names of the people buried in more than 20 plots found in the cemetery remain unknown. This is the oldest cemetery in the history of the Comanche Tribe. Col. Waters said, “People can come out anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. All you have to do as you arrive is push the talk button and the gentlemen or ladies that run the operations center will open the gate for you. If you are an Elder or Handicapped you can drive your vehicle in but if not we will ask you to walk. Come in, pay your respects and on the way out you will do the same thing, push the talk button. We will let you in as you need to.”
Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
The ladies do a quick Zumba warm up. They all did a splendid job and kept in beat to the rhythmic music. By Stacy Heminokeky/News Staff
Women of all areas gathered during the Women’s Wellness Seminar held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 12, located at the Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Okla. The event was sponsored by the Comanche Nation Programs: Prescription Assistance Program, Optometry, Family Assistance Center, Diabetes, Fitness Center, CHR, and Sunshine Home Care. A Continental Breakfast, sponsored by the Comanche Nation Fitness Center, was fi rst on Agenda following presenters and speakers by Lisa Christian, PHD., V. Gay McGayhee, from the Galilee Baptist Church, Teresa Lopez, from Family Assistance Center, Wayla Wauqua from Optometry, and Jamie Swanson and Jenny Head from LIH-Diabetes Program. Motivational speaker, Lisa
Christian, PHD said, “Let’s get ready to have some fun today.” Following the speakers, lunch was provided and sponsored by Comanche Nation Prescription Program. After lunch the women were encouraged to participate in exercises including, dancing basic Zumba style steps to upbeat and rhythmic music, and Rock the Chair exercises. The afternoon concluded with Robert Zumwalt of the LIHDiabetes Program demonstrating Laughter Yoga, and Amanda Parker of the CN Diabetes Program demonstrating Line Up and Dance. The ladies fi nished the exhibition feeling better than ever. Door prizes were also given away, and the sponsors of the annual event deemed the Seminar a success.
V. Gay McGayhee, from Galilee Baptist Church gives the ladies some good information on Self-Esteem.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche National Museum Exhibit Showcases Contemporary Comanche Art
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Courtesy Photo
Submitted by CNMCC Staff
Contemporary native art takes the spotlight at the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC) in May with the opening of The Pahiitu Exhibit, an exhibition featuring the contemporary works of Comanche artists Ed Hoosier, J. Hatfi eld, and Cynthia Clay. The public was invited to attend the opening reception from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at the Museum. “Pahiitu” (pronounced PAH-HEAT) is the Comanche word for the number “three.” Much of the Comanche art that most are familiar with tell stories of Numunuu (Comanches) from long ago.” said CNMCC Director Candy Morgan. The works of Ed Hoosier, J. NiCole Hatfi eld, and Cynthia Clay are all very different but it’s somewhat similar in the sense that all three artists show Comanche life from a very different point of view. Their approach is more modern and “outside the box.” We’re thrilled to exhibit their works.” Morgan said. Ed Hoosier was born at the Indian Hospital in Lawton, Okla. in 1952. For the fi rst fi ve years of his life, Hoosier was raised at the “Mission”. It was a collection of about 20 Indian homes on the outskirts of Lawton, near the Comanche Reform Church. Hoosier’s family moved to Medicine Park when he was six, a haven for hippies and biker gangs during the 60’s. It was then that he started drawing. He was often scolded during class when caught drawing instead of paying attention to lessons, or “daydreaming”. After serving the U.S. Air Force, Hoosier came into contact with his Native side. He became acquainted with the late Woogie Watchetaker in 1979 and soon after, Frankie Nevaquaya. He asked Nevaquaya to join him in his fi rst art show. They encouraged him to develop his skill and to always keep trying new things until he found his style. He tried to emulate many Native American artists, but never was bale to fi nd peace with whatever “style” he had. The day came when painting changed for him. It turned into a peaceful, healing experience. He didn’t worry about “style”, he painted for enjoyment. “My paintings represent a journey for me,” Hoosier said. “They have reminded me of a proud, resilient people who have kept the knowledge of their heritage and survived. They have kept their strong sense of family and sense of humor. These paintings have made me proud of who I am and where I came from. These paintings are about, “Being Indian”. J.NiCole Hatfi eld is a selftaught artist who refers to painting as ‘her voice.’ She uses her preferred medium of acrylic to transfer her bold colors to canvas. She attended
the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which allowed her to develop her skills and branch out into a range of different mediums. Born and raised in the Southern Plains of Oklahoma, Hatfi eld, of the Penatuka (honey eater) band of Comanche, has a profound understanding of the unique paradox in which Native American people and artist fi nd themselves. This paradox involves Fine Art’s demand to “make it new” while still honoring and appreciating the unchanging spirit in all things and traditional tribal values. “Unity, spirituality, and connection to the earth are at the center of my culture, and these are the teachings that I wasn’t to continue,” Hatfi eld said. “Storytelling is the way that we keep these traditions alive. I frequently incorporate tribal language and traditional stories into my paintings with the hope of inspiring the Native youth to keep creating, and continue our traditions of storytelling in painting.” Cynthia Clay was born at the Indian hospital in Lawton, Okla. in 1949. Her mother was Weckeah Bradley, and her father was Bill Bradley. Her grandmother, Alice Parker Purdy, was the youngest daughter of Quanah Parker. While her parents worked, “Gran” was in charge of the household and taking care of Cynthia and her siblings. Her humor, intelligence, and strength have always been a great infl uence on all that she does. During her father’s 30 years in the U.S. Army, Clay’s family was stationed in Germany twice where Gran also followed. While in Europe, they visited many museums and castles and saw lots of art. Back at home, they attended powwows every weekend. Her mother was one of the founding members of the Comanche Gallery of Art, who would regularly meet at their home to eat and visit. Clay remembers them always encouraging her, and soon she was exhibiting with them and did so until they disbanded. “I believe that my art should speak for itself,” Clay said. “The viewer can tell you how it makes them feel or think. Most of my art comes from my subconscious and I am unaware of its meaning. There is a quote that I really like about that, It seems to sum it up, and I don’t know where I heard it: “Art is like a joke, either you get it, or you don’t.” The Pahiitu Exhibit will be on display from May 7 through August 29. CNMCC is located at 701 NW Ferris Avenue, behind McMahon Auditorium. Admission is always free. Call (580) 353-0404 for more information or visit 222.comanchemuseum.com.
The Comanche Nation Offices will be Closed July 3 for Independence Day. Offices will Re-open for regular Business 8 a.m. July 6
TEXAS APOLOGY. The State of Texas formally apologized to all Texas First Nations April 21, at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, who once, or still calls, Texas home, despite much past abuse and expulsion. Texas Governor Abbott read aloud the legislation. Above, Members of the Comanche, Kiowa, Apache/ Lipan Apache, Wichita, Caddo & Affiliated Tribes, Tonkawa, Alabama-Coushatta, Tigua Pueblo and Kickapoo attended the event. LEFT: State Representative Polly White, Destrict 55, who initiated the Bill of Apology, receives a gift from former CBC Member and supporter of the Bill, Mark Wauahdooah.
The Annual Graduate Page, usually in the June Edition of The Comanche Nation News, has been pushed back to the July Issue, due to limited Space. Any graduate who has not turned in a Graduation picture can email it to: Paula Karty: paulak@comanchenation.com The Deadline to turn in Graduation Pictures is 5 p.m. June 18. Please include any degrees earned and what School/ University you completed.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Military Submitted by: Lanny Asepermy/CIVA
2015
CIVA ARMED FORCES DAY BANQUET
The Comanche Indian Veterans Association held their 10th Annual Armed Forces Banquet at Watchetaker Hall on May 16. A new princess was crowned, four veterans were honored for their combat service and two Texans were recognized for their contribution to Comanche history. A record attendance of 168 guests were present including Chairman and CIVA Commander in Chief Wallace Coffey and Business Committee Member Harry Mithlo, the Comanche Nation Junior Princess Tristen Wauqua, former CIVA Princess Chelsea Sapcut, the Commander and Vice Commander of the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society, active duty Army members LTC Rhonda Williams and CPT Kent O. Tomah III (both Comanches) and other guests from Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, Arkansas and Washington state. After the opening blessing by CIVA Sergeant of Arms US Air Force (Retired) MSgt Lonnie Henderson, the National anthem was sung by Princess Shelby Mata and the Comanche Flag Song by the Sovo Family Singers a meal was provided by Comanche Star Catering. After the meal the coronation of the new CIVA Princess, Lauren Noriega, was conducted as outgoing Princess, Shelby Mata, presented Noriega with her banner and crown. An eagle feather, provided by SIA Director, Bill Volker, was placed onto the crown of Noriega by Chairman Coffey. Both Princesses expressed their gratitude about their past and upcoming terms as Princesses of the organization. Eighteen year old Shelby Elizabeth Mata served as the Comanche Indian Veterans Association Princess since May 2013. She is the daughter of Antonio and Phillis Mata and 2015 graduate of Walters High School and also is the current Ms Walters. She plans on attending Oklahoma University starting this fall. The new CIVA Princess Lauren Ashley Noriega is the 15 year old daughter of the late Richard Wichita and Cecilia Noriega, both Navy veterans. She is a junior at Lawton Eisenhower High School. Her term runs until May 2017.
