June 2017 TCNN

VOLUME 18 EDITION 6

June 2017

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

Student Services Accepting Applications June 5 Submitted by CN Student Services

Comanche Nation K-12 Student Services Program will begin accepting applications on June 5. Reminder to Parents: Please save your students report cards. The following gift cards will be available: • JcPenny • Kohl’s • Wal-Mart • Bookcase Uniforms (Lawton Area ONLY) Applications are available in the program office, all CN Outreach Offices and on the Comanche Nation web site.

Gwen Pesewonit, Director of Student Services said, “We need completed applications and legal documentation turned in. Only legal guardians can submit the application and pick up the gift cards. For outof-state tribal members, theirs will be mailed out within a five day work day period. We look forward to helping the Comanche children.”

Preparing For Your Senior Year High School Counselor: Visit with your high school counselor regarding credit requirements for graduation and your grades.

ACT and SAT Testing: If you haven’t taken your ACT or SAT Test, do so as soon as possible. Take the test more than once. Ask your counselor if there is a waiver of fee for the tests and how to apply for it.

College: Plan on visiting different colleges. Start applying at the colleges you are interested in.

FAFSA and Scholarships: Search for scholarships. Apply for FAFSA (student aid) and other scholarships as soon as possible.

High School Senior Portraits: Make an appointment with the photographer recommended by your school for your year book picture.

Year book picture settings are usually taken during the summer months before you start back to school. Call photographers in your area regarding senior portrait settings as many will offer different prices and packages.

Do not feel obligated to purchase your senior portraits from the recommended company.

Announcements/Cap and Gown: Vendors will be visiting your school within the first two or three months of the new school year. Students will receive a packet of information and products. Please review all information and note the deadline.

Make a list of relatives and friends that you want to invite to your graduation, be mindful that some schools have tickets and will limit the amount of tickets you can have. Once you and your parents have made your selection please return order form to the vendor. Do not feel obligated to purchase from vendor. Look into other options.

Deadlines: Please be mindful of all deadlines regarding submission of the following: Senior orders; ACT or SAT Testing; Applications - colleges, scholarships, FAFSA and tribal.

Your senior year is full of “lasts.” Take the time to make memories. Remember, the choices you make in your senior year will affect your future; be mindful of your grades and attendance.

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

Niedo and Tieyah Earn High Ranks in their Military Careers

Courtesy Photo

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Deborah Niedo-Rettig in Balad Air Base, Iraq in 2008

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Michael White Bear Tieyah

Courtesy Photo

Submitted by Lanny Asepermy/Comanche Indian Veteran’s

There are 1,233 Comanche veterans on the Master List of Comanche veterans of which 74 are female. On May 9, 2017, Lanny Asepermy of CIVA received a DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) from the Tax Commission, and was amazed at the service record of Retired Army Staff Sgt. Deborah A. Niedo-Rettig.

Niedo-Rettig accomplishments are many, including earning more decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons (53) than any of Comanche Female. In addition only three other Comanche veterans have earned more awards than her.

Most Decorated Comanche Female Warrior

Niedo-Rettig retired from the Army on November 30, 2010.

She enlisted on July 13, 1988 and served until July 12, 1992, had a brief break in service and enlisted again on February 2, 1993 until her retirement after serving 21 years and 9 months and 29 days. Niedo-Rettig completed her Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ and Advanced Individual Training, as Medical Logistics Specialist, at Fort Sam Houston, TX. She served in a designated imminent danger pay area (combat zone) during the Persian Gulf War (Saudi Arabia for 6 months) and the War on Terror (Iraq) for 14 months and 12 days. Other overseas assignments were in Haiti, Germany twice and Korea. Stateside assignments were at Fort Campbell, Ky., Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Bliss, TX and Fort Polk, La. She completed the Advanced Leaders, Combat Lifesavers, Medical Supply Specialist, Warrior Leader courses and several other service courses. Nieto-Rettig has served as a Squad and Team Leader and Platoon Sergeant. A few of her duty assignments include Combat Support hospitals, Army Medical Centers (hospitals), Health Clinics, a Medical Logistics Battalion and with the Medical Platoon of an Aviation Support Battalion.

