April 2017 TCNN

VOLUME 18 EDITION 4

Comanche Nation Public Information Office, Lawton, OK www.comanchenation.com

April 2017

Recycling Revenue Funds Earth Day; Focuses on the Impacts of Water

Annual General Council Meeting Set for April 15

A painting of Comanche Chief, Moway, is one of several pieces of artwork by Joyce Nevaquaya Harris that is on display in Anadarko, Okla.

Joyce Nevaquaya Harris Art Exhibit Showcased at the Southern Plains Indian Museum

Quanah Karty organizes a pile of plastics, getting them ready to recycle.

Sean Cable and Michael Craig lift heavy bags of aluminum cans into a trailer for recycling.

Submitted by U.S. Dept. of Interior Indian Arts and Crafts Board

The Southern Plains Indian Museum, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, will feature an exhibit of paintings by Joyce Nevaquaya Harris. The exhibition will run from March 10 through June 16.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Harris, an enrolled member of the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma, is a talented painter. She is a graduate of Apache High School, Apache, Okla. Harris currently resides in Anadarko, Okla., with her husband R.G. Harris, where she works as a full time artist. She is the proud mother of Ashley, Charles, Amanda, Ronald, Angel, and Maggie Harris.

The daughter of Comanche master artist Doc Tate Nevaquaya and sister of painter Tim Tate Nevaquaya, Harris was destined to carry on the family tradition of painting. In the 1980’s she began painting with oils, and in 2015 she started to experiment with acrylic paints.

Harris’s painting is deeply influenced by her father’s stories.

Most of her artworks are created without a sketch, the brush and paints are all she needs to freely express herself. Harris blends together the subject and design to create textured contemporary pieces with traditional motifs. Drawing on past experiences and memories, Harris creates stunning portraits and vividly colorful canvases that have a life of their own.

This exhibition marks Harris’s first solo show in a museum setting. The artworks featured in the exhibition may be purchased by contacting Joyce Nevaquaya Harris directly at joycenharris7@yahoo.com.

The Southern Plains Indian Museum is managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Regular viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All exhibits at the museum are free and open to the public. The museum is located at 801 East Central Blvd., Anadarko, Okla.

For more information, call the museum at (405) 247-6221.

From left, Sean Cable, Michael Craig, Brian Stillwell, Quanah Karty, Lynn Schonchin Jr., Timothy Ware, and Stacy Davis. Not pictured: Earl Cantwell.

Tim Ware demonstrates how compact the plastic bottles are after being crushed by the CNOEP’s compactor, which prepares plastics and aluminum for recycling.

The compactor was purchased through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s General Assistance Program Grant (GAP Grant).

Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

The Annual Comanche Nation Earth Day is set for 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 7 at the Comanche Nation Complex’s Watchetaker Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

This year the Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Programs (CNOEP), who sponsors the annual event, is focusing on water.

“With the water issues in the United States and around the world, including Standing Rock and Flint, Michigan, we wanted to focus on that this year,” said Brian Stillwell, CNOEP Director.

He added there will be many hands-on demonstrations for children and adults to show the differences between the many kinds of drinking waters.

“Landfills are an issue. People who bury or burn their trash do not realize that filters into their drinking water, and those on well water that burn or bury their trash are putting chemicals in their own water,” he added.

Information on how to recycle will also be a topic at Earth Day. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American makes 4.3 lbs of trash everyday, which is 1,569 lbs. a year per person.

Many items that get thrown away can be recycled. The CNOEP urges everyone to recycle, and can answer questions people may have about recycling.

Items such as water bottles, laundry detergent bottles, dishwasher soap bottles, and many more can be recycled and used to make other items instead of going to a land fill.

CNOEP supports the recycling efforts by placing recycle bins in most of the Comanche Nation Office buildings, and has a portable recycle trailer that can set up at local events such as powwows and other public gatherings .

The Comanche Nation Earth Day is funded by the CNOEP recycling endeavors.

“All of the recycles that we collect, the cans and plastics, we gather and sell them, and that funds our Earth Day event. We do not have to use our CNG money. It helps to fund the meal we serve at Earth Day, the Door Prizes we give away during the event, and any awards we give to the vendors who set up at Earth Day,” explained Lynn Schonchin Jr., CNOEP Assistant Director.

For those who want to donate recycled items to CNOEP, they can be dropped off at their office, located on Madeschi Rd., behind the Comanche Nation Law Enforcement Office. Items can also be dropped off at any office which has the CNOEP recycle containers.

They accept all plastics, but the plastics cannot have metal inside of them. They also accept aluminum cans, scrap metal, and can pick up appliances through the Bulk Item Pickup initiative.

For more information, contact the CNOEP, (580) 492-3754.

2017 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors Nominations

Submitted by AARP Staff

AARP Oklahoma will proudly recognize 50 Oklahoma Indian Elders for their contributions to their tribal nation, state and/or community at the 9th Annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors. We are currently seeking nominees from each of the 39 tribal nations in Oklahoma.

Nomination Guidelines: • All nominees must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Oklahoma tribal nation.

• The nominee must be age 50+.

• The nominee must be living.

• The nominee need not be a member of AARP. • The nomination process is open to individuals as well as tribal governments.

• Selection of honorees will be made at the discretion of AARP Oklahoma.

• Nominations are being accepted through May 1st!

• Nominations can also be made online at www.aarp.org/ NDNElders Please also e-mail a photo of the nominee to msourjohn@aarp.org.

Contact Mashell Sourjohn at (405)

715-4474 with any questions. Thank you for taking the time to nominate a deserving Oklahoma Native American Elder.

About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security and retirement planning.

Learn more at www.aarp.org.

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

The Annual Comanche Nation General Council Meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 15 at the Comanche Nation Complex’s Watchetaker Hall.

Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson, released the tentative agenda that will guide the annual meeting throughout the afternoon.

Placing the proposed Fiscal Year Budget as one of the first items on the schedule will ensure that tribal members will have an opportunity to review and discuss the line items and other financial questions they may have.

“We used to put the proposed Fiscal Year budget last on the agenda, and we would lose a quorum before it gets voted on,” said Nelson.

Following the proposed budget, nominations will be taken for seats on the Comanche Business Committee (CBC).

Positions are for Secretary/ Treasurer, CBC No. 3, currently held

by Harry Mithlo, and CBC No. 4, currently held by Clyde Narcomey.

The General Council will take nomination and vote on a Tribal Administrator. This is a one-year position.

Also on the meeting docket is the hiring of a tribal attorney. The tribe’s current attorney is Richard Grellner.

Lunch will be served at 11 a.m.

For more information about the General Council Meeting, contact the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 492-3250.

Catering Bids are being accepted for the General Council Meeting.

Contact the Office of the Comanche Chairman for more information (580) 492-3250.

April 2017 THE COMANCHE NATION NEWS The award-winning Comanche Nation News, the official communication of the Comanche Nation, is available at no charge upon request. The deadline to submit information for the May edition is 5 p.m. April 17. 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 •

•

•

• • •

•

•

•

TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: jolenes@ comanchenation.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assist. 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/ Obituaries 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 flyer once free of charge as a courtesy to our tribal organizations. The guidelines for flyer submission are: Pow-wow flyers have to be from an established Comanche organization. There has to be contact person and number on the organization’s annual flyer.

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 and have a 1,500 word limit. 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 William Nelson Vice Chairman Susan Cothren Secretary/Treasurer Vacant Committeeman No. 1 Jonathan Poahway Committeeman No. 2 Eddie Ahdosy Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Clyde Narcomey Tribal Administrator Jimmy Arterberry To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd..

Lawton, OK 73507

Government Editor’s Note: This is an overview of the March 11, CBC Monthly Meeting and not the official minutes. To obtain a copy of the official minutes, call the Office of the Chairman, (580) 492-3250.

Story by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

Chairman William Nelson called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.

Committeeman No. 4, Clyde Narcomey, conducted Roll Call. A quorum was established with all Comanche Business Committee (CBC) members present, except Secretary/Treasurer, Vacant.

Chairman, Nelson called upon Martina Minthorn-Callahan to open meeting with the invocation.

A motion made to approve the minutes of the February CBC meeting by Committeeperson No. 2, Eddie Ahdosy; seconded by Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey. The motion carries 5/0/0.

Resolutions No. 20-17 Enrollment List No. 1050. Approved Membership for the Comanche Nation Tribe.

Committeeman No. 3, Harry Mithlo, made the motion to approve.

Committeeman No. 1, Jonathan Poahway, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 21-17 Enrollment List No. 1051. Applicants are Determined to be Ineligible for Membership with the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma because he/she does not meet the provisions of Article 3, Section 3 C. Committeeman No. 4, Clyde Narcomey made the motion to approve. Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 22-17 Enrollment List No. 1052. Applicant is Ineligible for Membership with the Comanche Nation because he/she does not meet the Nations Constitutional Membership Requirements.

Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, made the motion to approve.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, seconds the motion. The motion carries. 5/0/0.

No. 23-17 Enrollment List No. 1053. Applicant is Ineligible for Membership with the Comanche Nation.

Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, made the motion to approve.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, seconds the motion. The motion car-

Follow the Comanche Nation News

The Comanche Nation News TCNNPIO

ries 3/0/2.

No. 24-17 Phase 2 Generator Project. Higher Education, Transportation, Children’s Shelter, Domestic Violence Shelter, Prevention and Recovery, Lawton Daycare, Comanche Nation Education Center, Comanche Nation Funeral Home, have been chosen to get a backup generator in case if power goes out.

Vice Chairperson, Susan Cothren, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 25-17 Transportation Improvement Plan Routes.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion to approve.

Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 26-17 Justice Assistance Grant.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion to approve.

Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 27-17 Grant for Historic Preservation.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion. Committeeman No. 1, Jonathan Poahway, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 28-17 Assisted Living Property. The Comanche Nation of Oklahoma plans to use the Comanche Nation Assisted Living Center property for Expansion of its land base for a healthcare facility or future governmental purposes to include a community facility for the use and benefit of its citizens and placement of the Comanche Nation Assisted Living Center property into Trust it’s necessary to facilitate tribal self determination and cultural enhancement. The property of 10 acres is located at 1001 SE 36th Street, Lawton, Okla., East of Flowermound Rd. Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion. Vice Chairperson, Cothren, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 29-17 Policy for Assisted Living Center. Made changes to two things in the policy. The Resident Council requested that the Elder payment and per-capita benefit payment is not included in the calculation of income for the subsidy.

Committeeman No. 1, Poahway, made the motion to approve.

Committeeman No. 3, Mithlo, sec-

onds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

The Comanche Nation Business Committee made a motion on record to accept Lanny Asepermy and Ronald Red Elk to serve on the Comanche Enterprises Charter Board.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy made motion to continue for a yes or no vote. Committeeman No. 3, Mithlo, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 30-17 Crime Stoppers Bank Account. In order to keep transparency within the program. The signature authorities include, Charles Wells, President, Harry Tahsequah, Vice-Secretary, and recently added Tribal Administrator, Jimmy Arterberry.

Vice Chairperson, Cothren, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 31-17 Crime Stopper Program.

Vice Chairperson, Cothren, made the motionto approve. Committeeman No. 1, Poahway, seconds the motion. The motion carries 4/0/0.

No. 32-17 Grant for WIO Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion. Committeeman No. 3, Mithlo, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0.

No. 33-17 Shoshone Reunion Committee. The Comanche Nation Business Committee appoints William Pekah, Sandra Toyekoyah, and Phyllis Narcomey, as the Shoshone Reunion Committee. This committee will be considered voluntary with no mileage, or stipends paid.

Committeeperson No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion to approve.

Committeeman No. 3, Mithlo, seconds the motion. The motion carries 4/0/1.