Shelby Mata presenting the CIVA Princess Crown and Banner to the new CIVA Princess Lauren Noriega.
Cross with/Palm and the Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device Medals and 1 Overseas Bar.
CIVA honoring Nona Reed, Linda Tehauno and Arnita Pewewardy. Remarks from the honorees were conducted at the Comanche Veterans Patriot Room. Robert Red Elk and William Melvin Waddle were also presented with Veteran Gift Packages. Mr. Red Elk also received an Honorable Service Medallion and Mr. Waddle received a Combat Service Medallion along with a HonorNewly elected CIVA Prin- able Service Medallion. Mr. Lane cess Lauren Ashley Noriega. and Mrs. Holmes presented the CIVA Honors followed too soon to with a framed certifi cate and Brave be 89 year old World War II veteran Star Pendleton Blanket. Ms Noriega Thurman Ray Tahsuda, Vietnam War concluded the program with a Coveterans Michael Waddle and Wil- manche hymn honoring all present. liam Clifford Red Elk, Persian Gulf War and War on Terrorism veteran John Bennett McClung and Texans Jim Lane and Clara Wallace Holmes. The veteran honorees were presented with Grateful Nation Pendleton blankets, Combat and Honorable Service Medallions, a framed certifi cate, a miniature veteran pony, a Veterans Gift package and a stipend. Mrs. Holmes and Mr. Lane were both presented with Honorary CIVA and Auxiliary citations. Ms Holmes was also presented with an Auxiliary Shawl and Medallion. The Bronze Star Medal was presented to Mr. Tahsuda by Mr. Mithlo and a Numu Pukutsi Medallion was presented to Mr. Waddle by Chairman Coffey. Recognition followed to former Auxiliary Leader, PFC Tahsuda Yonevea Terry, Arnita Pewewardy, current Auxiliary Leader Linda Tehauno and Nona Reed for their service and support of the organization. The program at Watchetaker Hall was concluded when Chairman Coffey presented Comanche Nation Distinguished Service Medals to Commander Jack Codopony Sr, former Commander George Red Elk and former Historian Lanny Asepermy. He also honored and Welcomed Home the Vietnam War veterans with a beautiful and fi tting Comanche song about their service in Vietnam and Mr. Tahsuda receiving Bronze Star from Committeeman Harry Mithlo closed the program with a prayer.
Black Leggings Society
Sissy Terry with Auxiliary Plaque Chairman Wallace Coffey presenting CIVA Princess the traditional Eagle Feather for her crown.
Chairman Coffey honoring George Red Elk, Jack Codopony and Lanny Asepermy
Private First Class Thurman Ray Tahsuda was drafted into the US Army and served from October 6, 1944 to August 9, 1946. He began his service at Camp Chaffee, AR and completed his Basic and Infantry Training at Camp Fannin, TX (near Tyler, TX). PFC Tahsuda was then sent to Fort Meade, MD, and onto Camp Shanks, NY where he departed for France on February 28, 1945 aboard the Queen Elizabeth. He arrived in Scotland on March 6, 1945. PFC Tahsuda landed at LeHavre France shortly thereafter and was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 260th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division. He fought in the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. PFC Tahsuda and his unit fought pitched battles while securing at least 8 cities in Germany. At war’s end PFC Tahsuda and his unit met with the Russia Army in the vicinity of the Enns River in Austria. PFC Tahsuda performed occupation duty at various locations in Germany until returning to the United States on August 2, 1946 after spending over 17 months in Europe. He was discharged at Fort Sam Houston, TX. His awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star, Good Conduct, European-Middle Eastern-African Campaign with/2 Bronze Campaign Stars, Army of Occupation (Germany) and the World War II Victory Medals, the Army Lapel Button and 2 Overseas Service Bars.
Lt. Waddle
SP 4 Red Elk
Mr. Waddle receiving blanket from CIVA Princess Lauren Noriega Numu Pukutsi Lieutenant Michael Waddle served in the US Army from January 30, 1966 to January 22, 1969 (2 years, 10 months and 25 days). He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Gordon, GA and his Advanced Individual Training, as a Light Weapons Infantryman, at Fort Dix, NJ. LT Waddle was then assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. He completed Offi cer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on April 17, 1967. After completing the Army Airborne School, also at Fort Benning, on May 12, 1967 he was assigned as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. On February 12, 1968 LT Waddle arrived in South Vietnam disembarking at Chu Lai. For the next 10 months and 29 days LT Waddle performed combat leadership duties in the I Corps area of Hue and Phu Bai, in and around Saigon, the Mekong Delta, the Iron Triangle and the Cambodia boarder. He fought in fi ve campaigns. On August 26, 1969 he was awarded the nation’s third highest award for Gallantry in Action, the Silver Star. His citation, in part, reads “On this date the fourth platoon was on a reconnaissance mission when its point element suddenly came under heavy attack from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army squad. As the initial hail of automatic weapons and rocket fire fell on the platoon’s position, LT Waddle crawled from position to position to direct return fire and to give words of encouragement. LT Waddle fearlessly led his platoon in a counter attack against an aggressive enemy and overran the hostile elements. Pausing long enough to search for intelligence material, LT Waddle continued to lead his men on toward another suspected enemy stronghold. After several hours of searching, the fourth platoon was again taken under fire by enemy automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire. During the initial barrage, two squads were pinned down and sustained heavy casualties. Although outnumbered, LT Waddle courageous and efficiently organized his platoon into a defensive position. After he called for air strikes and after their completion, he again led his platoon in a ferocious ground attack on enemy positions, completely overrunning and routing the enemy.” Other awards include the Combat Infantryman and Parachutists Badges, the Bronze Star with/Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation, the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with/1 Silver Oak Campaign Star, Vietnam Gallantry
Mr. Red Elk receiving blanket from CIVA Princess Lauren Noriega Specialist 4 William C. Red Elk served in the US Army from March 27, 1969 to November 16, 1970 (1 year, 6 months and 25 days). He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Dix, NJ and his Advanced Individual Training, as a Light Weapons Infantryman, at Fort Jackson SC. He served in Vietnam for 1 year and 26 days starting on October 31, 1969 with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. His unit’s area of operations included the Hobo and Boi Loi Woods, the Citadel, Trang Bang, Cu Chi and an incursion into Cambodia. SP4 Red Elk fought in 4 campaigns, the SummerFall 1969, the Winter-Spring 1970, the Sanctuary Counteroffensive and Counteroffensive Phase VII. His awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation with/Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with/4 Bronze Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with/ Palm, Vietnam Civil Action Honor 2nd Class and Vietnam Campaign with/1960 Device Medals, Expert Qualifi cation with/Machine Gun and Grenade Bars, the Marksman Qualifi cation with/Automatic Rifl e Badges and 2 Overseas Bars.
SFC McClung
SFC McClung receiving blanket from CIVAPrincess Lauren Noriega
June 2015
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Sergeant First Class John B. McClung served in the US Army from 1988-93, the Oklahoma Army National Guard from 1993-96 and again from 2007 to present. He completed his Basic and Advanced Individual Training, as a Cannon Fire Direction and Fire Support Specialist at Fort Sill. SFC McClung also served at Fort Knox, KY, Fort Stewart, GA and overseas at Binloch, Germany. From December 1990 to June 1991 he served with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Persian Gulf War during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He and his unit were awarded the Valorous Unit Award for “extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States of America” during the Battle of 73 Easting in Iraq in late February 1991. They fought against 5 divisions of the elite Iraqi Republic Guard and killed between 600-1000 Republic Guardsman, destroyed 160 tanks, 180 Armored Personnel Carriers, 12 Artillery Pieces, 80 Wheel Vehicle and several Anti-Aircraft Systems. SFC McClung also served at Forward Operating Fire Base Ramaidi, Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery from November 2008 to August 2009 and as the Acting Commander of a remote Radar Site for B Battery, Target Acquisition Battalion (Forward) near Shindand, Afghanistan from October 2013 to July 2014. His awards include the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation with/Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement with/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Reserve Achievement, National Defense Service with/1 Bronze Service Star, Army Reserve with/Mobilization Device, Humanitarian Service, Kuwait Liberation, Southwest Asia with/1 Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign with/2 Bronze Campaign Stars, Afghanistan Campaign with/1 Bronze Campaign Star, NATO, and Global War on Terror Service and Expeditionary Medals, the NCO Professional Development with/Numeral 2, Overseas
The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Nation Chairman Wallace Coffey presenting plaques to Mr. Lane and Mrs. Holmes.