She earned more Commendation (9) and Achievement (8) med-

als than any other Comanche veteran.

Her awards include the Meritorious Service; the Army Commendation with/1 Silver and four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; the Army Achievement with/1 Silver and three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; the Good Conduct with/1 Silver Loop; the National Defense Service with/Bronze Service Star; the Southwest Asia Service with/3 Bronze Campaign Stars; the Global War on Terrorism Service; the Korean Defense Service; the Armed Forces Service; the Humanitarian Service; the Iraq Campaign with/ Bronze Campaign Star; the United Nations; and the Kuwait liberation (Saudi Arabia) and (Kuwait) medals; the Army Service; the NCO Professional Development with/Numeral 2; and the Overseas with/Numeral four ribbons; the Joint Meritorious Unit and Army Superior Unit Awards; the Meritorious Unit Commendation with/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Certificate of Achievement; the Marksman Qualification with/Rifle Bar; Driver/Mechanic with/DriverWheeled Vehicle Clasp; and the Scheutzenschnur in Bronze (German Armed Forces Marksman) Badges.

Niedo-Rettig is the daughter of Carolyn Niedo Nalepinski.

Her grandparents are the late Ray Niedo and Jane Pearl Tahdooahnippah. She graduated from Riverdale high school in Muscoda, Wis. and is married to Brian Rettig and has a son, Isaiah, who will be graduating from Eisenhower high school on May 19.

They reside in Cache. Niedo-Rettig is currently employed with Fleet Management on Fort Sill.

Note: The Army Commendation medal is awarded for heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

The Army Achievement medal is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat situations based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Commendation medal or higher.

Tieyah to Receive SAIGE Military Meritorious Service Award

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Michael White Bear Tieyah, a member of the Comanche Nation, has been selected to receive the prestigious SIAGE (Society of American Indian Government Employees) Military Meritorious Service Award during the 14th Annual SAIGE National Training Program at the WeKo-Pa Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. on June 8, during a special Recognition Luncheon.

The award honors military members, veterans and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, men and women, who have support the DoD mission. SAIGE was formed in 2002 and is the first national non-profit organization representing American Indian and Alaska Native people, Federal, tribal, State and local government employees.

Tieyah is the son of the late Laura Pocowatchit Holder and the late Michael Tieyah, and the grandson of Melva Mahsetky Camacho and the late Mary Frances Tieyah. He was born in Gilroy, Calif., and is also of Apache descent. He and his wife, Cara, have three children. Tieyah is currently stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany with the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron as a Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning and Refrigeration Craftsman. He enlisted into the Air Force in August 2001 and completed Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX. He received his technical training at Sheppard AFB, TX. Tieyah has also served with the 49th Material Maintenance Squadron at Holloman AFB, NM; with the 349th Recruiting Squadron at Tinker AFB, OK; and the 1st Combat Communications Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany.

While at Holloman AFB he was deployed in support of Hurricane Katrina where he assisted with building a 1,600 person tent city and installed 138 climate control units withSee COMANCHE WARRIORS, Page 3

Tribal Election Re-Scheduled for June 3

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

The Comanche Nation will go to the polling sites June 3 to vote for members of the Comanche Business Committee, FY 2017-2018 budget, and on two questions pertaining to the distribution of extra funds and on the KCA Lang Use Committee.

The election was originally scheduled for May 13, but after finding misprints on the absentee voting ballots, Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson, released the following statement on May 8: “Our Constitutional values decrees that the elected Business Committee is: Article 6, 7 (b) “To determine qualifications of candidates nominated for office and to conduct election of tribal officers and Business Committeemen pursuant to the provisions of Section 2, Article VII…? What about today?