No. 0311-01 Election Ordinance. Tabled.

Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, made the motion. Committeeman No. 3, Mithlo, seconds the motion. The motion carries 4/0/1.

No. 35-17 Jonathan Poahway made a motion to Nominate Alice Kassanavoid, Joshua Monhesuah, Rhonda Williams, and Debra Hendricks as Commissioners of the Gaming Commission, pending a background check and they go through with the Commission and if passes they be appointed as Commissioners of the Gaming.

Committeeman No. 1, Poahway, made the motion. Committeeperson No. 2. Ahdosy, seconds the motion. The motion carries. 5/0/0.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m. and Executive session followed.

COMANCHE NATION ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING Tentative Agenda Comanche Nation Officials Chairman

William Nelson Sr.

Vice Chairman Susan Cothern

Secretary Treasurer Vacant Jonathan Poahway

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010

The Comanche Nation News

Sixteen Resolutions Were Passed During March CBC Monthly Meeting

Committeeman No. 1 Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001

2

Committeeman No. 2 Eddie Ahdosy

Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo

Committeeman No. 4 Clyde Narcomey

Tribal Administrator Jimmy Arterberry

April 15, 2017 Doors Open: 9 A.M.

Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

I. Call to order II. Invocation III. Approval of Budget FY 2018

Meeting 1:00 P.M.

IV. Nomination of officers • Secretary Treasurer • Committeeperson No. 3 • Committeeperson No. 4

Comanche Nation Complex Watchetaker Hall 584 NW Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK (580) 492-3240

V. Hire Administrator/Manager VI. Hire Tribal Attorney VII. New Business • Kiowa and Apache Question • Eight (8) Million (dividends) • ONE AMENDMENT Adjourn

April 2017

3

Programs Elder Council Monthly Meeting Set For April 3 The Comanche Nation Elder Council will hold its monthly meeting, April 3, at the Comanche Nation College Auditorium. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m., lunch will be served at 12 noon.

Comanche Nation Chairman, Willie Nelson will speak on the proposed Elder Program.

The Comanche Nation Elder Council, by resolution from the Comanche Business Committee assigns monitors to each polling site during Comanche Nation Elections.

Sign up for Voter Monitoring will be taken during the April meeting. Basic Monitor requirements are: (1) Monitors must be members of the Comanche nation and 62 years of age; (2) Monitors must be at their assigned polling places by 7:45 a.m. and be prepared to stay until 5 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, and 6 p.m. Saturday; (3) Monitors must stay at the polling place for the full day, Monitors cannot leave the polling place (exception bathroom breaks and one Monitor must be present at all times); (4) Monitors cannot have visitors and cannot engage in conversation with voters, nor cause any disruption; (5) Monitors will not have a choice of polling placement; (6) Monitors must be physically able to sit for a prolonged period of time 6-8 hours; (7) Monitors must have own transportation and current telephone number. Any questions regarding Polling Place Monitors call Adele Mihesuah (580) 606-7519.

Any enrolled Comanche attaining the age of 62 years is automatically a member of the Comanche Nation Elder Council. Elders come join us for informative speakers, a fine lunch and fellowship with your fellow elders.

Please do not bring children to the monthly meetings.

NAGPRA Submits Grants to the National Park Service The Comanche Nation NAGPRA department completed their 2017 grant application and has submitted it to National Park Services. They will find out if they were awarded the grant sometime during July 2017. They have two more consultations left to complete their 2015 grant projects. They have completed 13 of their 14 grant consultations and documentation projects and all items returned to the Comanche Nation have been turned over to the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center. Ownership belongs to the Comanche Nation with possession

and control given to the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center. The Comanche Nation NAGPRA program have been collaborating with the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center with their Native American Church display and several other projects.

The NAGPRA program also collaborated with the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, University of Oklahoma for a Photo Synthesis exhibit.

Six photos of Comanche Members were selected and are on display until April 2, at the 555 Elm Avenue, Norman, Okla. (405) 325-3272.

The Comanche Nation News

April 2017

Caregiver Program Providing Care for the Elderly The Caregiver Program is moving right along with providing care for tribal elders with personal care, such as: bathing, shampoo, shaving, dress/undress, oral care, shower, bed bath, hygiene and other personal care.

The Caregivers also provide additional basic care for tribal elders that could consist of grocery shopping, laundry, change linens, make the bed, vacuum, clean bathroom and clean the kitchen.

The Caregivers can prepare meals and assist with feeding, errands, answering the telephone, take them out for recreational activities like taking them to the elder center for lunch, they have taken tribal elders to the Elder Christmas at the Great Plains Coliseum. The Caregiver Program takes tribal elders to other places just to get them out of the house for awhile.

The Caregiver Program has applications, doctor’s statements and Tribal IDs are needed to complete the application. This is a Comanche Tribal Funded Program, tribal elders are priority. Applications are taken for the ones with a disability, each applicant with a disability must have confirmation that they are disabled.

The elders have a form with their functional assessment if they have the mobility to provide most of the care for themselves or if they are in need of more help with their care.

There is always someone in the Caregiver Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist you with whatever needs you may have.

If you are a caregiver or an elder or even a tribal member seeking information about the Caregiver Program, you can stop by the office or you can call anytime.

Arlene Kemp, Director of the Caregiver Program said, “please excuse us if we are excused for a short while for most of the time we are here for you. There are two of us here and sometimes we need to take a day or more off for various reasons.”

Arlene Kemp, Caregiver Director arlenek@comanchenation.com Ramona Perea ramonap@comanchenation.com Phone: (580) 699-8811/ (580) 6998812 Fax: (580) 699-8815

Office of Environmental Programs 6th Annual Tire & Battery Drive In the month of February, The Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Programs (CNOEP) held the 6th Annual Tire & Battery Drive in the towns of Apache, Cache, Walters and at the CNOEP. The total for the overall drive was around 2,100 plus tires for all of the towns.

The CNOEP used four trailers to haul the tires back to the office for each town, the long bed trailer and mid sized big trailer, and two flat bed trailers. Each carried a great

4 amount of tires and made many trips to the office.

The town of Apache held the tire drive at the CN Community Center. The drive for the town started off slow but picked up quickly in the two days. The tire count was around 300 plus tires.

The tire drive was held at the Cahoma Building, west of Cache.

The tire count was around 300 plus tires for the tire drive. Cache had a good turnout of people who dropped off tires.

The tire drive was at CN Community Center in Walters, Okla.

Walters produced the most tires of all the towns, the total tire count was around 1,500 plus tires for the two days of the tire drive.

Each town produced a good amount of tires for the 6th Annual Tire & Battery Drive and only a few batteries were dropped off. The grand total was around 2,200 plus tires and only a few batteries. The Tire & Battery drive was a success and the CNOEP would like to thank all the people who dropped off tires and helped make this a success.

The tires were brought to the office and were picked up by Oklahoma Tire Recyclers from Bristow, Okla. The company resale’s the good tires and the tires that are no longer good are shredded to small pieces to make rubber for track & fields, rubber playground surfaces, and many other things.

Fitness Center Announces April Activities and Events The Comanche Nation Fitness Center announces activities and events for the month of April.

Silver sessions: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Daily, for people new to the gym, elders, and anyone wanting full elaboration on how equipment works. They encourage any Comanche tribal member to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Fitness Center willclosed for Easter Holiday, April 1416.

The Fitness Center will participate in Open Streets 11 a.m.3 p.m, April 22, on C Ave between 2nd and 5th Street, Lawton, Okla.

They invite you to come check out our booth and enjoy some fun, free activities with the family.

They have step aerobic classses 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and have lunchtime circuit training Monday through Friday.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact us at your convenience.

Phone: (580)248-0005 Email: angelenao@comanchenation. com

The Comanche Nation News

Realty Department Offers Assistance to Tribal Members Higher Education Promotes 2017 Graduation Banquet and Student Resources As graduation quickly approaches, the Comanche Nation office of Higher Education is in the midst of planning the Annual Graduation Banquet. The banquet is devoted to honoring our Comanche students for their dedication and perseverance in pursuing their educational goals. Comanche students completing a High School, GED, Long-term Vocational Certifications, Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree are all invited to join us for special recognition. The banquet will be on Saturday, May from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Great Plains Technology Center (Worley Center, Building 300) in Lawton, Okla. If you are graduating this year with the class of 2017, please contact our office at (580) 492-3363 or highered@ comanchenation.com to ensure that you are sent an invitation and placed in our banquet program.

Additionally, the Higher Education Department strives to strengthen tribal self-determination through education by providing valuable resources to help our students succeed in growing academically and professionally. A resource we would like to highlight this month is the Okcollegestart.org website. This site is a one-stop shop for interactive college planning, and is the official source for planning a college education in Oklahoma. Okcollegestart.org offers our students advanced tools to help them prepare and pay for college, and provides information about admission requirements, college costs and more. By utilizing this database, students and parents can access various systems that allow them to apply for Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship, begin an organized plan for college, match interests to career options, explore prospective postsecondary schools, compare various careers, practice job interviews, build resumes, and even practice ACT, SAT, and GRE tests. You can visit this page at https://www.okcollegestart.org/.

Moreover, in an effort to remain in contact with our tribal members, our department now has an official Facebook page so our students, parents, and Comanche community can stay updated on scholarship deadlines, adult education courses, Higher Education events and newsletters, and further resources. Follow and like us at https://www.facebook. com/ComancheNationHigherEducation01/ or by searching “Comanche Nation Higher Education” in the Facebook search bar.

Indian Child Welfare April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Every Child Matters 10 Reason to Stand Up For Children 10. Children are the heart of out future.

9. Everyone can make a difference in a child’s life.

8. It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.

7. All children are special.

6. There’s no excuse for child abuse.

5. Children thrive when adults care.

4. Protecting children is everyone’s job.

3. Each child deserves to be cherished.

2. Children are our most valuable natural resource.

1. Because they can’t always stand up for themselves.

A child is a mirror: what you see is a reflection of what you have shown.

A child is an echo: what you hear back is what you have said.

A child is a piece of paper every passerby can leave an impression.

A child is a future: the potential is endless and the outcome is AMAZING. A child is a GIFT: and something this precious deserves to be PROTECTED.

The Realty Department has been offering assistance to Tribal member in regards to their Trust land.

Assistance in terms of mapping the location and the current market rate for farming and grazing leases. Depending on the assistance that you are needing, we may not be able to help, but if we can we will, please call our office at (580) 699-3818.

The Realty Department has also been active in researching Water Rights on land at the Red River, collecting data pertaining to our potential claim on tracts that the BLM has record.

The Realty Department will be participating in the Cobell Land-Buy-Back Program in the near future. A planning session meeting with Cobell Representatives, the BIA Anadarko Agency personnel and the Tribe will be March 28. Tribal members interested in participating in the Buy Back Program can call our office (580) 699-3818 to put your name on the list as a “willing seller”. Also, to learn more about the Program, you can call the Trust Beneficiary Call Center (888) 678-6836.

Comanche Nation Social Services

Child Abuse Is Not the Comanche Way Today Child Abuse and Neglect are serious problems in many of our tribal communities. Family circles have become separated due to economics, substance abuse and several outside factors. This has added stress and loss of the natural and extended family support.

What can be done? What is there to do?

Be humble…ask for help.

Seek Wisdom…Learn What Abuse and Neglect are.

Change…Comes from within, identify old patterns, Change.

Respect yourself…For changing, become active in prevention.

Support a circle of healthy children and adults.