Clara Wallace Holmes and Jim Lane in center of photo with members of the CIVA during the Ripley Arnold dedication in Ft. Worth on June 6, 2014. with Numeral 3 and Army Service Ribbons. While in Afghanistan he performed multi-service missions with the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy and was also awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy/Marine Corps Sea Deployment Ribbon and the Navy Unit Commendation. SFC McClung was also inducted into the Field Artillery Order of Saint Barbara on November 8, 2014. Jim Lane and Clara Wallace Holmes have been instrumental with the recognition of Comanche history in Fort Worth, Texas. Through their efforts, as a team and individually, a life-size statue of Quanah Parker and historical marker were dedicated in 2008 at the Fort Worth Stockyards; a Quanah Parker traveling exhibit opened in 2009 and has been shown throughout the Fort Worth/Dallas area, the state of Texas and the United States; a twice life size statue of Fort Worth founder Ripley Arnold was dedicated in 2014 on the banks of the Trinity River and also in 2014 the Comanche Code Talkers of World War I & II were inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame. Texas Trail of Fame Bronze Markers are in place
on the sidewalks of the stockyards for Quanah Parker, Cynthia Ann Parker, Peta Nocona, the Comanche Code Talkers and Ben Tahmahkera. Lane is a native Texan born in Uvalde and is of Cherokee heritage. He served in the US Army from April 1969 to April 1973 as a Captain with the Judge Advocate General Corp at Fort McPherson, Georgia, Falls Church, Virginia and Vietnam. Lane is a graduate of Texas Christian University, JD Baylor Law School and the US Army Judge Advocate General’s School at the University of Virginia. He has practiced law for the past 40+ years defending the average person such as police offi cers and fi remen. Lane continues to help members of the Armed Forces when faced with military court martial. He has served as President, Chairman and Board Member on numerous civil organizations and committees in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Lane was inducted into the Cowboy of Color Hall of Fame in 2004 and Texas Trail of Fame in 2005. The Hispanic and Asia American community and his peers have also recognized Lane for his service. He and his wife, Janet, are members of the Shiloh Mission-
ary Baptist Church. Holmes is a Consultant, Public Speaker and Historical Events Planner. She earned an Associate in Science Degree from Chaffee College in Alta Loma, California in 1967 and a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts from Redlands University in Redlands California in 1974. From 1967 to 1989 Holmes served as a Registered Nurse at the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland California with Emergency Services and as the Assistant Director of Nurses. From 1989 to 2000 she was the Regional Director of Operations for EmCare in Dallas, Texas. From 2000 to 2011 she served as the Manager of the Visitors Information Center, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her achievements, awards and presentations are numerous, as she has served as a Speaker, Tour Guide, Originator, Co-Originator, Events Planner, Chair, Co-Chair, and Researcher for many organizations, committees, historical projects and events in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
Texas Trail of Fame Marker recognizing the Comanche Code Talkers
Statue of Quannah Parker at the Fort Worth Stockyards
6TH ANNUAL BRADLEY H WAHNEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015
6TH ANNUAL BRADLEY H WAHNEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. All golfers must register at the Tournament Registration Desk by 12:30 p.m. and Tee Times will begin at 1pm.
FORT COBB STATE PARK GOLF COURSE JUNE 19TH, 2015
M/W CLOSEST TO THE PIN
Return this form along with your check payment to: WILL FOOTE C/O BRADLEY H WAHNEE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION 110 S. WORTMAN AVE, CLAREMORE OK 74017 Questions? Please contact: WILL FOOTE
Make Checks Payable to: Bradley H Wahnee Golf Tournament
Phone: 580-620-7999 Email: wfoote73507@gmail.com
GREEN FEES: TEAMS - 250.00, INDIVIDUAL - 65.00
CHECKS ONLY, PLEASE EMAIL ME IF AN INVOICE IS NEEDED.
PRE-REGISTRATION WILL END ON JUNE 15, 2015
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL REGISTERED PLAYERS
NO REFUNDS AFTER JUNE 15TH, 2015.
Please complete this Registration Form. If sponsoring a player or a foursome, include confirmed players' below, starting with yourself. Every effort will be made to create foursomes. Single players will be matched up.
M/W LONGEST DRIVE
2 FLIGHTS , 3 PLACES PER FLIGHT LUNCH, TOURNAMENT HAT, GREEN FEES, CART, BUCKET OF DRIVING RANGE BALLS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH PAID TEAM FEES.
PLAYER #1:
COMPANY:
ADDRESS:
CITY/STATE/ZIP:
TEAMS OF 4 PLAYERS, SCAMBLE RULES
EMAIL:
PHONE/HANDICAPP:
PLAYER #2:
COMPANY:
DATE: JUNE 19TH, 2015
ADDRESS:
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PLACE: FT COBB STATE PARK GOLF COURSE
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TIME: REGISTRATION 11AM, TEE OFF BEGINS AT 1PM
PLAYER #3:
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SPONSORED BY: BRADLEY H WAHNEE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION,
EMAIL:
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REV BILL AND GENEVA FOOTE, KARI WAHNEE FAMILY, FT COBB STATE
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GOLF COURSE, BAR S FOODS, PEPSI COLA, VARIIOUS DONATORS
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
People, Places and Things Happening Men’s Retreat There will be an overnight Men’s Retreat at Camp Y Shua, in the Wichita Mountains, just north of Lawton. The Father’s Day Men’s Retreat will be June 19-20. Registration will begin at 3 p.m. and for the early birds, horse shoe and maybe 3 on 3 basketball. There will be worship in the morning and the evening. At sunrise there will be an hour of prayer on the top of Mt. Scott for all the men. The cost is $30 for overnight and $10 if you can only make Saturday morning. The cost includes lodging and meals. For more information you may contact Eddie Lindsey, Stanton Pewewardy or Willie Doyeto.
in the water, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages everyone to follow healthy swimming behaviors to prevent spreading diseases and to prevent families from becoming sick. The week leading up to Memorial Day (May 18-24) has been designated nationally to be Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week. Healthy swimming behaviors can prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) such as Cryptorchidism, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli. RWIs are caused by swallowing or having contact with organisms in contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, fountains, lakes or rivers. RWIs can also be caused by inhaling mists or aerosols from contaminated water. RWIs can be prevented by taking simple precautions.
Local Student Inducted into Honor Society
Healthy swimming behaviors include the following: • Avoid swimming in the pool or lake when you have diarrhea. On April 8, Kendra Gayle Germs can spread in the water and Satepauhoodle was inducted into the make other people sick. Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society at the • Avoid swallowing pool or CETE Business building located at lake water. Avoid getting water in the the Cameron University campus. mouth in order to prevent ingesting Kappa Delta Pi is an inter- germs. national honor society in education. • Practice good hygiene. Induction is based on high academic Shower before swimming and wash achievement, a commitment to edu- hands after using the toilet or changcation as a career, and a professional ing diapers. attitude which assures the member’s • Diapered children: steady growth in a field of education. • Children who are not yet Satepauhoodle is a 2012 toilet-trained should wear swim diagraduate of Apache High School. She pers in the pool and lake. is majoring in Elementary Educa- • Swim diapers & swim pants tion and is entering her Senior year are not a substitute for frequent diaat Cameron University. She is an per changing and bathroom breaks. enrolled member of the Comanche Check swim diapers and swim pants Tribe and is the daughter of Tammie frequently, and change them away Asepermy and Kendric Satepauhoo- from the pool side. dle of Apache. • Wash your child thoroughly with soap and water before swimespecially the diapered area. Tribal member is named ming, • Swimming in a well-mainValedictorian of her class tained swimming pool will reduce the likelihood of developing an RWI as many of the germs are killed by chlorine. • Avoid swimming in a pool that has cloudy or off-colored water. If the main bottom drain cannot be seen, stay out of the pool. Harmful algae blooms (HAB) may continue to occur in some Oklahoma lakes. HABs can produce toxins that result in illness in humans and animals. Direct contact with water that has a HAB can result in a skin rash; eye, ear and throat irritation; asthma-like symptoms; and diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps. Do not swim or participate in other recreational water activities where murkiness or mats due to blue, Conneywerdy receiving her 8th bright green, red, or brown algae apgrade diploma. pear in or on the water, or if the water has an unpleasant odor. Autumn Conneywerdy was For more information renamed the Valedictorian of her 8th garding waterborne diseases and grade class. Conneywerdy graduated prevention, please visit: http://www. from Frontier Middle School in Red ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_ Rock, Okla. Conneywerdy received was Preparedness/Acute_Disease_Seron the Superintendent’s Honor Roll vice/Disease_Information/Waterfor the fall and spring semesters and borne_Diseases/index.html. was inducted to the Honor Society. Conneywerdy enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with her Stewart Wins Goat friends, and spending time with her Tying Championship family. Conneywerdy is the daughter of Cruz and Gina Conneywerdy, she the granddaughter of Joyce Wahnee and great granddaughter of Donald and Rena DuPoint.