We come to each and every potential Comanche Nation Voter and tell you, “the company we used for ballots had two (2) misprint mistakes on the official ballot mailed to the absentee voter living at large. The final proof we approved was not the ballot that showed up at the absentee’s mailbox.

The solution to a valid, impartial and legal 2017 General Election process: 1.

We will have a new ballot, with corrections 2.

We will have an addition of (RFP) lawyers on this ballot 3.

We will have the election June 3, 2017 To admit error is the first step to relevancy of a better transparent and ethical election process.”

Signed this day, May 8, 2017, by the elected Business Committee.”

The statement was signed by all six members of the Comanche Business Committee.

Candidates and Questions on Ballot Secretary Treasurer Candidates Audrey Whitefeather Robert Tippeconnie Business Committee No. 3 Ronald Red Elk Darrell Kosechequetah Tina Cook Business Committee No. 4 Clyde Narcomey Jack Codopony The 2018 Proposed Fiscal Year Budget

Question: “8 Million Dollars (2016 EXCESS) to be divided equally to each individual enrolled Comanche Nation member in the form of a dividend check?”

(Yes/No) Question: “To have business committee to formulate a one-year fact finding to be presented in 2018 as to separation from the KCA land use committee?” (Yes/No).

Voting

Early Voting will be 8 a.m.5 p.m. June 1 at the Comanche Nation See, VOTING SITES, Page 3

June 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 July edition is 5 p.m. June 15. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome.

Contact: The Comanche Nation News P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908 Telephone: (580) 492-3386 Fax: (580) 492-3709 Emails: comanche_news@yahoo.com pio@comanchenation.com •

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TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: jolenes@ comanchenation.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, 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

Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001 Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010

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Comanche Nation Invests in Great Plains Technology’s Business Development Center

Tribal members gain incentives to help develop small businesses in Southwest Oklahoma

Michael Star, Comanche Nation Entertainment CEO, David Orm, Comanche Nation Revolving Loans, and Chairman William Nelson, attend the May 5 Grand Opening of the Great Plains Business Development Center.

From left, Clarence Fortney, superintendent of Great Plains Technology Center, celebrates the official opening of the Great Plains Technology Business Development Center the afternoon of May 5, in Lawton, Okla. with Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson and David Orm, and other delegates.

Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Through Resolutions No. 14-03, which was passed on August 19, 2014, respectively, by the Comanche Nation Revolving Loan Board, and Resolution 09-15, which was passed by the Comanche Business Committee on January 10, 2015, respectively, the Comanche Nation invested a total of $100,000 to the development of the newly opened Great Plains Technology Center’s Business Development Center. Specifically, the financial investment is to help fund a Rapid Prototype Center.

Half of the funding came from the Comanche Nation Revolving Loan fund, and the other half of the funding came from the Comanche Nation’s General Fund.

A Grand Opening of the new facility was held May 5 in Lawton, Okla.

The goal of the business incubator center is to nurture startup businesses in their early months or years, providing space, management training, and support, so they can flourish as a new business in Southwest Oklahoma, provide jobs, and help the local economy.

The 28,000 square foot development center has the means to help different young businesses, with a commercial kitchen, an area for potential artistic workshop, and some industrial space.

The donation from the Comanche Nation has funded a Rapid Prototype space, where people can share resources and information, tools and expertise as they produce products, ideas or inventions. This space is collaborative and provides shared resources that few if any of its members could afford on their own.

The Great Plains Technology Center Business Development Center is proud to open the Comanche Nation Rapid Prototyping space, which includes 2 Markforged Onyx Pro 3D printers, 1 MakerBot Replicator +, 1 handheld scanner for 3D printers and 1 tabletop scanner and Epilog Mini 18’ CO2 Laser Engraver.

“The Comanche Nation Rapid Prototyping room is the result of years of hard work and support by the Comanche Nation with the feedback from a dedicated group of innovators and entrepreneurs who build and create things, solve problems, and are looking to build their businesses over time,” BDC Coordinator Cody Holt said. “We expect the Comanche Nation Rapid Prototyping Facility will help innovative individuals to create new businesses, students to learn, and small businesses to grow.”