To Report child abuse: Call Hot Line 1(800) 522-3511 Child Protection (580) 492-3359 Tribal Law Enforcement (580) 4923260 2016 Comanche Tribe Child Abuse and Neglect Data • Total Reports/Referrals Received: 69 • Substantiated: 10 • Sexual Abuse: 1 • Physical Abuse: 3 • Neglect: 37 • Alcohol/Drugs Involved: 23 • Recurring Cases: 12 • Cases of Siblings Involved: 14 • Placements Out of Home: 4 • Petition to Tribal Court: 17 • Referral to Tribal Social Services: 34

• Domestic Violence Involved: 23 Our children are the future of our Nation; protect them!

Yonevea Sapcut, CPS Caseworker Sandra Mithlo, MSW Director Comanche Nation Social Services

Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center Quahahda Pride Display Quahada Pride is currently on display in the gallery. The exhibit features paintings and sculptures by award winning Comanche artist Barthell Little Chief. The exhibit includes art work created by Little Chief in both traditional and contemporary painting styles. The exhibit will be on display through the end of May. The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is committed to educating the communities about Comanche history, culture and fine arts. The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, please contact the Museum at (580) 353-0404.

Comanche Nation Department of Transportation

Construct CNOEP. Roadway The Department of Transportation’s Director, Adrian Tehauno; and the CNOEP’s Director, Brian Stillwell will be entering into an Inter-Governmental Agreement to construct the CNOEP roadway and parking lots.

This project will consist of 3” asphalt roadway and asphalt parking lots in front of the CNOEP building and Comanche Nation Police Department; once constructed it will be a smoother road for the employees and tribal members to travel.

Human Resources Employment Chart

It is the policy of the Comanche Nation Headquarters to provide hiring preference to Comanche Nation tribal members for open positions. The pie chart below shows the percentage of our Comanche Nation employees and others. You can find our application on the Comanche Nation website under Employment or you may pick up an application in our Human Resources Department.

April 2017

Comanche Nation Solid Waste Program Change

The Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Programs (CNOEP) has made a change in the Bulk Item Pick-up.

Dump trailers will no longer be left at homes. Bulk Items will be picked up after an appointment has been made and an assessment has been done.

Items must be separated in: • Piles of Metal Objects (Washer, Dyers, Stoves and Refrigerators,etc) • Tree limbs/wood • Furniture • Trash (trash must be in trash bags) • Tires and Batteries are accepted anytime For Bulk Item Pick-up applications, contact the CNOEP at (580) 492-3754.

CNOEP is located 1/4 mile west of the Comanche Nation Law Enforcement/Fire Department at 8527 NW Madische Rd.

Comanche Nation Solid Waste Illegal Dumpsite Clean Up

Due to cost and size, there may be a waiting period for Illegal Dumpsite Clean Up. Proper documents must be filled out and a assessment will be done.

The following documents are needed before any service from the Comanche Nation Office of Environment Program (CNOEP) can be performed: • Must be an enrolled Comanche Nation Member • Must provide a copy of CDIB • Proof of ownership/residency (Utility bill) • Must not benefit a business or any other non-tribal member • Must reside in the Comanche Nation Jurisdiction For Illegal Dumpsite application contact CNOEP at (580) 4923754.

5 • Assists with fire dispatch through operation of radios, telephones, and other necessary equipment to exchange information for fire weather and other forest suppression activities.

• Coordinates with Volunteer Fire Departments for structural fire suppression on trust and tribally owned land.

Contact the Comanche Nation Fire Department (580) 492-3600 or (580) 492-3602.

Gravel Tinhorn Schedule Please take note as to when your area falls on the schedule effective April 1, and submit your application 30 days before the deadline.

March 1 through March 31 Applications for Chattanooga, Faxon, and Grandfield Area “April.”

April 1 through April 30 Applications for Geronimo, Temple, and Walters Area “May.” May 1 through May 31 Applications for Lawton Area “June.”

June 1 through June 30 Applications for Duncan, and Sterling Area “July.”

July 1 through July 31 Applications for Cyril, and Fletcher Area “August.”

August 1 through August 31 Applications for Apache Area “September” September 1 through September 30 Applications for Anadarko, and Ft. Cobb Area “October.”

October 1 through October 31 Applications for Elgin Area “November.”

November 1 through November 30 Applications for Cache Area “December.”

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: • Must provide proof of Comanche Nation Tribal Enrollment • Must provide proof of residency i.e., utility bill • Must not benefit a business or non- Comanche Tribal Member (rental homes) • Must reside in the Comanche Nation Jurisdiction If you have any questions/ concerns please contact Kyle Tahpay Sr. at (580) 492-3308 please remember he will contact you as soon as he is available due to fulfilling driveways Thank you.

Grandparents Rasing Grandchildren Answer Question about family Firefighters Seeks Tree Cutters The Comanche Nation Fire Program are looking for five people to assist in tree cutting job please apply at Workforce office They are currently taking Emergency Wild land Fire Fighter applications for Native Americans for April. Please contact the Fire.

The Fire Program has been active since 1996 and is currently located on Madische Road across from the Comanche Nation Complex. To date, the program has established two Type-6 Engine Crews and a Type-II Initial Attack Hand Crew which is sponsored by the Bureau of Indian Affairs of Anadarko, Oklahoma.

They currently patrol the following eight counties of trust land for fires in Oklahoma: Comanche, Cotton, Tillman, Stephen, Jefferson, Caddo, Kiowa, and Grady, also nationwide and mutual aide with volunteer fire departments if needed.

The Comanche Nation Fire Program has four full-time employees and ten emergency fire fighters. The program trains firefighters to suppress wild land fires, conduct controlled burns and coordinate fire prevention with tribal activities.

Applications for controlled burns on Comanche Trust Lands only please contact Comanche Nation Fire Program at (580) 492-3600 Monday Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Comanche Nation Fire Program Engines and Type II Initial Attack Hand Crew member duties include: • Works with and within Comanche Nation Emergency Management to provide services and equipment during times of distress.

• Assists with special tribal events that may occur throughout the season.

• Join a support group; meeting other grandparent-headed families can provide support and a sense of community.

• Establish a schedule for your family; having a routine is helpful for children from unstable and chaotic homes.

• Take care of your physical

The Comanche Nation News

and mental health. Get regular physicals, exercise, eat right, and get plenty of rest.

• Take advantage of respite services or work with other grandparent caregivers to take a break from care giving.

• Have a social network; stay in contact with friends or a faith community.

• Become educated about custodial grandparenting and available resources.

• Do not talk negatively about grandchildren’s parents in front of your grandchildren.

• Allow grandchildren to share their feelings about their family situation.

Grasshopper Program to Begin April 1 The Comanche Nation Workforce Grasshopper Program will begin providing lawn mowing services to Comanche Nation tribal members who are at least 62 years of age and/or disabled beginning April 1. In order to receive services, clients must reside within Comanche, Cotton, Caddo, Kiowa or Tillman Counties and have a complete Grasshopper Program application on file within the Comanche Nation Workforce office.

For more information, please contact Randall Baker, Grasshopper Supervisor, at (580) 4923259.

Get Rid of Expired, Unused, Prescription Drugs

What does a child remember?

There was a cry, then silence. Tears were held inside, again silence.

A smile, a hug, things said forgotten...

What does a child remember?

Another night, wide awake, hearing the loud talk....voices.

What does a child remember?

Times being carried from place to place, bundled against the cold.

A strangers car, a strange house....different not familiar....again.

What does a child remember?

Tears caused by fear....there is a cry....we must listen, we must hear....there is a child.

Let us help that child to be safe..let us help the parents to understand.

To walk with their child..through a healthy life of nurturing and care.

THERE IS A CHILD THAT REMEMBERS THE TEARS AND FEARS....

Where there is Domestic Violence... there may be Child Abuse and Neglect Yonevea Sapcut, Child Protection Worker Comanche Tribe, Social Services Department

On April 29 the DEA will sponsor National Take Back Initiative will kick off from 10 a.m. thru 2 p.m.

This is a “no questions” asked turn in for expire, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs.

The location for the turn in will be the Comanche Nation Police Department located at 8527 NW Maddische Rd. For more information contact Community Policing Office at (580) 492-3711.

Lawton Daycare Completes Trainings The Numunu Turetu ECDC Staff went to several trainings in the month March. The following were trainings attended: • Love and Logic in Moore, OK • Beat the Burn Out Bug, Elgin, Okla.

• Mutual Respect: The Key to Managing Classrooms.

Currently there are no openings at the center and there is a waiting list. There are 43 children currently enrolled.

Comanche Nation Historic Preservation’s

Recollection of Comanche History

Courtesy Photo

According to oral history, Sacagawea was born in the 1780s and died April 9, 1884, and was also known by her Comanche name Porivo (Chief Woman). She is known for her contribution to “The Corps of Discovery” with the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the only female on the expedition to the Pacific Coast. The Shoshone Tribal oral tradition believes Sacagawea had fled her French-Canadian husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, lived among the Comanche in Oklahoma in the 1840s, made her way to Wyoming in the 1860s and settled with her fellow Shoshone at the Wind River Indian Reservation the following decade. In 1925, Dr. Charles A. Eastman investigated the claim for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and vouched for its validity after speaking with numerous Shoshone who had remembered the old woman and her stories about traveling with the Corps of Discovery.

He learned of a Shoshone woman at the Wind River Reservation with the Comanche Name Porivo (Chief Woman). Some of the people he interviewed said that she spoke of a long journey where she had helped white men, and that she had a silver Jefferson Peace Medal given by Lewis and Clark Expedition. He found a Comanche woman called Tacutine, who said that Porivo was her grandmother. She had married into a Comanche Tribe and had a number of children, including Tacutine's father Ticannaf. Porivo left the tribe after her Comanche Husband Jerk-Meat was killed.

Eventually she found her way back to the Lemhi Shoshone at the Wind River Indian Reservation, where she was recorded as "Bazil's mother" .

Porivo died on April 9, 1884, and a Reverend John Roberts officiated at her funeral. It was Eastman's conclusion that Porivo was Sacagawea. In 1963 a monument to "Sacajawea of the Shoshones" was erected at Fort Washakie on the Wind River reservation near Lander, Wyoming on the basis of this claim. Over the years, tributes to Sacagawea and her contribution to the Corps of Discovery have come in many forms, such as statues, place-names, and she was even featured on a dollar coin issued in 2000 by the United States Mint.

April 2017

Update Your Information with CN Enrollment

Attention Comanche Tribal Members!!!

It is very important that you keep your information updated with the Comanche Nation Enrollment Department. They want to ensure that you receive your per-capita payments, elder payments, miscellaneous 1099 tax forms, and also the pre-mailing packets in a timely manner.

All address updates can be sent to: Comanche Nation Enrollment P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Pre-mailing packets for the per-capita payment will be mailed towards the end of Summer. This packet includes Address change, Direct Deposit, and tax withholding forms.

For more information on Address Change Forms go to www. comanchenation.com under Enrollments or call (580) 492-3371.

Family Assistance Center Sponsors Sexual Assault Seminar

The Comanche Nation Family Assistance Center is sponsoring a Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Seminar from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 18 at the Great Plains Technology Center, Bldg. 300 Room 301.

April is Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month. Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all genders and ages. The impacts of sexual violence affect individuals, families, communities, and society as a while. But prevention is possible. Together, we can change the conditions that contribute to sexual violence. You can learn the facts about sexual violence and play an active role in changing misconceptions.

For more information contact FAC at (580) 492-3590.

Department of Grants Plans Community Meetings

The Comanche Nation Department of Grants has a community meeting from 11a.m.-2p.m. on April, 29 at the Comanche Nation Dallas Outreach Office located at 1269 Record Crossing Road, Suite E, Dallas, TX, 75235 The Grants department is continuing the process to engage our distant tribal members in identifying and prioritizing our two-year goals for the Comanche Nation.