OSDH Encourages Safe Swimming to Prevent Spreading Diseases Make a Healthy Splash: Share the Fun, Not the Germs Think Healthy. Swim Healthy. Be Healthy It’s the time of year to beat the heat by visiting lakes, rivers, pools, and splash pads. As Oklahomans gear up for a summer of fun
Stewart Katie Stewart of Stephenville, TX won the Texas High School Rodeo Assoc. Region 3 Goat-tying Championship Saddle for the year on March 22, at Lone Star Arena in Stephenville, TX. Stewart also qualified for the State High School Rodeo in Break-Away Roping and Team
Roping. This earned her a spot in upcoming PRCA Rodeo, to compete in a one head match against the GoatTying Champion of Region 10, for a $1,000 Scholarship. Stewart has won 11 championship saddles, over 45 buckles and countless tack and prizes during her rodeo career. Stewart is a 16 year old junior at Stephenville High School, she plans to rodeo her senior year and continue to compete through college. Stewart gives the glory to god for giving her the ability and the strength to compete in the sport she loves. She also would like to thank the Comanche Nation for their support in helping to achieve her goals and last but not least, her mother, father, grandparents and family for all their support and encouragement. Stewart is the daughter of Jess and Shay Stewart of Stephenville, TX. She is the granddaughter of Roland and Benal Mason and Mike and Judy Stewart.
21st National Indian Council on Aging Conference Set for September The National Indian Council on Aging, Inc., (NICOA) is holding the 21st NICOA Biennial Conference: Aging in Indian Country, on September 13-15, 2016, in Niagara Falls, New York. Become a Member of NICOA today and receive a reduced conference registration fee. There are three (3) types of Memberships: (1) Voting members (55 years of age and member of a federally recognized tribe, band, or combination of bands) pay $50.00 for a two-year membership for the period of September 2016-2018; (2) Associate member (non-voting/ those who are not yet 55 years of age and/or who are not a member of a federally recognized tribe) pay $100.00 for a two-year membership for the period of September 2016-2018; (3) Organization Associate Member (Any Organization, member can be either Voting or Non-Voting Associate member and includes membership for two individuals) pay $300.00 for a two-year membership for the period of September 2016-2018. For Membership forms and additional information, go online to www.nicoa.org or call (505) 2922001. The NICOA Representative for the Southern Plains Region which encompasses Kansas, Western Oklahoma and Texas is Adele Mihesuah, Comanche Nation. Adele can be contacted at mihesuah@sbcglobal. net
2015 National Native Media Conference July 9-12 • Washington, D.C. Hyatt Regency Crystal City
The 2015 National Native Media Conference will be July 9-12 in Washington, D.C. Join the Native American Journalists Association and Native Public Media, along with more than 300 members, exhibitors, sponsors and partners for the annual Native media event at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Join fellow journalists, students and communications pros improving their reach, social media presence, impact and newsrooms. Learn best practices and discuss issues critical to covering Indian Country during interactive sessions and workshops: - - - - - Tips -
NPR Audio Storytelling PR Boot Camp Covering Money in Politics First Nations - FOIA NBC Nightly News Video Mascots and Media
- -
2016 elections Buzzfeed Social Media
Find new ways to “Empower Your Story” during the premier Native media event of 2015. Earlybird registration rates start at $225 for NAJA members. Register online at www.naja.com and follow all the conference updates with the hashtag #EmpowerYourStory on Facebook and Twitter.
US Dept. of Energy’s Office Indian Energy Hosting Workshop @ENERGY is hosting a community-scale #IndianEnergy workshop in Oklahoma June 9-11. Register today! http://1.usa. gov/1zSUfJn Facebook post: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy is hosting a Community-Scale Tribal Renewable Energy Workshop in Norman, Oklahoma, June 9–11, 2015, at the Riverwind Hotel and Casino. The workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from renewable energy project development experts, get hands-on experience using technology resource assessment tools, explore project case studies, and hear about lessons learned from other Tribes. For more information, please visit the event page: http://1. usa.gov/1zSUfJn Article: DOE to Host Tribal Renewable Energy Development Workshop in Oklahoma The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, with support from the National Re-
newable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is hosting an interactive workshop June 9–11 at the Riverwind Hotel and Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. The first such event DOE has offered in Oklahoma, the workshop will walk participants through the process for developing community-scale renewable energy projects on tribal lands. “The workshop offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn from renewable energy project experts, get hands-on experience using technology resource assessment tools, explore project case studies, and hear about lessons learned from other Tribes,” said DOE Office of Indian Energy Program Manager Sarai Geary (Muscogee Creek Nation). Workshop participants will learn about the five steps necessary to develop and finance renewable energy projects on tribal lands, including how to: • Assess project potential • Determine technology options • Refine the project • Implement financing and construction • Plan for project operation and maintenance. There is no cost to attend the workshops, but participants are responsible for their own lodging, dinner, and travel costs. Coffee, a light breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be provided. Please RSVP to secure your spot by emailing tribalworkshops@ nrel.gov or calling 303-275-3005. For additional details, including lodging information, visit www.energy.gov/ indianenergy/upcoming-workshops.
Tippeconnic’s Art Chosen for 2015 Red Earth Poster Enrolled Comanche Tribal Member and artist, Eric Tippeconnic, recently had one of his original acrylic on canvas paintings selected by the Red Earth Festival as the featured piece for the 2015 Red Earth Festival outdoor advertising campaign, as well as the official poster and t-shirt for this year’s event. Tippeconnic’s 5’ x 4’ “Original War Admiral” acrylic on canvas piece features a Numunu warrior charging boldly forward which for him captures the essence of his perception of the Comanche Nation, firmly grounded in its tradition while constantly evolving and developing and facing the future as a modern people. The “Original War Admiral” will be prominently displayed on 16 billboards throughout the Oklahoma City metro area from early May through the end of the 2015 Red Earth Festival which runs from June 5-7, 2015. Tippeconnic’s father, Norman Sr., is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and his mother hails from Copenhagen, Denmark. He is the grandson of John Tippeconnic and great grandson of Tippeconnic Tippeconnic’s cultural diversity and love of history and art from an early age helped develop his interest and passion for creating art from the moment he could hold a pencil. He also draws inspiration from Comanche artists Doc Tate Nevaquaya, Rance Hood, Blackbear Bosin, Ron Tachaco Burgess, Nocona Burgess, Quanah Parker Burgess and Tim Saupitty. Tippeconnic’s art has also been featured on album covers for various Indigenous musical artists from Cornel Pewewardy and the Alliance West Singers “Songs of the Southern Plains” and Cary Morin’s (Crow) band the Atoll as well as Pow wow songs by the Broken Heart Singers led by current Eastern Shoshone Tribal Chairman, Darwin St. Clair Jr. He has also had original artwork selected for exhibitions in the Washington State Historical Museum in Tacoma, Washington, the Great Plains Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska and the Chico Art Center in California. If you would like to view more of Tippeconnic’s artwork please visit www.numunudansk.com. Additionally, he can be reached for any further information at etippeconnic@hotmail.com and/or (909) 560-3097.