Through Resolution 0915, which passed unanimously and signed by former Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, members of the Comanche Nation who wish to develop their own business, will benefit from the new facility. The $200 business membership fee will be waived, for a period of 10 years, for unlimited entrepreneurial consulting, networking connections, and other recourses for entrepreneurs for any

of the Comanche Nation’s tribally owned entrepreneurial efforts.

The Comanche Nation will also work the Great Plains Technology Center in the naming of the Rapid Prototype Room.

Resolution 09-15 states, “WHEREAS, the Comanche Nation is a

federally recognized Indian Tribe with a constitution approved by the Secretary of the Interior on January 9, 1967, to safeguard tribal rights, powers, and privileges to improve the economic, moral, educational, and health status of its members; and WHEREAS, the Comanche Constitution establishes the Comanche Business Committee (the CBC) as the duly elected official body designated to conduct business for and on behalf of the Comanche Nation; and WHEREAS, the Comanche Revolving Loan Fund (the “Fund”) was established to empower Comanche tribal members engaging, or planning to engage, in profitable business enterprises within the boundaries of the State of Oklahoma by providing capital under reasonable terms

and conditions; and WHEREAS, the Comanche Nation, the CBC, and the Fund are engaged in a variety of economic development activities that will empower and improve the welfare and economic prosperity of the Comanche Nation and Southwest Oklahoma; and WHEREAS, the Comanche Nation Revolving Loan Board (the “Board”) was established, among other duties, to manage and administer the Fund on a prudent manner, employ and direct individuals to legally conduct the activities of the Fund, approve and deny loan applications, perform accounting and safekeeping functions in regard to the Fund, file claims to collect loan balances received from the Fund, adopt policy and procedures to operate the Fund and solicit money for the Fund from lawful sources; and WHEREAS, the Great Plains Technology Center is building the Great Plains Business incubator, a business incubator which will empower and help build the welfare and economic prosperity of small businesses in Southwest Oklahoma; and WHEREAS, the Board voted on Resolution No. 14-03 on August 19, 2014, to assist in empowering and building welfare and economic prosperity of small businesses in Southwest Oklahoma by supporting the Great Plains Business incubator in the form of a $50,000 grant from the Fund (the “Board Grant”); however, the Board Grant remained subject to approval by the CBC; and WHEREAS, pursuant to theses resolu-

tions, the CBC desires to approve and authorize in all respects the Board Grant which shall be used to support the Great Plains Business incubator; and WHEREAS, in addition to the Board Grant, the CBC desires to approve and authorize in all respects and additional $50,000 grant from the Comanche Nation’s general fund (the “CBC Grant”) in order to further assist in empowering and building the welfare and economic prosperity of small businesses in Southwest Oklahoma by supporting the Great Plains Business incubator; and WHEREAS, the combined grant contribution from the Comanche Nation to the Great Plains Technology Center for support of the Great Plains Business Incubator equals $100,000; and WHEREAS, the Great Plains Technology Center obtained a commitment from the Comanche County Industrial Development Authority (“CCIDA”) to match the Comanche Nation’s combined grant contribution dollar-for-dollar, thereby creating a total benefit to the Great Plains Incubator of $200,000; and WHEREAS, as a token of its appreciation, the Great Plains Technology Center has agreed to give the Comanche Nation naming rights to the Great Plains Business Incubator’s Rapid Prototype Room, and the Comanche Nation has accepted such officer and will work diligently with the Great Plains Technology Center in finalizing a name for the room; and WHEREAS, the combined $200,000 grant from the Comanche Nation and CCIDA will be used to help construct a state of the art Rapid Prototyping Shop in Southwest Oklahoma purchase a 3-D printer, provide much needed purchasing power for additional equipment that will be used in the rapid Prototyping shop, and assist in the development of a machining job-shop to complement the rapid Prototyping shop; and WHEREAS, the Great Plains Technology Center believes that the development of a machining job-shop will help provide educational and training opportunities and programs for Southwest Oklahoma, the Comanche Nation and Comanche Nation members; and See, BUSINESS INCUBATOR, Page 3

Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

SWORN IN. Daphne Ticeahkie, left, and Alice Kassanavoid, right, were sworn in as Comanche Nation Gaming Board Members 5 p.m. May 2 at the Comanche Nation Business Center, Lawton, Okla. The two new board members will fill the positions of Peggy Paddyaker and Dan Bigbee, who resigned from the Gaming Board. Both new board members passed the requirements to fulfill the positions, according to Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson, who swore them in. Kassanavoid will serve a three year term, and Ticeahkie will serve a two-and-a-half year term.

CORRECTION: TCNN incorrectly identified Julian Guerrero and Joshua Mihesuah, who were being sworn in, as Tax Commission Board Members in the May 2017 edition. The men were sworn in as Gaming Board Members. TCNN apologizes for the error.

“THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST” (ROMANS 5:1)

COME VISIT US…

CHRIST-CENTERED BIBLE PREACHING TRIBAL HYMN SINGING CHURCH 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 ONLINE: WWW.LAWTONINDIAN.COM

EVERY FRIDAY, 7PM

June 2017

COMANCHE WARRIORS

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Comanche Nation Legal Update May 15, 2017 RJG LAW PLLC, Richard J. Grellner Esq.

Continued from Page 1

in five days. Tieyah also volunteered his off-duty time coordinating men’s basketball tournaments on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. While at Tinker AFB he earned numerous recruiting awards while recruiting 156 new airmen during his four-year tour.

He received the Top Recruiter award in 2007 and the Recruiting Service Silver medal in 2009.

Tieyah also, again, volunteered his off-duty time with the Comanche Nation by mentoring through the tribal youth programs, coaching basketball and speaking at the annual Native American college and career day events. While at Ramstein AB he participated in Operations Unified Protector 2011 in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya; Dacian Thunder 2012 in Romania; and Real Thaw 2013 with the Portuguese Army, Air Force and Navy. Also at Ramstein he directed the Native American heritage Month committee and coordinated events to include the service of traditional food to 100 dorm residents and a Native American story and movie night.

While at Spangdahlem AB he led 17 technicians in sustaining and supporting the $5 Billion infrastructure and $896 Million aircraft fleet. He also deployed for Operations Africa Command 2014, USAF Europe CTS 2015 in response to Russian efforts in Ukraine and Atlantic Resolve 2016.

In addition, Tieyah organized the Native American Heritage Celebration Day for the Spangdahlem Elementary School. He oversaw eight different cultural experiences to include tasting traditional food, teaching the Comanche Language and traditional friendship dances.

His awards include the Achievement; Good Conduct with/4 Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service; Global War on Terrorism Service; Humanitarian Service; Air and Space; and United Nations medals; and the Outstanding Unit Award with /3 Oak Leaf Clusters; the Overseas Long Tour with/2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Longevity Service; Recruiter; Professional Military Education Graduate; and Training ribbons and the Civil Engineer Badge.

Note: On 2 February 1990 Michael, who was 6-years-old, survived a tragic automobile accident near McPherson, Kan. which took the lives of his father, Michael Allen, then 27, his mother Laura, then 25, and his grandmother, Mary Francis Tieyah , then 47. He was raised by his grandmother Melva Mahsetky Camacho.

VOTING SITES Continued from Page 1

Elder Center, 1107 SW H Ave., Lawton, Okla.

Voters can also vote 8 a.m.5 p.m. June 2 at the Comanche Nation’s Higher Education Building, Comanche Nation Complex.

The following polling sites will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, June 3.

Anadarko Comanche Nation Outreach Office 117 SW 2nd St. Anadarko, Okla.

Apache Apache Community Center Julia Mahseet Rd. Apache, Okla.