They invite members of the Comanche Nation who are 18 years of age or older to attend the upcoming meeting. This meeting will follow a structured and facilitated process and will focus on the following: • Identifying the strengths of the Comanche Nation • Recognizing and prioritizing key topics that are most relevant to the Nation; such as Economic Development, Wellness, Culture, Education, Constitution Reform, Communication, and any other topics that you, the Comanche People, deem important • Examining barriers to addressing these topics • Recognizing simple and innovative solutions to these barriers The Grants department values your cooperation in this process and thanks you for your contribution to this important work.

For more information,

6 please contact: Grants Department at (580) 492-3620.

Need Repairs?

Call Comanche Nation Home Improvement The HIP Program was established on the broad authority of 25 USC 13 under the Snyder Act of 1921 as one of several Bureau programs authorized by Congress for the benefit of Indian people. The Bureau’s HIP Program was first implemented in 1965. The original intent of the program was to provide assistance to needy Indian families who could not obtain such assistance because of lack of adequate income. The original intent of the program has not changed with the passage of time.

HIP also administers an Emergency Assistance grant program with funding assistance allocated from the Comanche Tribe, this program provides services for emergency home repair for eligible tribal members.

To be eligible applicants must: 1. Be an enrolled member of Comanche Nation 2. Provide a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) 3. Provide ownership (Warranty Deed Lease Cancellation) of the home Home must be used as a primary residence. Assistance is for urgent/emergency repairs only. For more information contact (580) 4923313.

spectfully ask that you be ready within that time frame. Driver will wait no longer than five minutes after arrival at which time you will be considered a no show, The bus will return only if they have the availability.

Cash Fares: Adult (13-61) $4 Elder (62+) $2 Disabled $2 *Student $3 **Out of town $5 Child (6-12) $2 Child (5 and under) FREE Ticket Prices: Adult 10 rides $30 Adult 20 rides $50 Elder/Disable 20 rides $35 *Student 20 rides $40 *Student prices are for those enrolled at the colleges or the vo-tech only. **Out of town-out of the Lawton/Ft. Sill area.

The Transit department humbly thank each and every one of you that uses the transit system and hope you would recommend them to your family and friends.

For more information contact the Transit at (580) 492-3389.

Open 5a.m.-7p.m. Monday through Friday.

Comanche Nation College Hosts 13th Annual Film Festival

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation OKC and Anadarko Outreach Hosts Special Events OKC Outreach: The Comanche Nation OKC Outreach Program is showing a preview of a Richard Ray Whitman Movie called, “Neither Wolf or Dog,” from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., April 20 at OKC Outreach located at 7390 S. Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73139. The Outreach encourages all to come out and enjoy the film.

For more information contact the OKC Outreach Office at (405) 635-8999.

The Anadarko Outreach The CN Anadarko Outreach will be hosting an eye exam with the Comanche Nation Optometry from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 10, located at the Anadarko Outreach in Anadarko, Okla.

Housing Authority Accepting Credit Cards The Comanche Nation Housing Authority is now accepting Debit/Credit cards for payments.

For more information, contact the housing authority (580) 3574956.

Comanche Nation K-12 Student Services Program Comanche Nation K-12 Student Services Program will assist with up to $200 dollars toward cap/gown and announcements or senior portraits per tribal senior. They will not reimburse and the parent or guardian is responsible for any and all deposits required from the vendor. Please submit a W-9 and invoice from the vendor to: Comanche Nation K-12 Services. P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla.,or fax to (580) 4925089.

For more information please feel free to contact the office at (580) 492-3280 or (580) 492-3278.

Office Close for Good Friday Comanche Nation Offices will be closed April 14 for Good Friday. This includes the tribal day cares, Comanche Housing Authority, and Comanche Nation Transit.

Offices will reopen for business 8 a.m. April 17.

Happy Easter from the Edith Kassanavoid Assisted Living Center!

D.A.R.E Drug Abuse Resistance Education

Do You Need A Ride?

Call the Comanche Nation Transit Department

On April 8, The Comanche Nation College will be hosting their 13th Annual Film Festival in Lawton, Okla. Since their inaugural film festival in 2004, the Comanche Nation Film Festival has strived to showcase the finest of Indigenous creative expression and storytelling through film.

Kim Smith, Librarian remarked “There are Native American Film Festivals across the country from San Francisco to Santa Fe and the Comanche Nation College is proud to host their own. The Native American filmmaker community continues to grow and receive the attention and recognition they deserve.

These films will become part of the growing collection housed in the Comanche Nation College Library of unique films written, produced, or performed by local Native American filmmakers.”

Past featured films/documentaries include: “From Script to Concept “ by Choctaw filmmaker Tvli Jacob also featured by him, “Search for the World’s Best Indian Taco, and the PBS series “We Shall remain”. “Shouting Secrets,” by Jacob and Mickey Blaine, “Crooked Arrows,” directed by Steve Rash and written by Brad Riddell Amongst other various films featured : “A Day In Our Bay” a digital storytelling project of Bristol Bay Native Corporation; Holt Hamilton’s “More than Frybread”; “LaDonna Harris: Indian 101” by Julianna Brannum, Stephen Paul Judd’s “Ronnie BoDean; “Violet,” by Mark Williams, and many more.

For more information please contact Kim Smith (580) 591-0203, or go to the Comanche Nation College website cnc.cc.ok.us, or see the CNC Facebook event page to add and invite others to this event: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/1587677054579950.

Do you need a ride to work, doctor appointments, Vo-tech, Pay bills, or just go shopping? Call the Comanche Nation Transit and let them help schedule you a ride.

The drivers have a twenty minute window on each stop, meaning they can be ten minutes before or 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time and still be considered on time. Example: 10:30 pickup; the driver could be there as early as 10:20 or as late as 10:40 and still be on time.

The Transit department re-

Follow The Comanche Nation News on Twitter @TCNNPIO

The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is an internationally recognized, model program created in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District.

D.A.R.E. provides students from kindergarten through high school with the skills necessary to recognize and resist pressures to experiment with drugs and to avoid gangs and violence. Lessons emphasize self-esteem, decision making, interpersonal communications skills, the consequences of drug abuse, conflict resolution and positive alternatives to substance abuse.

The most important facet of D.A.R.E. is the use of specially trained police officers to deliver the curriculum within the schools. Police Officers are accepted as authorities on drug abuse, as they deal with drug abuse and its consequences on a daily basis.

In order to be certified to instruct D.A.R.E., the officer must complete two weeks (80 hours) of intensive training by C.L.E.E.T. After successfully completing training Officer Rachelle Miles was appointed by Chief Griffin as the lead DARE Officer for the CNPD. The Comanche Nation Police Department D.A.R.E program is currently being taught at the Sterling Public school system, and is partnering with other rural school areas.

For further information please call the Comanche Nation Police Department Community Policing Office at (580) 492-3711.

Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

Edith Kassanavoid Gordon Assisted Living Center Would Like to Wish Everyone a Safe and Blessed Easter! Pictured above from Left to Right; Top Row; Benny Cable, Eddie Heminokeky, Dusty Gee, Terry Geimausaddle, Eldridge Tahdooahnippah-Peaches, Pauline Hawzipta, Lavera Thompson-Mego, Marie Sevier-Midge, Loyce Solomon. Left to Right, Bottom Row; Tammie Asepermy, Maggie Piper, Kellie Justus, Collette Dupoint, Melanie Lewis, Evelyn May, Heather Casale, and Mary Austin.

April 2017

7

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Emergency Management Offers Tips for

Safety

According to the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website, tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others.

Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

Before A Tornado • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

• Look for the following danger signs: • Dark, often greenish sky • Large hail • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

• If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

• Tornado Facts Quick facts you should know about tornadoes: • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.

• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

• Peak tornado season in the

southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

If you are under a tornado warning, • Seek shelter immediately!

Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in: • A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) • Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

• Put on sturdy shoes.

• Do not open windows.

A manufactured home or office • Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single researchbased recommendation for what lastresort action to take because many factors can affect your decision.

Possible actions include: • Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.

If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.

• Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

• Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

In all situations: • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

• Watch out for flying debris.

Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

After A Tornado • Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.

• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social me-

dia.

• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.

• If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.

• Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.

• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

• If your home is without power, use flashlights or batterypowered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.

Build A Safe Room Extreme windstorms in many parts of the country pose a serious threat to buildings and their occupants. Your residence may be built "to code" but that does not mean it can withstand winds from extreme events such as tornadoes and major hurricanes. The purpose of a safe room or a wind shelter is to provide a space where you and your family can seek refuge that provides a high level of protection. You can build a safe room in one of several places in your home.

• Your basement • Atop a concrete slab-ongrade foundation or garage floor.

• An interior room on the first floor.

Safe rooms built below ground level provide the greatest protection, but a safe room built in a first-floor interior room also can provide the necessary protection. Belowground safe rooms must be designed to avoid accumulating water during the heavy rains that often accompany severe windstorms.

To protect its occupants, a safe room must be built to withstand high winds and flying debris, even if the rest of the residence is severely damaged or destroyed. Consider the following when building a safe room: • The safe room must be adequately anchored to resist overturning and uplift.

• The walls, ceiling and door of the shelter must withstand wind pressure and resist penetration by windborne objects and falling debris.

• The connections between all parts of the safe room must be strong enough to resist the wind.

• Sections of either interior or exterior residence walls that are used as walls of the safe room must be separated from the structure of the residence so that damage to the residence will not cause damage to the safe room.

You’ve heard it in the news, online, or from your friends. A well-known company like Yahoo has had its computer systems hacked and user information was stolen! Worse yet, you use Yahoo Mail! You might ask yourself, “What do I do?,” “Am I really at risk?,” or dismiss it altogether.

Failing to take precautions leaves your well-being at risk. These are data breaches and it is important to protect yourself from them. If you are part of a breach it could lead to your identity being stolen, fraudulent charges, or any number of nasty scenarios. Lucky for us there are some tools available to help people identify if they are at risk. The website haveibeenpwned.com is a great resource. You can simply type in your email address and/or username and it will browse information that was released as part of data breaches and checks to see if your information has been stolen. If it finds your information haveibeenpwned.com will provide a list of data breaches and which company they belong to. If you are part of a data breach it is critical that you change your password and security questions on your user account that has been affected. Tools like this are not an end-all-be-all solution; however, it can help you quickly check for any known problems. The best defense is to use a unique and complex password for each user account you have and use two factor authentication when you can (ex. Using a code send by text messaging in addition to your username and password). Stay informed and stay safe.

April 2017

8

Culinary Corner

then spread spinach leaves over the top of the roast to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Break up the goat cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the spinach, then sprinkle the pine nuts over the cheese.

4. Roll the roast up into a tight cylinder, and tie the roast together with kitchen twine at 2 inch intervals. It’s okay if a little stuffing protrudes from the sides of the roast.

5. In a flat dish, mix together the flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of pepper, the thyme, and the fennel seeds, and press the tied roast firmly into the flour mixture to coat all sides.

6. Heat the sesame oil in a heavy oven-proof or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, and sear all sides of the roast, including the ends, to a golden brown color. Lay the roast into the skillet, place into the preheated oven, and roast to your desired degree of doneness, or an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (65 degrees C) for medium, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Recipes for Home Cooking Salmon Fillet Ingredients 1 x salmon fillet, 1” thick (about 2. Lbs.) Salt to taste freshly-ground black pepper to taste.

Directions 1. Rinse fish and pat dry. Season to taste. Lay fish, skin-side down, on a piece of heavy-duty foil.

Cut foil to follow outline of fish, leaving a 1 to 2-inch border.

Crimp edges of foil to fit against fish. Arrange foil-supported fish on cooking grate. Place lid on grill. Cook till fish is opaque but still moist (about 10 min).