June 2015
A Woman of Tomorrow 11
The Comanche Nation News
Sophie Tiger Pursues her Dreams for the Future of Native American Women By Paula Karty/News Staff
Being a Native American teen from the community of Cache, Okla., Sophie Tiger has become a strong Native leader for the peers and young Native Youth. Tiger is the recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship (GMS). The Gate’s Millennium Scholars Program is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/ Alaska Native, Asian Pacifi c Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Individuals selected as a Gates Scholar will receive funds in an amount to be determined by GMS based on the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses, as well as the availability of grants and other scholarships reported on the fi nancial and award letter. Tiger said that she heard about the scholarship from a cousin. Her cousin talked about how hard it was to receive the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Tiger decided to do some research on the scholarship. After looking into the scholarship and doing her research, Tiger eventually decided to apply for the scholarship. Tiger was recommended by her high school Science teacher, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Baliente Herrera, a military veteran, wrote her recommendation letter for the scholarship. The most hardest obstacle in Tiger’s quest for the scholarship was the time allowed to complete the application. Tiger said that the questions asked on the application were simple, but the answers should take some time. The applicant should really dig deep and look for the most honest answers. Tiger said, that was the diffi cult part for her. Just to take the time to sit down and type up her answers and all her thoughts. When asked how her Native heritage played a role in her receiving the scholarship, Tiger answered, “I have to live in two worlds. I have to live in my Comanche and Lakota
Sophie Tiger speaks at the United National Indian Youth Conference held in Washington D.C. Tiger presented a topic of “Women Empowerment,” which was selected as one of the Break Out Session for the White House Tribal Youth Gathering. Sioux side, and in the modern normal society. I think me writing about how I balance it out, I think that really helped.” Tiger feels that writing about her ability to balance her life coming from two different tribes as well as having to live in modern day society and the people who infl uenced her the most is what made her application stand out the most. Tiger’s advice to the other students applying for the scholarships is: To sit down and write, that is the most important. Even though the questions are simple, the answers should be all your thoughts. You have to do brainstorms, outline your answers, even if it’s just something you don’t think should not be included in one of your answers, just put it in there anyway. No matter what it may be, it will help you develop what your and what you need to say to get your point across.
Sophie Tiger with William Mendoza, Director of White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education. Tiger asked how the Federal government will help Native Youth who don’t live on reservations.
The White House Tribal Youth Committee In Dec. 2014, Tiger was nominated as the White House Tribal Youth Ambassador for the Comanche tribe. Only 36 Ambassadors were picked, Tiger was one of the 36. As a Ambassador, she got to attend the White House Tribal Nations Conference. At the Conference President Obama announced his initiative for generation Indigenous. He announced that he wanted a conference such as the White House Tribal Nations Conference for the younger youth. With that being said, a lot of different programs came together and developed a Steering Committee. All 36 White House Tribal Youth Ambassadors got to vote on who they wanted to be on the committee. Only four members of the White House Tribal Youth Ambassadors were elected.
Tiger was one of the four elected to serve on the committee. Tiger has a lot of learning experiences from being on the committee. The persons on the committee are older, some are already in college. Tiger has learned how meetings and business are conducted on the professional level, just by serving on the committee. Tiger learned that all her thoughts and ideas could not just be spoken about out of order, she learned that there is a protocol that has to be followed. Tiger’s most memorable moment of being on the White House Tribal Youth Committee was when the committee got to vote on the Break Out Sessions, for the White House Tribal Youth Gathering. What Tiger was really pushing for was, “Women’s Empowerment.” There were 15 Break Out Sessions and the committee got to vote for the top 10 topics. Whatever top 10 topics voted
Sophie Tiger and unknown peer poses for a picture with the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden. Tiger traveled to Washington D.C., as a White House Tribal Youth Ambassador for the Comanche Nation.
A Powwow To Help Six (6) Native Youth Representatives Attend the First Ever White House Tribal Youth Gathering July 9, at Washington, DC will be held 2 p.m.-10 p.m. June 14, at Watchetaker Hall All Gourd Dance Raffles, Cake-Walks, and a Concession Stand will be the available to help raise money. For more information, contact Carlolyn Codopony, (580)699-5213 or (580) 588-3114
Sophie Tiger* Alyssa Nevaquaya* Hazel Codopony* Tristen Wauqua* Keenen Cable* Ashleigh Mithlo
on were going to be the Break Out Sessions for the conference. Tiger’s topic of “Women Empowerment,” was one the top 10 topics to be picked as a Break Out Session topic. College and Future “As a Youth Ambassador and a Gate’s Scholar. The main things I’ve been talking about in my essays that got me to these points is “Women Empowerment.” I’m really for women being in charge. Being not in the background of things, I want women to have a voice, especially the young Native women. I think that is what I’m going to be pushing for. That’s one thing I want. How am I going to put that into my leadership skills; I know not a lot of women are in the leadership roles. From going to the White House, I seen a few women in leadership roles, and I would really like for our young Native American women to be up there,” said Tiger. When Tiger was asked why she chose to attend Arizona State University (ASU), she stated. Out of all the colleges that she looked at, ASU was more geared to what she wanted to do. Tiger said, that she wanted to be able to change policy within Native American lives. So when it came down to picking colleges to attend, Tiger decided to look at Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Service, and Native American Studies. Tiger plans to major in Public Policy Specializing in Native American Affairs. Her career goal is that she wants to be a policy maker for tribes, nationally and just within tribes alone, even if it is just for her own tribe(s) or going off to different states or reservations help other tribes. Tiger is the daughter of Robert Tiger and Janet Saupitty. Tiger has a older sister Elizabeth Tiger and a younger brother Kyle Saupitty. She is the granddaughter of Carol Saupitty and Bob Wade. She comes from the Saupitty/Kopaddy families. Tiger said, that her family is a big infl uence, her family criticize her to become a better person, which she sees as a good thing.
Sophie Tiger stands by the IAMNDN Underage Drinking poster featuring the Lakota moccasins she wore as a baby.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday
Jaylynn Lexus Sapcut, May 12
Happy Birthday
Martheia Niedo, June 5 Hunter Hawk, June 9 Darin Attocknie Sr., June 18 Nah-nee Kerchee, June 19 Elizabeth “Liz” Chrismon, June 28
Anniversaries
Terry & Denise Poemoceah May 18, 2002~Married 13 years Cecelia Parker Salcedo & Mario Salcedo May 24th~Married 40 years
Passing
Charles Lee Pollard April 25, 1937~May 17, 2015
Happy Birthday Martheia Niedo June 5
Happy Birthday Hunter Hawk June 9
Happy Birthday Nah-nee Kerchee June 19
25th Karty Family Reunion 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. June 21, 2105 West Pavilion, North of the Comanche Museum at the old Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton Please come and honor our father’s on there day.
We thought of you with love today but that is nothing new We thought of you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name But all we have is memories and your picture in a frame, your memory is our keepsake with which we will never part, God has you in his keeping we have you in our hearts. ~Submitted by the family of Charles Lee Pollard.