Cache Cahoma Building 752 NW Quanah Parker Rd Cache, Okla.

Lawton Comanche Nation Headquarters New Conference Room 584 NW Bingo Rd. Lawton,Okla.

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Outreach office 7390 S. Walker Suite G Oklahoma City, Okla.

Walters Comanche Nation Community Center

The Comanche Nation News

Act legally to carry out Tribal Council directives and the constitutional mandates to protect sovereignty rights of the Nation via the Supreme Governing Body and its members, Article IV, 1. a. Comanche Nation et.al. v.

Jake Sharpe et.al, 5:16-cv-00471 -F WDOK, ejection action on tribal allotment, TC resolution 03-19. Status: discovery b. Board v. Nelson et. al.

CIV-17-003, CFR, Election Challenge Status: CFR court issued ruling upholding the election results. c. Jake Sharpe, et. al. v. Nelson, et. al, CIV-16-001 , APP.N017002, CFR, Challenge to CBC authority to revoke license pursuant to TC resolution 03-19. Status: interlocutory appeal of TRO re: CFR jurisdiction. d. Comanche Nation v.

CDST-Gaming l, LLC CIV 08-A12, APP-16-003, Gaming contract action. Status: The appellate CFR court recently ruled in the Nations favor.

Act legally to protect & defend the Nations revenue allocation plan to protect tribal members interest therein. a. Proposed new plan pur-

suant to the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 to allow the Nation to meet the goal of a higher amount of the Revenue Allocation Plan ("GRAP") going to Tribal members. b. On track to save over half the $1.6 million yearly legal budget spent as recognized in previous audits by streamlining legal services team and coordinating activity through the CBC. Act to legally re-define the federal IHS/BIA funding equations to level the playing field between blood quantum & lineal descendant tribes. a. Recently met with BIA head James Cason to push the idea of self governance pursuant to P.L. 93638 for all federally recognized tribes to bring indirect costs back to the Nation. b. Also pushed the BIA’s trust responsibility through a reconfiguration of funding equation to address disparities between lineal descendant tribes versus blood quantum tribes which could have the affect of increasing the Nations federal program funding exponentially. c. Worked with Congress to see that healthcare dollars through

BUSINESS INCUBATOR Continued from Page 2

WHEREAS, the Great Plains Technology Center has agreed to research and seek out any available grant in order to maximize the education and training opportunities and programs to be held at the machining job-shop, and in the event grants are not available for these types of programs, the Great Plains Technology Center is willing to offer the necessary training opportunities and programs at a standard training rate in order to maximize future high-wage job opportunities for Comanche Nation members; and WHEREAS, the Great Plains Technology Center has agreed to waive, for a period of ten (10) years from the execution of these resolutions, its annual $200 per business membership fee for unlimited entrepreneurial consulting, networking connections, and other excellent resources for entrepreneurs for any of the Comanche nation’s tribally owned entrepreneurial efforts; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the CBC hereby approves and authorizes the Board Grant in all respects: THEREFORE LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the CBC hereby approves and authorized the CBC Grant in all respects; and THEREFORE LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Board Grant and the CBC Grant shall be used to support the Great Plains Business Incubator in a combined grant amount equaling $100,000; and THEREFORE LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Great Plains Technology Center and the Comanche Nation will work together in order to exercise the Comanche Nation’s naming rights over the Great Plains Business Incubator’ Rapid Prototype Room.

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

IHS are more appropriately allocated legislation now pending. http:// www.politico.com/story/2016/02/ congress-great-plains-indian-healthcare-218709 Act to help expand/diversify tribal businesses interests and thereby enhance tribal programs and expand job opportunities for Tribal members a.

Identified tribal allotments in development zones to establish nearby tribe standing pursuant to IGRA and to stop encroachment on the Nation’s gaming markets from adjacent tribes. b. Dissolved all tribally owned LLC’s which were used to funnel funds outside of the Nation. c. Reviewed proposed retail outlet locations for non-gaming businesses to be located on tribal allotments.