2. Supporting fish with foil and wide metal spatula, transfer to a platter. Season to taste.

•

Chicken-Fried Steak & Batter Ingredients 1 pound Cube steak 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, divided • 1 egg • 1 cup Buttermilk • Salt • Black pepper Directions 1. Season 1/2 cup flour with salt and pepper to taste. Pat cube steaks dry with paper towel and dredge in seasoned flour. Put aside while preparing butter.

2. Beat egg with milk, then gradually add remaining 1 cup flour, beating constantly to make a smooth, thick batter. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Heat oil in fryer to 370 F. Dip steaks into batter and place in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning once, about 3-4 minutes per side. Be sure to heat oil back to 370 F between batches. Drain on paper towels before serving.

• •

Spicy Garlic Salmon Ingredients 2 Cloves garlic, crushed 1 Dried red chile pepper 1 tablespoon Olive oil 1 teaspoon Whole grain mustard • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice • Sea salt to taste • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 (6 ounce) Fillets salmon Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a medium • • • •

baking dish with aluminum foil.

Lightly grease foil.

2. With a mortar and pestle, grind together the garlic, chile pepper, and olive oil. Mix into a thick paste with the mustard, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, and coat with the pasta mixture.

3. Bake salmon 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven , or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

Easy Salmon • • • • • 1.

2.

3.

4.

Ingredients 6 (4 ounce) fillets salmon 1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix 1/2 cup water 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 Cup fresh sliced mushrooms Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C.) Lightly butter one 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a cup, combine salad dressing mix, water and lemon juice.

Arrange salmon fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the water mixture over the top and place the sliced mushrooms over the salmon.

Bake, covered, for 15 minutes.

Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, basting with cooking liquids.

Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops Ingredients 2 teaspoons Olive oil 4 Bone-in pork chops (1 Inch thick; about 2 1/2 Pounds total) • Kosher salt and black pepper • 1/2 Cup apricot preserves • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar Directions 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with 1/2 Teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side.

2. Add the apricot preserves and vinegar to the skillet and cook, turning the pork once, until the apricot mixture coats the pork, 1 to 2 minutes more.

• •

Chicken With Lemons and Olives •

Ingredients 2 1/2 to 3 Pounds bone-in, skin-

• • • •

on chicken pieces Kosher salt and black pepper 2 teaspoons Olive oil 1 Lemon, thinly sliced 1/2 cup Pitted Kalamata olives

Directions 1. Heat oven to 400 F. Season the chicken with 1/2 Teaspoon salt and 1/4 Teaspoon pepper.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Working in batches if necessary, cook the chicken until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

3. Transfer the chicken to a rimmed baking sheet and bake until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. To the skillet, add the lemon slices and cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Mix in the olives and serve over the chicken.

Lemon Bar Peeps

strawberries, and toss to coat.

Garlic Asparagus with Lime Ingredients 1 teaspoon Butter 1 tablespoon Olive oil 1 Clove garlic, minced 1 Medium shallot, minced 1 Bunch fresh asparagus spears, trimmed • 1/4 Lime, juiced • Salt and pepper to taste Directions 1. Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Stir in garlic and shallots, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in asparagus spears; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Squeeze lime over hot asparagus, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving plate, and garnish with lime wedges.

• • • • •

Red Curry-Glazed Salmon Ingredients • Four 5-Ounce pieces salmon fillet • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste • 1 tablespoon Canola oil • 1 teaspoon Light brown sugar • Kosher salt and black pepper Directions 1. Heat broiler. Place the salmon on a foil-lined broiler proof baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together the curry paste, oil, sugar, 1/2 Teaspoon salt, and 1/4 Teaspoon pepper. Dividing evenly, brush the salmon with the curry paste mixture.

2. Broil until the salmon is opaque throughout, 5 to 7 minutes.

Spinach and Strawberry Salad Ingredients 2 bunches spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces • 4 cups Sliced strawberries • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil • 1/4 cup White wine vinegar • 1/2 cup White sugar • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika • 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds • 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds Directions 1. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and strawberries.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, paprika, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Pour over the spinach and •

The Comanche Nation News

Stuffed Leg of Lamb Ingredients 1 (5 pound) boneless leg of lamb • Salt and black pepper to taste • 1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves • 6 ounces Goat cheese, or more if needed • 2 teaspoons Pine nuts • Kitchen twine • 1 cup All-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon Salt • 1 tablespoon Ground black pepper • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme • 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds • 1 tablespoon Sesame oil Directions 1. Remove plastic netting or twine from around the leg of lamb, if any, and open up the roast on a cutting board. Place the boned side of the roast up. With a sharp paring knife, cut away any excess fatty areas. Use a sharp knife to cut 1/2-inch deep slits in the meat about 2 inches apart, to help the meat lie flat. Cover the meat with a sturdy piece of plastic wrap or a cut-apart food storage bag, and pound the meat with a mallet or the edge of a small plate until the roast is about 3/4 inch thick everywhere, and 10 to 14 inches square.

2. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

3. Sprinkle the upper side of the meat with salt and pepper, and

• • • • • • • • • • • 1.

2.

3.

4.

•

5.

Ingredients 1 cup Butter, softened 1/2 cup White sugar 2 cups All-purpose flour 1 teaspoon Cornstarch Lemon Layer: 1 1/3 cups White sugar 2/3 cup Lemon juice 2/3 cup All-purpose flour 4 Large eggs 1 tablespoon Lemon zest 1 tablespoon Mini chocolate chips Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar together in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add 2 cups flour and cornstarch; beat until mixture forms a dough. Press dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven until crust is light golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Beat 1 1/3 cups sugar, lemon juice, 2/3 cup flour, eggs, and lemon zest together in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour lemon mixture over crust.

Bake in the oven until lemon mixture is set, 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool to room temperature before removing from baking dish. Cut into desired “Peep” shapes using shaped cookie cutters. Place 2 mini chocolate chips onto each “Peep” to create “eyes.”

WE WANT TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE COOKING! Send a picture of any of the recipes you try on the “Culinary Corner” page, and it will be in an issue of TCNN, and TCNN will mail you a gift of thanks.

Email your name, picture, and which recipe you used, to staceyh@comanchenation.com

April 2017

9

The Comanche Nation News

People, Places and Things Happening Advocates at the Strong 9th Annual Colorado Springs Hearts Native Help line are trained Native American Intertribal to navigate each caller’s abuse situPowwow One Nation Walking Together is sponsoring a one-day Native American Powwow on June 10, at the Mortgage Solutions Financial Expo Center, 3650 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs, Colo. This event is a celebration of Native history and culture and will include Native drums and dancers, Native art and artisans, birds of prey exhibits, and plenty of Native vendors and food.

Admission $4. Dancers and children under 12 admitted free. No drugs, alcohol or pets, except service animals, allowed. Cash prizes for dancers.

For Information, call (719) 559-0525 or (703)798-4320. Please leave a message if no answer.

Visit: www.ColoradoSpringsPowwow.org or www.OneNationWT.org

StrongHearts Native Help line Launches as Historic New Crisis-Line For the first time in history, a culturally-relevant, safe and confidential resource is available for Native American survivors of domestic violence and dating violence, who now make up more than 84 percent of the entire U.S. Native population.

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) today launched the first, national crisis line dedicated to serving tribal communities affected by violence across the U.S., called the StrongHeartsNative Helpline.

Starting today, Native survivors in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska – the helpline’s initial service areas — will be able to connect at no cost, one-on-one, with knowledgeable Strong Hearts advocates who will provide support, assist with safety planning and connect them with resources based on their specific tribal affiliation, community location and culture. Callers outside of these states can still call Strong Hearts while the helpline continues to develop it’s services network. All services available through the help line are confidential and available by dialing 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-7628483) Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Callers after hours will have the option to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hot line or to call back the next business day.

“The reality is that so many of our American Indian and Alaska Native people experience domestic violence and dating violence every day,” said Lucy Rain Simpson, executive director of NIWRC and a citizen of Navajo Nation. “It has never been more evident that our Native people need a Native help line to support efforts to restore power and safety in our tribal communities. The Strong Hearts Native Help line is ready to answer that call.”

The Strong Hearts Native Help line was created by and for Native Americans who, compared to all other races in the U.S., are twice as likely to experience rape or sexual assault, two and a half times more likely to experience violent crimes and five times more likely to be victims of homicide in their lifetimes.

Even though a staggering four in five experience violence, Native Americans have historically lacked access to services.

“The Hot line has served victims and survivors of domestic violence for 20 years, and we recognize that Native American survivors have uniquely complex needs,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of The Hot line. “Through Strong Hearts, domestic violence advocates will be able to address those complex needs with an unparalleled level of specificity.”

ation with a strong understanding of Native cultures, as well as issues of tribal sovereignty and law, in a safe and accepting environment, free of assumption and judgment. Callers will be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect by a well-trained professional.

“To enhance access to services and meet the unique needs of Native survivors, a dedicated Native help line that provides support and connections to shelter, advocacy, and other services is critical,” states Marylouise Kelley, FVPSA Program Division Director.

Initially, Strong Hearts will focus efforts on providing services to survivors who live in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, which combined make up more than 12.5 percent of the country’s entire Native American population.

“The team will leverage the large number of Native centered resources established within these states to begin providing services, with further outreach to tribal communities as Strong Hearts continues to grow,” said Simpson.

The Strong Hearts Native Help line plans to purposefully and thoughtfully expand its services to Native American survivors nationwide – based on utilization, demand, and resources available.

“Verizon is proud to be the first corporate sponsor of the Strong Hearts Native Help line, a resource that will provide a crucial space for Native people to find support,” said Stuart Conklin, program manager at the Verizon Foundation. “We look forward to its success and continuing to build on a lasting partnership.”

About Strong Hearts Native Help line Created by and built to serve tribal communities across the United States, the Strong Hearts Native Help line, a project of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, the National Domestic Violence Hot line, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program, is a culturallyappropriate, anonymous, confidential and no-cost service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and dating violence, along with their concerned family members and friends. By dialing 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-7628483) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, callers can connect at no cost one-on-one with knowledgeable Strong Hearts advocates who can provide lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable survivors to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Learn more about the Strong Hearts Native Help line at www.strongheartshelpline.org.

This project described was made possible by Grant Number 90EV0426 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Tribes Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Victory for Indian Country

Courtesy Photo

Pictured are from left, Morongo Vice Chair, Mary Ann Andreas; Cal; Attorney Glenn Feldman; Morongo Attorney, George Forman; Cabazon Chairman, Doug Welmas; Cabazon Vice Chair, San Juanita Callaway; and Morongo Tribal Chairman, Robert Martin.

A quarter century ago, tribal gaming consisted of little more than a scattering of bingo halls and card rooms sprinkled across a handful of remote Indian reservations in just a few states.

That changed on Feb. 25, 1987 when, after months of courtroom battles, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cabazon Band of Missions Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and confirmed the rights of federally-recognized Indian tribes, as sovereign nations, to offer gaming on Indian reservations.

On Feb. 25, tribes celebrated the anniversary of the landmark courtroom victory that proved to be a defining moment in the struggle for self-determination and self-sufficiency for more than 550 federally-recognized tribes across the U.S. whose isolated reservations suffered from neglect, crushing poverty and a lack of schools, roads, water and other infrastructure.

“It’s humbling to think about the role our two tribes played in advancing sovereignty and creating hope and opportunity for tens of thousands of Native Americans across the nation,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “The Supreme Court ruling put tribes on the road to self-reliance by establishing new revenues for tribes to use to provide vital services to our people.”

Today, there are more than 350 tribal casinos in 28 states. Tribal gaming has fueled economic and social opportunities across the nation by funding vital tribal government services that have brought roads, clean water, housing, health care and education to Native Americans.

Tribal gaming has created tens of thousands of jobs and billions in direct and indirect regional economic benefits, through gaming and non-gaming businesses. Tribal governments use gaming proceeds to diversify and open other businesses, and to assist non-gaming tribes.