In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory
I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, & days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories & your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart!!! Forever & Always. ~Author Unknown Love Mom & Teddy Ray
There is a special Angel In Heaven that is part of me. It is not where I wanted him but where God wanted him to be. He was here but just a moment like a night time shooting star. And though he is in Heaven he isn’t very far. He touched the heart of many like only an Angel can do. So I send this special message to the Heaven up above. Please take care of my Angel & send him all my love ~Teresa Q~ Love Mom, Teddy Ray & Grandchildren
Gary Burgess June 6
The Comanche Nation News July Edition: Deadline June 15 before 5 p.m. Email:candacet@ comanchenation. com By Mail: Comanche Nation/ PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73501
Happy Anniversary Jeannine Locke & Richard Locke June 26, 1965 Married 50 years
Happy Fathers Day Cruz Conneywerdy We love you so much. You are a great Father, Husband, and Son. We are blessed that God gave you to us. From your girls - Gina, Julia, and Autumn
Caleb Ryan McCarthy Born: May 1, 2015
7 lbs, 1 ozs Family: Alisha Pewewardy & Bobby McCarthy
Happy Fathers Day Delbert Karty I love you daddy ~Cricket Karty
Happy 1st Fathers Day Bobby McCarthy Love Alisha & Boys
In Loving Memory Mary “Peewee” Pahdocony
In Loving Memory Lydia Mae Niedo
We love and miss you Haley and Leonard
Happy Birthday Mom ! Love your Family
June 7
6/22/1943-9/18/2011
Happy Fathers Day Greg Suina Hey daddy, Hope you have the best day ever. We love your guts. ~Lillene Suina & Porter Ace
Happy Fathers Day Lonnie Komahcheet Thank you for all you do & have done. ~Christy Komahcheet
Angel Burgess April 7, 2012
Happy Father’s Day Happy Fathers Day Danny Parker ~Kilah & Ken Ric
Happy Fathers Day Arthur Johnson “Tommy” ~Love your Kids & Grand Kids
Happy Fathers Day Kevin Sovo
Happy Fathers Day Chuck Johnson Remember you are the foundation & a good example of a truly dedicated dad! ~Cristy Komahcheet Johnson
Happy Fathers Day Papa-son! Ryan Ramos You are truly one of the best. ~Lillene Suina & Porter Ace
Lawton’s Premier Apartment Homes Roommate Floor Plans Handicap Units Available Garden Tubs Spacious Closets Playground Two Pools Sports Court Garages
3501 E Gore Lawton, OK 73501 580-248-3500 Legendparkapts.com
June 2015
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Obituaries Aaron Fagan Whitewolf
Aaron Fagan Whitewolf, 42, of Norman, Oklahoma passed away on March 16, after a long illness. He was born in Washington, D.C. to Cynne (Kelly) and Fagan Whitewolf. Aaron attended elementary and high school in Falmouth, Virginia. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, received numerous degrees including meteorology and journalism. Until his illness, he continued college studying towards a degree in Public Administration. He worked as an offi ce manager for Offi ce Max in Norman, OK. An avid soccer fan for over 25 years, he was known throughout the state of Oklahoma where he served as a state referee, state instructor, and referee assignor for all levels. Whitewolf began his love of soccer when he began playing as a 5 year old in Virginia. By 1985, he had moved up to refereeing games. From 1990 to 2010 Whitewolf served as the area referee and instructor for the Norman Youth Soccer Association (NYSA) of Oklahoma. He was instrumental in advancing many young junior referees to attaining Oklahoma’s highest referee grade. During these same years, Whitewolf was the referee assignor for approximately 60 high schools while working closely with their athletic directors. At the end of each soccer season Whitewolf was always consulted on who was best capable of refereeing the high school fi nal games. As one can see, if it had something to do with soccer, Whitewolf was involved. One of Whitewolf’s favorite referee students was his daughter Raina, who now referees in the state of Missouri while attending college. As a yardstick of measurement while in the hospital, Whitewolf was still assigning referees to games. He is survived by his daughter Raina Melvin of Columbia, MO; his parents and brother Kent Whitewolf of Falmouth, VA; grandmother Mary L. Pittman of La Plata, MD; aunt Nancy Williams and husband Jack of Solomon’s, MD; uncle Franklin Whitewolf and wife Melinda of Lawton, OK; Raina’s mother Andrea Melvin of Norman, OK, many cousins, and hundreds of soccer players, referees, and coaches across Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by grandparents R. Stanley Whitewolf, Charles M. Kelly, and Annabelle (Caddo) Tosee; step-grandparents, Joseph F. Pittman and McEvans “Mack” Tosee; and Aunt Janet (Kelly) Bell. Interment was at the Deyo Mission Cemetery in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Laredona “Dena” Asenap
Asenap Laredona “Dena” Asenap 60 of Cache went to be with her Lord and Savior in Norman on Thursday, April 30, with her loving family by her side. Funeral services was May 4, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Patrick McClung offi ciating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was May 3, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Asenap was born on Feb-
ruary 5, 1955, in Lawton to Eugene and Clemencia (Tahah) Asenap. She grew up in Cache and graduated from Cache High School. She was a full blood member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and attended PCMBC and LFA Church. Dena enjoyed beadwork, playing bingo and cards, spending time with family and friends, and listening to oldies. Asenap is survived by: sisters: Nora Rodriguez of the home; Donna and Terry Knowles of Cache; aunts and uncles: Marlene James of Cache; Imogene and John Moss of Corvallis, Oregon; John Charles and Linda Tahah of Moore; Ralph Tahah of Lawton; Edward and Ann Tahah of Lawton; Joyce Burruss of Lawton; cousins: Debbie, Kathy, Johnny, Joseph, Tina, Kim, Anthony, Lance, Robbie, Scott, Steve, Chris T., Ray, Mike, Lisa, Chris J., Asa, T.J., Rob A., Rodney, Billy, Jeffery; Nephews: Jeremiah, Jared, Shaun, Shane, Clint, Soren, Kyle, Blaine, Chase, Chance, Joey, Brandon, Graydon, Philip, Matthew, Ryan, Carter, Nicholas, Joshua, Mikey, Joey, Justin, Jacob, Shane, Colten, Luke, Jason; nieces: Nicole, Ann, Kristen, Carrie, Ariel, Mariah, Kori, Whitney, Shawna, Katelyn, Amy, Crystal and Amber; special loved ones: Marcus, Javi; Special friends: Connie Amos and Doll Wermy; many other family and friends. She is preceded in death by: her parents: Eugene and Clemencia Tahah Asenap; brother: Gene Asenap; grandparents: Teddy and Carrie Asenap. John Tahah, Nora Titchaunerwe, Rosella Tahah; aunts: Barbara Edmonson, Lorraine Titchaunerwe, Amy Dell Asenap, LaVada Asenap, Vera Gooday, Rowena Komacheet, Carla Tahah Atauvich; uncles: Jack Asenap, Larry “Stoney” Asenap, Carl Tahah. Brother-in-law: Israel Rodriguez and cousins: Ted Asenap and Junior Stevens.
Jaden Ariah-Renee Austin
Austin Jaden Ariah-Renee Austin 14 of Lawton went to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 2, with her loving family by her side. Funeral service was May 6, at the Lawton First Assembly 2201 NW 82nd Street in Lawton with Rev. Nancy Dacci and Pastor Gary Pratt offi ciating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Cemetery in Cache under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Austin was born in Lawton on July 25, 2000 to Marcel and Mary (Cook) Austin. Jaden attended Eisenhower Middle School and was in the eighth grade. She was a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Lawton First Assembly and the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. Austin enjoyed singing, cooking, dancing, coordinating many events. She was very inspirational to many people near and far. Austin gained a new family with the OU ladies basketball team. She organized toy drives for the O.U. Children’s Hospital and also hosted blood drives in her local area. She was loved by so many people she never met through her strength and courage that she displayed in her long battle against cancer. Austin loved and loved hard. She is survived by: Mother
The Comanche Nation News
and Father: Marcel & Mary Austin, Sister’s: Malia, Alexia, & Averi Austin, Brothers: Terrell, Marquis, & Martavion Austin, all of the home. Grandparents: Sylvia Wermy of Cache, Rick Cook of Lawton, Kenneth & Lisa Austin of Lawton, and Belinda Albert of OKC, OK. Lifelong best friends: Victoria Choney & Kalob Porter both of Lawton and a host of several other family members & friends. She was met in heaven by her great grandmother Betsy Wermy (GG) and many other relatives.
Jackie Lavern Codynah
Codynah Jackie Lavern Codynah 69 of Lawton went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 6, with his loving family by his side. Funeral service was May 11, at the Walters Community Center with Rev. Videll Yackeschi and Ed Eschiti offi ciating. Burial followed at the Walters Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was May 10, 2015 at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Codynah was born in Lawton on October 14, 1945 to Fred “Fat” and Velma (Hoag) Codynah. He attended Roswell New Mexico Trade School 1968 and 1969 receiving a Seismograph Certifi cate. He worked primarily as a roofer. Southern Roofi ng in Nashville, Tn., Coats Roofi ng in Shawnee, Comanche Roofi ng, Ford Roofi ng 1991 and 1992, Comanche Nation 2003-2009, Capital Improvement 2009 thru 2014, Comanche Housing 2014 until present. He was a proud member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, the Comanche Little Ponies and the First Baptist Church in Walters. Codynah enjoyed going to pow wows, playing pool, going to the casino, dancing and spending time with his family. Codynah is survived by: four children and spouses: Jeffery and Lela Codynah, Kimberly Codynah and Leonard Mathis all of Lawton, Ranee Vonnoaker, Kara Rios both of Anadarko; 22 grandchildren: 26 great grandchildren; special grandchildren: Alicia Marie Villagomez Darci Kerchee; special great-grandchlidren Shia and Kamea Black Cloud, Kevin John Wheeler, and Naila Arkeketa; brother: Fred Codynah of Walters; uncle, Vernon Hoag of Oregon. Codynah is preceded in death by: parents Fred and Velma Codynah; son, Kevin Codynah; two brothers: Milton Codynah and Robert Subieta; sister, Carol Codynah.