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Act legally to defend the Nations rights under treaties and federal law. a. Acted to defend the Nations Red River water/mineral rights by engaging the BIA to review the Nations claims therein b. Acted to defend the Nations rights under the Compact by beginning renegotiations of the Com-

pact with an interest in claiming funds owed under current compact with respect to post 1988 casinos within the Nations markets. “ See http://www. politico.com/story/2015/10/ new-indian-wars-washington-215208 c.

Acted to address the Nations treaty rights by objecting to the Guymon Loyal Shawnee casino under the retained reservation claims under the 1865 Treaty between the United States and the Kiowa and Comanche.

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Act to gather information and deliver to proper authorities and push them to clean up past corruption efficiently. a. Met and worked with tribal and federal officials on on-going investigations. b.

Filed numerous collection actions against former tribal leaders, members and non-members who owe the Nation funds c. Worked to bring transparency to elections and to begin Department of Justice Office of Civil Rights investigation of continual pattern of vote rigging in Indian Country including in recent Comanche elections.

Mother’s Day Celebration at Elder Center

Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

The Comanche Nation Elder Center celebrated Mother’s Day the afternoon of May 12 at their Lawton facility. From left: Inez Motah, 92, received a necklace and balloons as a gift for being the Oldest Special Elder, Rose Nauni, 88, also received a gift for being the oldest mother; and Sunny Knox, 62, received a gift for being the youngest mother.

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The Comanche Nation News

Programs Update Your Information with CN Enrollment

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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.

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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.

CN Transit Department Training Program

Kevin Pohawpatchoko is the Comanche Nation Transit Training Specialist. The Comanche Nation Transit Training Program recognizes the need to provide quality training to the employees with the emphasis of a standardized and comprehensive curriculum to train and qualify new and previously employed Transit Drivers.

With the assistance of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Safety Council (NSC), and other national and state agencies, have developed standardized and comprehensive Transit Driver Training to ensure the safety of the drivers and clients.

The purpose of the Comanche Nation Transit Training Program is to provide our transit drivers up to date training and hands on training in our department.

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE

The Comanche Nation Transit has recently purchased through FTA Grants two computers for training. All drivers have been introduced to the E-Learning or better known as web-based training through the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP), National Transit Institute (NTI). The following courses are offered to the Comanche Nation Transit Drivers.

• ADA (American with Disabilities Act) and Sensitivity • Blood Borne Pathogens • Customer Service • Distracted Driving

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Defensive Driving Drug and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Emergency Management Transportation Non-Ambulatory Passengers Passenger and Employee Safety

CN Vocational Rehabilitation Helps Plan CANAR Conference

The Mid-Year Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) national conference will take place from June 26-29, 2017 at the Cherokee Nation’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Okla. The Oklahoma Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Council (OKTVR), made up of the state is hosting the event. The nine Rehabilitation programs in the state is hosting the event. The nine American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation programs are the following: Apache, Cherokee, Cheyenne/Arapaho, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Comanche, Delaware, Iowa and Muskogee Creek. The Comanche Nation VR program has been actively involved in the conference planning process. This mid-year conference theme is: E- Encourage A- Advocate G- Guide L- Lead E- Educate

Comanche Nation OKC and Anadarko Outreach Hosts Special Events OKC Outreach

The CN Outreach center has had a productive month with the Student Services, beginning their annual event. The Outreach office can give the application out but, they will start accepting them on June 5 for the coming year.

From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 16, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program will be at the OKC Outreach office. Sandra Toyekoyah, Director, is asking all tribal members to bring their CDIB.

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

The Anadarko Outreach

The CN Anadarko Outreach will be hosting Penny Hammonds from the Family Assistance Center program, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 12, located at the Anadarko Outreach office a t 117 S.W. 2nd street in Anadarko, Okla.