Martin and Morongo Tribal Vice Chair Mary Ann Andreas were both members of the Morongo Tribal Council during the Supreme Court challenge.

“This struggle was generations in the making, and we were on the brink of a victory that would help secure a better future for tribes. We were all in, and we weren’t about to give up,” Andreas said.

In California, the victory at the Supreme Court led Congress to pass the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988. California tribes subsequently took the question of tribal gaming to voters where they received overwhelming support, first in 1998 when California voters passed Proposition 5 with more than 63 percent voter approval and again in 1999 when 64 percent of voters approved Proposition 1A. The 2016 California Tribal Government Gaming Impact Study, commissioned by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), found that tribal gaming added $5 billion in value to the Cali-

fornia economy in 2014, the last year for which figures are available. Tribal gaming also supported 63,000 jobs statewide, provided $3.3 billion in worker earnings and produced nearly $400 million in state & local tax revenue in 2014.

The report also found nongaming tribal businesses generated $3.3 billion in economic output, supported 21,000 jobs, and produced another $80 million in state & local tax revenue.

In California alone, gaming tribes have contributed over $600 million to assist California’s nongaming tribal governments, funds that have helped non-gaming tribes pursue their own economic development ventures such as opening retail shops, markets, gas stations and other entities.

Smithsonian Museum Accepting Summer Applications for Teacher Training The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. is accepting applications from educators who teach or work with students in grades six through 12 for a week-long summer Teacher Training Institute from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Applications will be accepted through April 14. Full text of the press release is pasted below. To read it online, go to: http://newsdesk.si.edu/ releases/national-museum-americanindian-accepting-applications-summer-teacher-training-institute.

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is accepting applications for Summer Teacher Training Institute.

Educators from U.S. States most affected by 1830 Indian Removal Act are invited to apply for week long training.

March 10 Washington, D.C.— Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will host a Teacher Training Institute at the museum in Washington, D.C., this summer as a part of its national education initiative, Native Knowledge 360. This in-depth, week long teacher training experience will provide foundational information about American Indians and support effective use of a new online interactive lesson, “American Indian Removal: What Does It Mean To Remove a People?”

The sessions will focus on the impact of removal on Native Nations before, during and after the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 under Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Applications are open for middle and high school educators, including classroom teachers, librarians, curriculum or content coordinators and school administrators in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee—the region most affected by removal. Applications will be accepted through, April 14.

Native Knowledge 360 inspires and promotes the improvement of teaching and learning about American Indians. The summer institute is a pilot project funded through a Smithsonian Institution Youth Access Grant.

The Teacher Training Institute will take place July 10, through July 14. Each selected educator will receive an honorarium. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. Summer institute participants will take part in scholarly lectures and discussions, tour the museum’s collections and work with staff, Native scholars and education experts throughout the week.

Call for Applications: The National Museum of the American Indian is seeking applications from highly qualified and accomplished educators who teach or work with students in grades six through 12 in a school located in one of the following

states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma or Tennessee. Applications will be accepted through April 14. Visit the museum’s website for more information at http://nmai. si.edu/explore/education/summereducator-institute/.

Comanche County Producers Urged to Consider Risk Protection Coverage before Spring Crop Sales Deadlines

Comanche County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Robert Payne, reminds producers to review available USDA crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Non insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, before the spring-seeded crop deadline of March 15.

Federal crop insurance covers crop losses from natural adversities such as drought, hail and excessive moisture. NAP covers losses from natural disasters on crops for which no permanent federal crop insurance program is available, including forage and grazing crops, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup, bio-energy, and industrial crops.

The following crops in Comanche County have a NAP application deadline of March 15: warm season grass varieties intended for grazing, sorghum forages (Sudan, Sudex, Red Top Cane, etc.), millet, beans, peas, mung beans, cantaloupe, corn, pumpkins, sunflowers, watermelons.

"NAP policies allow producers to protect their investment by purchasing coverage for non insurable crops," said Payne. "Natural disasters are an unavoidable part of farming and ranching and FSA programs like NAP help producers recover when they experience a loss."

USDA has partnered with Michigan State University and the University of Illinois to create an online tool at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap that allows producers to determine whether their crops are eligible for federal crop insurance or NAP and to explore the best level of protection for their operation. NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production, with higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price available, including coverage for organics and crops marketed directly to consumers. Crops intended for grazing are not eligible for additional NAP coverage.

Federal crop insurance coverage is sold and delivered solely through private insurance agents.

Agent lists are available at all USDA Service Centers or at USDA’s online Agent Locator: http://prodwebnlb. rma.usda.gov/apps/AgentLocator/ No. . Producers can use the USDA Cost Estimator, https://ewebapp.rma. usda.gov/apps/costestimator/Default. aspx, to predict insurance premium costs.

For more information on NAP, service fees, premiums and sales deadlines, contact the Comanche County FSA office at (580) 3532115 ext. 2 or visit the web at www. fsa.usda.gov/nap.

Comanches on the Move Seats Board of Directors

Comanches on the Move are pleased to announce that they have seated their first Board of Directors.

They will act as trusted servants to the Comanche on the Move organization.

They are as followed: ChairpersonMatt Pekah; Vice Chairperson-Jared Kopaddy; Secretary-Cindy Famero; Treasurer-Erin Singleton; Sergeant at Arms-Nolan Tahdoonippah.

The cause is spear headed by our commitment to the future generations of all things.

April 2017

10

The Comanche Nation News

Milestones Happy Belated Birthday

February 25- Cole Cook March 2- Aliayah Ann Aitson March 5- Shane Gibson March 20- Gerald Pewewardy March 31- Monique Valasquez March 31 Arlena B. Shrock

Happy Birthday April 2- Toby St. Clair April 2 Natasha Gooday April 4- Nico Rosario April 5- Daphne Wang April 5- Kellen Hankins April 6- Chuck Pollard April 6- Marley Minthorn April 6- Sophia Leone April 10- Brayden Halberg April 10 Gaylon Motah April 16-Michelle Becenti April 18- Bethany Long April 18- Martina Callahan April 18- Tru Duy April 20 Rylen Furr April 20 Rylei Suina April 22- Jeremy Shea April 23- Lloyd Heminokeky Jr. April 22- Nicole Peeler April 24- Jaden Woommavovah April 24- Kalob Shea April-25 Charles Pollard April 27- April Pohawpatchoko April 27- Selena Banda

Happy Belated Birthday Aliayah Ann Aitson March 2

Happy Birthday Toby St. Clair April 2

Happy Birthday Nico Rosario April 4

Happy Birthday Kellen Hankins April 5

Happy Birthday Marley Minthorn April 6

Happy 16th Birthday Brayden Halberg April 10

Happy Birthday Daphne Wang April 5 Happy Birthday Nevaeh Ann Miller April 14 From your Grandpa’s

Happy Birthday Tru Duy April 18 In Loving Memory Charles Pollard 1937-2015 The Broken Chain Charles was a loving husband, father and Brother in Law, a minister of God he loved his savior and he is in heaven with Jesus. It broke our hearts to lose you; you left us precious memories, you are always with us in spirit our family chain is broken. But as God calls us one by one we will be together again. Your family, Mary, Rance, Chuck and Ba Ba

Happy Birthday Michelle Becenti April 16

Happy Birthday Martina Callahan April 18

Happy Birthday BRIAN STILLWELL In Loving Memory Dale Scott Long April 26, 1974January 8, 2015

The Comanche Nation News May Edition Deadline~April 17 Email: candacet@comanchenation.com

by Mail: Comanche Nation PIO P.O. Box Lawton, OK 73501 Contact: (580) 492-3386

Happy 3rd Birthday Tinleight Ototivo FROM ALL THE FAMILY AND KAKU

April 2017

11

Obituaries Lenore A. Grissom

Lenore A. Grissom passed away February 20, in Lakewood, Cali.

Funeral services were March 11 at Forest Lawn MemorialPark, Cypress, Cali.

Grissom was survived by her children: Robert Terrill Grissom,Karen E. Fast, Lawrence D. Grissom, Ronald E. Grissom, Michael T. Grissom, Steven E. Grissom and Jeffery L. Grissom.

Donald “Bud” James Tosee I

Tosee Donald “Bud” James Tosee I of 4 Mile Road “Wesape Athua Athua” (Son of a bear of a bear) went to his heavenly home, at the age of 59, on February 24, in Lawton, Okla.

Funeral Service was March 1, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home with Gene Sovo, Wallace Coffey and Tina Baker officiating.

Burial followed at Sterling Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

A wake service was held February 28, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home with Gene Sovo, Wallace Coffey and Tina Baker officiating.

Born May 28, 1957 to the late Andrew and Eunice (Sovo) Tosee at home in Sterling, Okla. Donald “Bud” went to his heavenly home on February 24, in Lawton, Okla.

Tosee attended Sterling Public Schools and graduated in 1976.

He was employed at the Lawton Municipal Airport, Dolese Brothers Rock Crushing Company, Carnegie Tri-County Hospital, and Volunteer firefighter with the Carnegie Fire Department. He worked proudly for the Comanche Nation for 18 years and retired as the EMS Coordinator. He was a First Aide CPR/AED Instructor. He was also a National Registered First Responder/ EMT Basic.

He volunteered as first responder during the Alfred P. Murray Building Bombing in April of 1995.

In 1977 he participated in the Comanche-Ute Peace Treaty in Ignacio, Colorado. He was a proud full blood member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, member of the United Methodist Church of Apache where he played the drums until he was unable to do so, due to his health.

In his younger days he was an active member of the Comanche Native American Church. As a young man Tosee danced with the Mithlo family.

He served as president of the Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Club and danced with the Redbone Blackfeet Society. He participated in the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo. He was a tail dancer for the Comanche Man Dance, a Lay speaker of the United Methodist Church, and a Thu-wee

Mark 16:6 “And he saith unto them, be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified; he is risen; he is not here; behold they place where they laid him.”

dancer with the Comanche Black Knife Dance Society.

Tosee enjoyed attending the Lawton Rangers Rodeo, participated in mock raids on cattle drives in West Cliff, Colo. He enjoyed participating in the Reenactment Wagon Train Raids at Fort Sill, Okla. Tosee took pride in working alongside his dad as a carpenter. Some of his proudest projects were the boathouses at Lake Ellsworth and the Porter Hill Dairy.

He went on numerous mission trips.

Loved to listen to praise and worship from the UMC of Apache, watch “The Three Stooges”, black and white westerns, “Popeye”, eat Churches Chicken, popcorn and cheese balls.

He enjoyed fishing, sewing, quilting, and participating in parades.

He is survived by his children, Jame Lyn and her companion Jesse Hamilton of Lawton, and Donald James Tosee II of the home, Joseph Thomas Tosee and companion Shelby Ides of Lawrence, Kan., and two granddaughters, Bluesky Tosee of the home, and Kendal Hamilton of Lake Butler, Fla., also his former wife and mother of his children, Lynn Munoz. Siblings; Audrey Mithlo, Deborah Sue Oldham, Janet Leigh Tosee, Teresa Komahcheet all of Sterling, Okla, Morgan and Evelyn Tosee of Lawton, Okla, Frank Leon Tosee of Sterling, Okla, Natasha and Douglas Spores of Elgin, Okla, and many nieces and nephews, adopted brothers Jesse Lorentz, Darrell Moore, Don Gleason, Barry Hardin, Mike Bendixon, and Carl Jennings.

Tosee was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Clarissa Hernandez, a nephew William Kerchee, three brothers-in-law Eugene Mithlo Sr., Don Oldham, and Don Bingham, Paternal grandparents Moque Tosee and Ione Nipker Tosee, maternal grandparents Ernest and Sallie Sovo, Adopted Pawnee parents Kenneth and Opal Goodeagle and numerous family members.