Winfred “Buddy” Yackeschi
Funeral for Winfred “Buddy” Yackeschi, 87, Walters was Feb. 3, at the Walters Comanche Nation Community Center. Yackeschi departed this life in Lawton on Jan. 31. A prayer service was Feb. 1 at the Walters Community Center. Burial followed at Walters Cemetery under direction of HartWyatt Funeral Home. He was born to Woods and
Yackeschi Suam Titchywy Yackeschi south of Walters on Jan.5, 1928. Yackeschi grew up south of Walters. He graduated from Fort Sill Indian School in 1947 where he was put in charge of the school dairy. He then served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was discharged in California where he and his family made their home in the Bell Gardens area and he was employed at a chemical plant. The family eventually moved to the Fort Worth, TX area and then back to Walters where he was employed by the City of Walters Street Department for many years. Yackeschi was a member of Westside Baptist Church where he served a deacon and adult Sunday school teacher. As a young man he was a National Golden Gloves Boxer and was invited to the Olympic Trials in the mid-1940s. Through the years he has enjoyed raising various farm animals such as cattle, horses, goats, chickens, etc., and loved taking his dog, “Heights,” and past dogs on slow drives around town and through the country. He was a proud veteran, was a member of the CIVA and served on the Language Preservation Committee for the tribe. He had a unusual humor and was always smiling. Survivors include three sons: Hector, Duane and Herschel Yackeschi, all of Walters; a daughter, Ina Yackeschi, of Lawton; a brother, videll and wife Isabelle, of Comanche; two sisters, June Tahpay, of Walters, and Viola “Tince” Wooth, of Elgin. Barbara’s kids and their families, he called his own. Donna Ahdosy, Leanna Martinez, and Brenda Martinez, all of Walters; Pamela Vargas of Temple; Harold Dean Martinez of Albuquerque, N.M.; and George Martinez of Temple; nine grand kids and 19 great-grandkids; many other relatives and friends. He enjoyed many years with his wife Barbara Yackeschi, who preceded him in death on Dec. 25. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virgie; four brothers: Eli, Leo, Willis, and Edgar; two sisters: Ethel and Betty Yeckeschi; two stepdaughters Carol Ann Grant and Gina Martinez and a grandson Matthew Yackeschi.
Trenton Lee Molina Trenton “Bubba” Lee Molina, 13 years of age, from Marland passed away at his home, Feb. 20, surrounded by many family and friends. Molina attended Frontier Middle School and was in the 7th grade. He liked playing sports, especially basketball and baseball. He liked being the catcher on his baseball team, but also liked to pitch. He was a kind, compassionate young man. Always known for his “Smiles for Miles”. He was also an avid fi sherman and was always telling fi shermen stories. Molina had a real zest for life and always wanted to be busy with outdoor activities. Molina was a big fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Team. He even got to sit court side with Kevin Durant’s mom and brother. Prayer service was, February 20; Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Culture Center. Feast was held at 12 p.m., Feb. 23, at the Otoe-Missouria Cul-
ture Center, funeral service followed with Jimmy Kenner, pastor, Toby A. Blackstar and Raymond Rector offi ciating. Burial followed in Ponca Tribal Cemetery, Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory. Molina was born on Nov. 6, 2001, the son of Tawnya Christina Buffalohead and Brent Molina. He is survived by his mother, Tawnya of Marland; his father, Brent of California; sisters, Alivia Cheyenne, Kristan DawnLynn and Jamie Daniella Molina, all of the home; his maternal grandparents, Harley and Dawn Buffalohead, of Marland; aunt, Tammy Buffalohead and cousins Haden and Harley, all of Red Rock; also cousins, Mia Stegman, of Tacoma, Wash.; great-grandparents, Walt and Addie Rosborough, of Ponca City; a paternal grandmother, Lois Logan; paternal grandfather, Bruce Molina and paternal aunts, Brandie and Bertina Molina. He is proceeded in the death by his aunt, Tracey Buffalohead; paternal grandmother, Vickie Bussey and paternal, great-grandparents, Jim and Velda Bussey; and maternal great-grandfather, Melvin Buffalohead. Casket bearers were be Jarrod Buffalohead, Pete Buffalohead, Jason Buffalohead, Coach Erron Kauk, Traci Kincannon and Allan Barton. Honorary casket bearers were, Coach Allen and the middle school baseball team; Coach Weckstein and the middle school basketball team all his good friends. The family wishes to give special thanks to Frontier School, surrounding schools, the Otoe, Tonkawa, Pawnee, Osage and Ponca Tribes for their kindness and Prayers for Trenton “Bubba”.
I Never Left You Katrina Carr
I never left you, I'm still here Even though you can't see me Listen closely and you'll hear My voice telling you I love you and that you'll never be alone I'm with you always Your heart is my home.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
RELAYS, OBSTACLES, AND RUNS...OH MY!
Tribal Members Participate in Fun Events to Help Raise Money for Worthy Causes
Ronna and Monte Potts hold signs of support for Lauren Wahnee and Jaden Austin at the May 2 Technicolor Run in Lawton.
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Jaden Austin is all smiles as she does the Cancer Survivor’s Lap at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life April 24 at Cameron University.
Cricket Karty and Martheia Niedo of Team Numunu Numituh, make frybread to help raise money at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Comanche “Mudders” Shandi Selby and Valerie Longhair collide in a mud puddle during the Great Plains AMBUCS Mudder’s Day Run May 9, at McMahon Park in Lawton
Lauren Wahnee, Poster Child for the Comanche County Memorial Hospital’s Starlight Unit, pushes Jaden Austin’s wheelchair during the Technicolor Run May 2 at Cameron University.
Hunter Blackwolf, left, representing Comanche Team Numunu Numituh, along with other “Miss Relay for Life” contestants, amuse Jaden Austin at the Relay for Life Fund raiser in Lawton, Okla.
Comanche “Mudders” Casey McCarthy and Kim Wahkinney make the last turn of the 5K Obstacle Course May 9 at the Great Plains AMBUCS Mother’s Day Run.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Second Annual Comanche Nation Tour Rodeo Breaks Records in Participation and Attendance Making it the Biggest Tour Rodeo in Southwest Oklahoma and in Indian Country
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The Second Annual Comanche Nation Tour Rodeo held April 2426 in Grandfield, Okla., had a total of 716 cowboys and cowgirls register, making it the Largest All Indian Rodeo in the United States and Canada, according to the Arrington McSpadden All Indian Rodeo Association. Tough and fearless cowboys challenged wild and savage bulls and broncs, bringing in 1,000-1,500 spectators nightly. A total of 49 tribes were represented, along with 39 states, and two Canadian Provinces, said Donna Wahnee, Special Projects Director for the Comanche Nation. “This year’s rodeo has been nominated for Best Tour Rodeo of the Year,” she added. “We had all but one World Champions at this year’s rodeo.” Shining out among the others was Cam Bruised Head, who won the Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, and All Around Champion. Winners received saddles with the Comanche Logo, and a Champion Belt Buckle, along with prize money. The record crowd was entertained by the Indian National Finals Rodeo Clown of the Year, Danger Dave Whitmoyer, of Helena, Mont. He had the crowd laughing, and gave out prizes for crowd participation. Participants of the rodeo received admission to the Complementary VIP Tent, where meals and snacks were provided throughout the weekend, along with entertainment from DJ Eddie Mahseet, and other local musicians. After the rodeo came to a close, and stock were loaded up for the next rodeo, participants and spectators continued to talk about the entertaining and exciting weekend at the Second Annual Comanche Nation Tour Rodeo.
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Cameron Bruised Head, a second generation champion cowboy from Canada, won three Champion Saddles, Belt Buckles and top prize money at the Second Annual Comanche Nation Tour Rodeo. He received his winnings from the Arrington McSpadden All Indian Rodeo Association Members. From left; Jerome Teehe, Jack Codopony, Roy Roberts, and Ray McCoy.
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Rodeo Winners
Indian National Finals Rodeo Clown of the Year, Danger Dave Whitmoyer, of Helena, Mont., keeps the crowd on their toes between contestants. Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, waits for Grand entry April 25 at the Grandfield Rodeo Grounds.
Bareback- Cam Bruised HeadStandoff, AB Steer Wrestling – Rodrick Woodfork- Prague, Okla. Tie Down Roping – Tylen LaytonCopan, Okla. Saddle Bronc – Dawson JandreauKennebec S.C Ladies Break Away – Justine Doka– Ft. McDowell, Ariz. Team Roping – Eric Flurry- Sallisaw, Okla. & Stitches Stanley – Wagoner, Okla.
Photo by Stacy Heminokeky/News Staff
Ladies Barrels – Kynder Starr- Catoosa, Okla. Bull Riding – Cam Bruised HeadStandoff, AB Sr. Team Roping – Chuck MorganComanche, Okla. & Ralph Williams- Skiatook, Okla. Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
Jr. Team Roping – Rooster Yazzie & Hiyo Yazzie- Coyote Canyon, NM Sr. Break Away – Tom WilliamsFaith, S.D Jr. Break Away Roping – Ross McGuire, Webbers Falls, Okla.
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Jr. Barrel Racing – Arianna BlackBagdad, Ariz. Jr. Bull Riding – Hayden HarrisHulbert, Okla. Mutton Busting – Eli JohnsonPaden, Okla. Peewee Barrels – Grady GatenbodWelch, Okla.