Hammond Harold Motah

Motah Hammond Harold Motah, 75, Carnegie went to his heavenly home, on February 28, with his loving family by his side.

Funeral Service was March 4, with Rev. Mike Boyiddle and Tina Baker officiating at Watchetaker Hall. Burial followed at Carnegie City Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

Prayer Service was March 3, at Red Buffalo Hall at the Kiowa Tribal Complex, Carnegie.

Motah was born June 4, 1941 in Lawton to Lee and Rhoda Pauau Motah. He grew up in Walters where he attended schools and graduated Translated to the Comanche Language “Surüse’ meurüümatu yühkwi; Keta’ka tüvitsikuya’arüümoarüü.

Jusus-ha Nazareth-naihti suavema ta tawünapüha münü wehkitüü. Yütsüpü u’. Ke u’ sikitü Ma vunika, pükü uhka urüü tüki’ha.”

-From the Book

Mark-ha Tsaatu Narumu’ipu (The Gospel of Mark in Comanche and English Copyright 1958

with the Walter’s Blue Devil Class of 1960. He was a lifelong learner and continued on to college attending, Tempe Ariz., University, and USAO, was a mascot for Southeastern University. He attended Cooks Christian Training School and became a minister with his first church he pastored was the United Methodist Church in Clinton, Okla., from 1970-1971. He worked for various tribes as a Tribal Consultant in many different areas.

His real love was being a Master of Ceremony at Powwow’s, with his strong, loud humorous voice could keep the crowd entertained and fully focused on what was going on in the arena. Being a natural at “MC’ing” Motah traveled throughout the United States and Canada and was renowned for it. He MC’d some of the top Pow-Wow’s in Indian Country. Everywhere he went people and dancers knew the pow-wow would be on time and run accordingly. He had a way of making people feel welcomed and loved. Helped start and MC’d some of today’s top pow-wow. He is a legend among pow-wow MC’s. He was also a member of many organizations to include Walter’s Service Club, Comanche NAC, Comanche Homecoming, Tai-Piah Society of Oklahoma, Esa Rosa Descendants and Kiowa Gourd Clan, Kiowa Warrior Descendants, O-Ha-MA Lodge, Carnegie Tai-Piah Society, Redbone Black Feet Society and Honored Elder OKC Powwow Club 2008. He also coached youth athletics in little league baseball, T-ball, and basketball. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren play and children’s activities.

He was a full blood member of the Comanche Nation.

He is survived by his wife Sherry of the home, children; Derek Tofpi of Carnegie, Deroin Motah of Ft. Lauderdale Fla, Tina Motah of Sioux Falls SD and Gina Motah of Sisseton, SD, sisters; Ruth Toahty of Elgin, Carol Kahrahrah and husband Bernard of Geronimo, Sandra Karty and husband Delbert of Walters, Jolene Gutierrez of Espinola, NM and one brother; Gaylon Motah and wife Melanie of Lawton. Aunt; Joyce Gooday, Four adopted children; Steve Quoetone of Carnegie, Cheevers Toppah of Oklahoma City, Hyde Toppah of Tulsa and Janaye Toppah of Weatherford. Grandchildren; Adriel Clements, Kaygan Tofpi, Matthew Tofpi, and Jaxson Tsonetokoy, his Kiowa Adopted families, the Cozad’s, Tsoodle’s, Koomsa’s, Kauahquo’s, Tahlo’s, and numerous other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lee and Rhoda Pauau Motah, brothers; Emmons Wayne Motah, Thomas Blackstar Sr., Sisters Oneda Twohatchet, Venita Lyles.

Aunts; Sally Fawbush, Freda Pauau and one son Jay Motah Country.

Charles A Parker After a short, but brave battle with cancer, Charles A Parker left this earth on March 12. He was born at the Caddo Kiowa Comanche Indian hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma to Thomas “Tit -tah” Parker and Helen Marie Fisher Parker on April 18, 1936. He was the second to the last living grandson of Quanah Parker, the last chief of the Comanche Indians.

Parker enlisted into the Army on 20 February 1956 and served with honor until 19 February 1959 earning the rank of Specialist 4. After his Basic and Light Weapons Infantryman training he completed NCO School from August to September 1956 and was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry at Fort McNair, Va. The 3rd Infantry was also known as the “Old Guard” and “Escort to the President.”

His duties consisted memorial affairs missions including standard and full honor funerals in Arlington National Cemetery and dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base. Other duties included ceremonial tasks of full honor arrivals for visiting dignitaries, wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown, and honor reviews

The Comanche Nation News

Franklin

Parker in support of senior army leaders and retiring soldiers. The “Old Guard” is the only unit in the US Armed Forces authorized to march with fixed bayonets in all parades. His grandfather was Quanah Parker, the last Chief of the Comanche’s, and his father, Thomas (Tit-tah) Parker served in the Army during World War I when he was yet a citizen of the United States. After serving in the United States Army, Parker retired as manager from Furr’s General Warehouse.

He loved and enjoyed his family, doted on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to laugh and have fun as well as being a hardworking, generous and caring man. He enjoyed his sports, fishing, hunting, working in his garden and raising animals.

He leaves behind two daughters; Diane (Arty) Reid, Jena Parker and a son, Steven “Tadpole” (Teresa Myers) Parker. Also survived by his grandchildren; Amy (Louis) Brose, Jessica (Tyler Wilbanks), Stone Krista Baxter, Anthony (T.J.) Baxter, Amanda Myers, Bradley (Paula)Williams, Talon (Megan), Williams and Andrew Williams.

He was known as Papa or Pops and loved by his 14 great-grandchildren; Devon, Trevor, Lorilei, Levi, Enrique (Peanut), Bransyn, April, Morgan, Keaton, Kehvia, Kimbreigh, Smash, Khane, and Kasci. Parker also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and friends; young and old. The family would like to express a heart-felt thank you to the wonderful people at Hospice of Lubbock, especially our beloved hospice nurse, Glenda Mooney; Yolanda and Diana, and also “Big Chuck,” who all cared for our dad/papa with love and respect.

Graveside service with full military honors was March 15, at Cache Creek KCA Cemetery with Jimmy Caddo CIVA Chaplain under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service will be planned in Lubbock TX at a later date.

Vidala Rose “Bushy” Attocknie Franklin Vidala Rose “Bushy” Attocknie Franklin, 69, of Apache went to her heavenly home on March 5, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral Service was March 8, at the Comanche Community Center of Apache with Edmond Tate Nevaquaya and Michael Burgess officiating. Burial followed at Cache Creek KCA Cemetery west of Apache under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

Wake Service was March 7, at the Comanche Community Center of Apache.

Franklin was born February 16, 1948 in Lawton to Francis “Joe A” Sr. and Rosalie Poolaw Attocknie. She graduated from Capitol Hill HS in 1966 and went on to attend college at Haskell in 19661968 and majored in Nursing. Her nursing career spanned from 19682003. She worked for Hillcrest Corp (OKC), Comanche County Memorial Hospital (Lawton), Grace Living Center(Chickasha), Nursefinders (Lawton) Willow Park Health Care Center (Lawton). In 2004, she went to work for the Comanche Nation Outreach Office in Anadarko until her retirement in 2016. She was a proud member of the Comanche Nation, also of Kiowa Descent, Proud Yahpuh tuhkah (Root Eater) Band Member, Ten Bears Descendant and Yellowfish Descendant.

She is survived by and mother to; LaVida David, Hah-Tee Delgado and wife Starr of Lawton, Wuhyahkeh Delgado and companion Sky Bullock of Livingston TX, grandmother to; Marty Joe, Maiya, Michelle, Nuh-Nuh Tsee,Sonja, Joaquin, Sean, Hunter, Rylan, Anhinga, Angel, Epimenia. Brothers; Randlett Attocknie, Richard Attocknie and Sister; Phyllis Attocknie.

She is preceded in death by her parents Francis “Joe A” and Rosalie Attocknie Sr. sister EsaJawea Attocknie, Brother; Francis “Bubba” Attocknie Jr. and a grandson Hoonch “Bear” Delgado.

May You Walk in Sunshine May you always walk in Sunshine and God around you flows, for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you, the day God called y ou home.

A million times we needed you, a million times we cried.

If love could only saved you, you would have never died.

The lord be with you and may you rest in peace.

-Unknown

Follow The Comanche Nation News on Facebook www.facebook.com/ TheComancheNationNews.com

April 2017

12

The Comanche Nation News

Sports

Native American Women Athletes Native Women Play Hard During 2017 NCAA March Madness

Courtesy Photos

Caitlyn Ramirez

Chelsea Dungee

www.ndnsports.com

The NCAA announced the 64-team field in the Women’s NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament.

First and second round action wasplayed at 16 home sites.

March 17-20, with the 16 second round winners advancing on to four regional sites. The Lexington Regional (Rupp Arena, Lexington Kentucky) and the Oklahoma City Regional (Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) played on March 24 and March 26. The Bridgeport Regional (Webster Bank Arena, Bridgeport, Connecticut) and the Stockton Regional (Stockton Arena, Stockton, California) played March 25 and March 27. The four regional winners advanced to the 2017 NCAA Women’s Final Four, in Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center) on March 31 and April 2.

Featured are Native American women competed in the 2017 NCAA Women’s March Madness tournament as well as other Native American women competed in other women’s post season tournaments.

Lauren Billie

NCAA Women’s March Madness Caitlyn Ramirez Caitlyn Ramirez (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), is a 6-2 senior forward from Shawnee, Okla.

Ramirez plays for the Troy Trojans who earned their way to the women’s March Madness tournament by winning the Sun Belt Conference championship. The Trojans earned the No. 15 seed in the Oklahoma City Region.

Ramirez was named to the Sun-Belt Tournament MVP. She is originally a transfer from Tyler Junior College out of Tyler, Texas where she was a NJCAA Region XIV All-Conference and All Region selection.

Chelsea Dungee Chelsea Dungee (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), is a 5’11 freshman guard for the University of Oklahoma. Dungee is from Sapula, Okla.

The Sooners were selected as the No. 6 seed in the tournament’s Oklahoma City Region.

Dungee started in 16 games this season and averaged 7.1 points

Dominque Golightly per game.

Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) Lauren Billie Lauren Billie (Mvskoke Creek/Seminole) is a 5”6 sophomore guard for the University of TexasArlington (UTA).

UTA’s .733 winning percentage is currently the best in program history, beating the 2006-07 squad that won 24 games. A win in the WNIT first round would clinch UTA its best-ever percentage and tie for second amongst the most wins for the program.

Billie started in eight games this season and averaged 3.1 points per game in 13.1 minutes per game.

Billie is from Tulsa, Okla.

Dominque Golightly Dominque Golightly (Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma) is a freshman 5’11 gaurd/forward for Abilene Christian University.

The Wildcats are going back to the WNIT for the second consecutive season. They are still in the

Brice Calip

Jaye Two Bears

midst of their NCAA D1 transition.

The Wildcats will be eligible for the Women’s NCAA tournament season.

Golightly averaged 4.9 points per game, including a careerhigh 14 points against UTSA. Golightly is from Chichasha, Okla.

Brice Calip Brice Calip (Mvskoke Creek Nation) is a 5’8 freshman guard for the Missouri State Bears who finished third in the Missouri Valley Conference, and qualified automatically as the highest finishing league.

The Missouri State Bears were not selected to the NCAA tournament.

Calip averaged 5.3 points per game for the Bears and collected nine steals on the season. Calip is from Sapula, Okla.

Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI) Jaye Two Bears Jaye Two Bears (Standing Rock Sioux) is a 5’10 freshman guard for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers who will play in the WBI- a 16 team tournament played

Tisha Phillips

on campus sites - for the first time.