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Photo by Stacy Heminokeky/News Staff
RE-ELECT VICE CHAIRMAN
MACK MAHSETKY, JR. Dear Comanche Tribal Members, I come to you to thank you for allowing me to serve the last three years as your Vice Chairman. I come from a strong Comanche family. I am the son of the Madeline Poahway Spicer and the late Mack Mahsetky, Jr. My grandmother was Sophia Tahmakera and my grandfather was Mack Mahsetky Sr. My great grandmother was We-oh-di, daughter of Quanah Parker. I am the greatgreat grandson of Quanah Parker. Serving my Comanche people has truly been a great honor. I have enjoyed serving my people, and I humbly ask you to allow me to continue working for our people. During my term, with the help of the tribal council we have accomplished many things. The Comanche Nation Travel Plaza is located on the Oklahoma- Texas state line and currently brings in excellent fuel profits. The Red River Hotel, which was approved with a vote of the General Counsel is greatly benefiting our largest casino and continues to sell to capacity every weekend. The newly constructed Spur Casino is a great revenue generator and source of employment for our Comanche Nation tribal members. The Edith Kassanavoid Gordon Assisted Living is a facility that allows us to care for our Comanche elders and offer them the best in medical care and compassion. As Chairman of the Numunu Pahmu board, I was able to successfully enter into agreements with the State of Oklahoma to allow the tribe to continue to have a competitive edge over competition in tobacco sales. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue working for the Comanche people in my role as Vice-Chairman. I believe that in order for our nation to continue to prosper and succeed, it is necessary for the Vice Chairman to support the Chairman and continue working together diligently. I believe that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. I hope to continue building relationships with the City of Lawton and Fort Sill. It is my hope to continue to increase access to tribal services to all Comanche Nation members, even those outside of our service area. I would appreciate your vote of support so that I may continue serving the Great Comanche Nation.
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Run Off Elections Will Determine the Next Vice Chairman and At-Large Representative
Mahsetky
Whitewolf-Parker
Cothren
Davenport
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The May 16 Primary Election had a total of 1,732 voters turn in a ballot by mail and in person to determine the tribe’s FY 2015-2016 budget, and their choices for Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Election Board positions. Comanche Nation Chairman Incumbent, Wallace Coffey, won the position of Chairman, with a total of 965 votes (55.72%). With the exception of the Comanche Nation Golf Course, all programs passed their budget for the upcoming fi scal year. In the Run-Off Election for Comanche Nation Vice President is Incumbent, Mack Mahsetky, who received a total of 623 votes (36.03%), and Susan Cothren, who received a total of 702 votes (40.60%) in the Primary Election. For the Comanche Nation Election Board At-Large Position, Lennetta Davenport received a total of 843 votes (48.48%), and Susan Parker-Whitewolf received a total of 776 votes (44.62%). Voting for the Run-Off Election will be • Early/In-House Voting for Run-Off Election, Thursday, June 11 & Friday, June 12 • Run-Off Election, Saturday,
June 13 According to the tribe’s Election Board, • All eligible tribal members will receive a ballot in the mail. Tribal members will no longer have to submit a request to receive a ballot. • The Election Board will pay the cost of the return postage. There will be no cost to the tribal member to mail their ballot in. • Early voting will be on Thursday and Friday preceding the Runoff Election. • Early voting will be held at the Tribal Complex and at the Comanche Nation Elder’s Center/Nutrition Site located at 1107 SW “H” Ave., Lawton, OK. The Election Board asks voters to make sure that their address is current with the Comanche Nation Enrollment Offi ce. The Election Board encourages all eligible tribal members to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election. The Voting Polling Sites will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Election Day: • Anadarko: Andarko Outreach, 117 SW 2nd. St. • Apache: Comanche Nation Community Center, 309 Julia Mah-
seet Rd. • Cache: Cahoma Bldg., 752 NW Quanah Rd. • Lawton: Comanche Nation Complex Higher Ed. Bldg., 584 NW Bingo Rd. • Oklahoma City: Comanche Nation Outreach Offi ce, 73990 S. Walker, Suite G • Walters: Comanche Nation Community Center, 905 E. Missouri St. With questions arising about topics such as the storage of the ballots and the use of Number Two Pencils on the ballots, and others, the Election Board released the following information. Storage of Absentee Ballots Returned by Mail In accordance with the current Election Board Ordinance Section 203, the absentee ballots are picked up from the United States Post Offi ce by the Election Board Chairperson, the independent tabulator and Comanche Nation Law Enforcement at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the election. From the time that absentee ballots are received by the Post Offi ce they are kept in a locked, secured depository until the day of the election. No absentee ballots are picked up prior to
Election Day. If you did not receive your absentee ballot in a timely manner, and your address is current with the Comanche Nation Enrollment offi ce, please contact your postal carrier. At-Large Election Board District Runoff The Election Board Ordinance states “If no candidate in any General/Primary Election receives at least fi ftyone percent (51%) of the votes cast in such election, the two (2) candidates with the highest vote totals from the Primary Election (including any candidate(s) tied with the lower of the such totals) shall appear on the ballot in a Runoff Election”. The Election Ordinance also states that this shall happen “whenever there are two (2) or more candidates running for the same elective position in order to ensure compliance with the majority vote requirement”. In the 2015 General/Primary Election held May 16, 2015 there were a certain number of voters that cast a ballot but did not vote for either candidate running for the At-Large District for the Election Board. These “votes” are labeled on the Election Results as “no votes cast”; this line item is listed for all candidate races.
Official Voting Results for the May 16, 2015 Election
Due to these “no votes cast” neither candidate received the required fi ftyone (51%) of the votes. In keeping in compliance with the current Election Board Ordinance in place, there will be a Runoff for the At-Large District for the Election Board. The Runoff Election will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015. Use of No. 2 Pencils on Absentee Ballots The requirement of using a No. 2 pencil on absentee ballots is necessary to ensure the accurate reading of the ballots by the tabulating/voting machine. The absentee ballots are tabulated on a machine specifi cally designed to read pencil markings. Please contact the Election Board offi ce if you have any questions. Comanche Nation Election Board P.O. Box 1289 Lawton, OK 73502 (580) 492-3272 phone (580) 492-3273 phone (580) 492-3274 phone (580) 492-3702 fax bonniej@comanchenation.com email
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
June 2015
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The Comanche Nation News
Legal Notice
To Native American Farmers or Ranchers or the heir of one who was denied a USDA farm loan or loan servicing between 1981 and late 1999 Some funds paid in settlement of Keepseagle v. Vilsack remain unclaimed and will be distributed in accordance with a process established by the Court. The case claimed that USDA discriminated against Native Americans who applied for or tried to apply for farm loans or loan servicing. The Court seeks input from class members about how the remaining funds should be distributed. Of the $680 million paid to settle the case, approximately $380 million remains. The Settlement Agreement approved by the Court directs that unclaimed funds be given to non-profit organizations to serve Native American farmers and ranchers. The deadline to file a claim has passed. There is no new claims process. Who is included? The Class includes all Native American farmers and ranchers who: • Farmed or ranched or attempted to do so between January 1, 1981 and November 24, 1999; • Tried to get a farm loan or loan servicing from the USDA during that period; and • Complained about discrimination to the USDA either on their own or through a representative during the time period. The class does not include individuals who: • Experienced discrimination only between January 1 and November 23 1997; or • Complained of discrimination only between July 1 and November 23, 1997. Proposed use of the Funds There are several competing options for how to distribute the funds. First, Plaintiffs propose to modify the Settlement Agreement, subject to Court approval, to distribute the funds as follows: • $342 million distributed by a Trust, overseen by Native American leaders, to non-profit groups to serve Native farmers & ranchers over a 20 year period. • $38 million be distributed quickly to non-profit organizations serving Native farmers & ranchers, identified by Class Counsel and approved by the Court. The Trust would make grants to organizations providing business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, or advocacy services to Native American farmers and ranchers, including those seeking to become farmers or ranchers, to support and promote their continued engagement in agriculture. The USDA has agreed with this proposal. Second, Marilyn Keepseagle proposes to distribute all remaining funds as additional damages paid to successful Track A claimants alone. The USDA opposes this proposal. Third, other class members have asked to use the funds to pay claims that were initially denied or to permit new claims to be filed. Fourth, the Choctaw Nation has argued that no changes should be made. How can I share my views? If you want to tell the Court of your support of or opposition to any proposal for use of the remaining funds, you may submit written comments, postmarked no later than June 15, 2015, to: Chambers of the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia 333 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20001 The Court will hold a hearing on June 29, 2015 at 9:00 AM EDT in Courtroom 24A at the address above. If you want to speak to the Court in person, you may attend the hearing. Your written comments will be considered by the Court even if you do not attend the hearing.
For more detailed information call 1-888-233-5506 or see www.IndianFarmClass.com