This comes just one ear after a berth to the Women’s NIT, making the first time the Panthers will play in the postseason in back-to-back years in program history.

Two Bears averaged eight minutes per game this season in her freshman campaign and averaged around two points per game. Two Bears had nine steals as well.

Two Bears is from Cannon Ball, N.D. Tisha Phillips Tisha Phillips (Nez Perce Tribe) is a 5’9 senior gaurd/forward for the Eastern Washington University Eagles who accepted a bid to play in the 8th Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI).

Phillips averaged 14.1 points, 3.6 assists and played 29 minutes per game this season. She started in 28 games this season and is an integral part of the Eagles offense.

WRESTLING CHAMP. On February 27, Comanche tribal member, Alton Johnson from Elgin High School, placed third in the OSSAA High School Heavyweight Wresting, held in Oklahoma City, Okla., at the Norick Arena located on Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Johnson received a letter enclosed with a Certificate of Recognition on being selected to represent the great state of Oklahoma on the Central Conference Wrestling Team at the 19th Annual Down Under Freestyle Championship hosted on the Gold Coast of Australia during the Summer of 2017. Johnson is the son of Chuck Johnson.

Grandparents are Anita and Arthur Johnson.

Courtesy Photo

April 2017

13

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Native American Church 1918 Seeks Tribal Member’s Support Submitted by Billy Komahcheet/ Comanche Nation Native American Church 1918 President

For decades the Comanche Native American Church 1918 Charter has been led by one man, this man was the epitome of what a Comanche Spiritual leader was supposed to be, caring and watching over his Comanche people putting himself and his family second. Over the course of these decades he sat up in the tipi and conducted services for numerous families and individuals throughout the Comanche Nation as well as other tribes.

Approximately one year ago not only the family of the late Thomas Blackstar Sr., suffered his loss as he made his final journey from this earth, but the Comanche Native American Church members as well as the members of the Comanche Nation suffered a tremendous loss as well.

Our religious leader was honored and memorialized by Native American Church officials from throughout the Nation.

After his passing, members of the Comanche Native American Church 1918 Charter called a business meeting, from this meeting new leadership was nominated and voted on, the results are as follows; President – Billy Komahcheet, Vice-President – Anthony Monoessy, Secretary – Diana DoyebiSovo, Treasurer – Michelle Blackstar, Chaplain – Michael Blackstar, Co-Sergeants at Arms – Gene Sovo and Patrick Attocknie, Cultural Historian – William Voelker.

Priorities of the new officers and membership are to (1): Insure that all registrations pertaining to the State of Oklahoma and Texas are in order and in good standing, and (2): And most importantly, issue an “invitation” to any and

all other Comanche Native American Church organizations to come together as one for the benefit of the Comanche Nation as a whole.

President Komahcheet states; “For far too long our churches have been divided, for decades I have participated in our Native American Church services and listened to our prayer men talk about our Church being “broken” into three separate parts, now we have the opportunity to mend this “broken” church and come together as one, I believe that once this is done, we can start praying for the “healing” of our Comanche Nation and in turn, we can all come together as one Nation and pray for and support our NUMUNU leadership allowing us to prosper as a Viable and Lucrative Nation”.

The Church officials are calling upon families of the NUMUNU Nation to come together in support of future endeavors of the church. It is the endeavors of the officials that they want to be able to raise funds (and not to depend on the Annual Allocation of the Nation) to support the purchase of a new tipi and poles to be able to utilize for families who call upon them for prayers as well as funding the trip to South Texas to purchase and/or pick the medicine to hopefully last throughout the year. Funds raised would also be there to assist any elders of the Nation in needy times.

If you have any questions about past or future membership of the Comanche Native American Church 1918 Charter, please feel free to contact any of the officials with the appropriate information or you can contact Secretary Diana Doyebi-Sovo (Secretary) to inquire about lifetime membership cards for any NUMUNU member.

ANNUAL HANDGAME TOURNAMENT. The Annual Comanche Nation Handgame Tournament was held March 18-19 at Watchetaker Hall.

Traditional Handgame songs filled the hall for two days, as teams played the age-old guessing game. The Ute Tribe brought top Handgame Champions from Utah to Comanche Country to compete against various teams in Oklahoma. Winning this years tournament are: Champions: Northern Ute’s from Fort Duchesne, Utah.

2nd Place: Kiowa Kickers 3rd Place: Carnegie Dah 4th Place: Camp 7 Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Follow The Comanche Nation News on Twitter @TCNNPIO

April 2017

14

The Comanche Nation News

Military

Comanche Indian Veterans Association Honors Korean War Veterans

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Korean War Veteran Honoree Bobby Tomah with Framed Award.

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Members of the Comanche Indians Veteran’s Association (CIVA) pose for a picture March 2, with the Korean War Veterans who were honored for their bravery and valor. Not pictured Bobby Tomah.

Submitted by Roger Tehauno/ Comanche Indian Veteran’s Association

The Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) gathered together in the Patriot Room at the Comanche Nation Complex with the honored guests, their families and other Veteran Organizations.

All were shown around the room with everyone locating their veteran's photo. Then at 6 p.m., participants moved to Watchetaker Hall.

The CIVA Commander, Ronnie Mahsetky directed the program.

The event began with CIVA Princess, Lauren Noriega, singing the National Anthem, When she completed, the drum sang the Comanche Flag song. The CIVA Chaplain, Jimmy Caddo gave the opening prayer then dinner was served.

After Dinner, the drum sang a Memorial song and a Veterans song.

Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson, explained the Veteran’s Song that was sung, which he composed. When he completed,

Col. Morris, Ft. Sill Chaplain, also gave some interesting comments and information in relation to America's Veterans.

CIVA Color Guard Coordinator, Flavio Noriega, gave the audience historic information about the Korean War. The honoring of the Korean Veterans began, with Commander, Ronnie Mahsetky presenting the audience with Johnnie Brown’s contribution to the Korean War.

CIVA Treasurer, George Red Elk, presented Bobby Tomah’s contribution to the Korean War.

CIVA Vice-Commander, Roger Tehauno, presented Billy Joe Wermy’s contribution to the Korean War.

CIVA Sergeant-At-Arms, Lonnie Henderson, presented Kenneth Simmons Toodahnippah’s contribution to the Korean War, and CIVA Secretary, Clifford "Beaver"

Takawana, presented Jimmy Ray Caddo’s contribution to the Korean War. Caddo is the current CIVA Chaplain

Each was presented with a framed award depicting their Military service along with a CIVA ball cap, a Veterans T-shirt, A Code Talker key ring and challenge coins. The Honorees family was also given the opportunity to say something on behalf of their veteran.

Garner Pewewardy could not make this event due to ill health.

He will be honored at a later date when it is convenient for him. The Caddo gave the closing prayer and the event ended.

The event went smoothly, and everyone was satisfied especially with the delicious meal prepared and served by the Ladies Auxiliary. Each Auxiliary member proved their value to the CIVA during this event.

CIVA Princess, Lauren Noriega,

was gracious and beautiful in her regalia and sang the National Anthem and a Comanche Church hymn beautifully while representing the CIVA. There were 102 people at this event.

CIVA Members Present: Ronnie Mahsetky, Roger Tehauno, Beaver Takawana, George Red Elk, Flavio Noriega, Jimmy Ray Caddo, Richard Sapcutt, Kevin Pohpatchoko, Richard Peres, Cecelia Gipson and Tina Emhoolah.

Auxiliary Members Present: Linda Tehauno, Cheryl Takawana, Mison Noriega, Fran Sapcut, Nona Mihecoby, Sissy Terry, Missy Chrismon, Arvillia Craig, Georgia Sapcut, Barbara Aspermy, Sharon Enriquez and Beverly Issacs, CIVA Princess Present.

Drum and Singers: Head Singer, Robert Tehauno, Kevin 'Bubba" Sovo and Victor Tahchawwickah.

Courtesy Photo

Korean War Veteran Honoree Jimmy Ray Caddo-CIVA Chaplin with Framed Award.

Courtesy Photo

Korean War Veteran Honoree Johnnie Brown with Framed Award.

Courtesy Photo

Members of the CIVA Auxiliary prepare a meal for the honorees and their families on March 2 at Watchetaker Hall.

Courtesy Photo

Korean War Veteran Honoree Billy Joe Wermy with Framed Award.

Courtesy Photos

CEDAR CEREMONY. Members of the CIVA attended a Cedar Ceremony March 5 at the United Methodist Church in Apache, Okla. for Cody Sapcut. Sapcut is the son of CIVA member Richard Sapcut, of Kentucky. CIVA Commander Ronnie Mahsetky, opened the event with a prayer for Sapcut. After eating, everyone visited for a while. Gilbert Soontay, son of Auxiliary member, Aurvilla Craig, announced that he was ready to conduct the ceremony. While outside, numerous individuals were cedared by Soontay. Once everyone was smoked, the ceremony was concluded. A photo session was conducted after inside the dining hall. TOP: Sapcut gets cedared by Soontay. BOTTOM: From left, Roger Tehauno, Richard Sapcut, Ronnie Mahsetky, Cody Sapcut, Richard Sapcut, Flavio Noriega and Kevin Pohpatchoko.

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Col. Morris of Ft. Sill thanks the veterans for this invitation to the honoring.

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Members of the CIVA salute the American Flag during the singing of the Comanche Flag Song.

Korean War Veteran Honoree Kenneth Simmons Tooahnipah with Framed Award.

April 2017

15

The Comanche Nation News

Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

It was a sock hoppin’, finger snappin’, twist n twirlin’ kind of night at the 5th Annual Elder Senior Prom that was held February 24, in Watchetaker Hall.

The event was free and open for all tribal elders 62 years and older.

Elders from around the area arrived in their best 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s attire to dance the night away, listen to music from their youth, and visit with friends and family.

Martin Flores was the Disc Jockey, and he lined up tunes that kept the dance floor full, with music that ranged from Motown to Disco.

There was plenty of refreshments to keep the guests hydrated and full as they danced the night away.

A photo booth was set up in one of the corners of Watchetaker Hall, so people could take a picture to commemorate the moment.

Michael Powell of Prevention and Recovery was one of the popular men who was asked to be in many pictures, since he came to the dance dressed as James Dean, complete with cigarettes wrapped in one of his shirt sleeves.

There was a dance contest, King and Queen Contest, the couple married the longest to each other, best dressed 50’s, and door prizes.

Winners Oldest Male (King) – Clyde Chemah Oldest Female (Queen) – Inez Motah Jitterbug Contest – Verna Cable & Sam DeVenney Twist Contest – Phyllis Palmer Limbo Contest – Cynthia Lewis Couple together longest - Mr. and Mrs. RC Ahtone- 49 years “We would like to thank all the elders that attended and everyone that made this event such a success,” expressed Bonita Paddyaker, director of the Comanche Nation Injury Prevention, and Event Coordinator Another dance is being planned for August, tentatively.

Oldest Male (King) – Clyde Chemah Oldest Female (Queen) – Inez Motah

Couple together longest - Mr. and Mrs. RC Ahtone

Jitterbug Contest winners Verna Cable & Sam DeVenney “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.”

(JOHN 1:29)

C0ME VISIT US…

CHRIST-CENTERED BIBLE PREACHING TRIBAL HYMN SINGING EVERYONE WELCOME LOCATION: 2502 SW B AVE., LAWTON, OKLA. (EAST OF CAMERON UNIVERSITY AT THE CORNER OF 25TH & B).

SERVICE TIMES: SUN. 10AM, 11AM. THUR. 6:30PM CONTACT US: CALL/TXT: (580) 861-4274 FIND US ONLINE: WWW.LAWTONINDIAN.COM

EVERY FRIDAY, 7PM

April 2017

16

The Comanche Nation News