Apache Daycare Honors Teacher Appreciation Week

Courtesy Photo

Picture left to right: Sharon Enriquez, Lesley Banderas, Vanessa Sapcut.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, May 8 - 12, the Apache Daycare would like to introduce the staff of the Comanche Nation Child Care Center, located at 405 East Evans Apache, Okla. to the Comanche Nation people.

Tribal member, Lesley Banderas, is the centers site director.

Banderas has been in childcare since 2004. She has worked in all aspects of child care, and had the honor of stepping up into the directors position for CNCCC in November 2015.

She enjoys watching the children grow in their environment.

Many people may see it as children just playing; during playtime there is learning. Learning to share, to cooperate, to be independent, to figure out who you are, and how to be inde-

pendent. Banderas would like to add that she is excited about the future for their center and looks forward to working for the Comanche Nation people and the children for as long as she is able to.

The Master teacher, Sharon Enriquez, is an enrolled Comanche Tribal member. Enriquez is the preschool/school age teacher. She has been in child care for over 20 years.

Enriquez received her Child Development Associate in Early childcare from Caddo Kiowa Technology Center. She also obtained college hours at Redlands Community college.

Enriquez was on the honor roll and inducted into RCC Phi Theta Kappa, she is also a member of various Early Childhood organizations.

Enriquez stated “I am honored to be a part of the children’s early learning years. We are taking big steps into the future. I truly take pride in what I do. I hope I have left memories the children will cherish.

What makes my job worthwhile all the many hugs and I love you.”

The Lead teacher, Vanessa Sapcut, is an enrolled Comanche Tribal member. Sapcut is the infant/ toddler teacher. She has been in child care for over 20 years and has training hours in child care that she received from Caddo Kiowa Technology Center. Sapcut enjoys working with all the children and often helps in the preschool and school age classroom.

The staff at CNCCC put a great deal of effort in being up to date with educational recommendations by attending as many trainings as possible.

CN Family Assistance Program Focuses on Trust, Speak, and Heal Together

More than 4 in 5 Native Americans have experienced violence in their lifetime. More than 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men have experience physical violence by intimate partners in their lifetime.

Established in 2017, the StrongHearts Native Hotline is a culturally-appropriate, confidential service for Native Americans affected by domestic violence and dating violence. They take calls from Native American victims of domestic violence or dating violence, people who identify as abusive or from anyone seeking help for someone else.

Knowledgeable advocates with a strong understanding of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures, as well as issues of tribal sovereignty and law, are available by phone 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 Hotline or call back the next business day.

Their services are completely free and confidential. They offer: immediate support, crisis intervention, personalized safety planning, referrals to culturally-appropriate services, domestic violence education and information.

For more information visit their website at www.strongheartshelpline.org

Summer is Here and CN Optometry Are Ready

CN Optometry will kick off their 7th Annual Children’s Clinic June 5. For the past seven years they have used the summer months, June, July and August to provide eye care for the children so they do not have to miss days during the school year.

During this time they will only have appointments for: CHILDREN AGES: 4 Years to 18 Years. FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENTS: 18 Years to 24 Years (Must provide a student I.D.)

The scheduled days will be Monday and Wednesday/ NO WALK INS. For more information or to schedule a appointment call at (580) 492-5386. to schedule your children beginning May 22.

CN Department of Grants Announces Wildlife Refuge Events

The Comanche Nation Grants Department announces that there are several events, great for families, happening at the Wildlife Refuge. All events are free and open to the public: • WildLife Tour/6:30 a.m. tourJune 17 only. All other tours: 5:30 p.m. (Bus tour.) June 10, 17, 24. Reservations taken June 5, and depart from Visitor Center.

• Under Cover of Darkness Tour/ Saturdays 8:00 p.m. (Short walk.) July 8, 15, 22. Reservations taken July 3, and meet at

Environmental Education Center.

• Bugling Elk Tour (Bus Tour) Sept. 16, 30 and Oct. 7 only 6:30 a.m. tours, September Tours: 5:30 p.m. October Tours: 5:00 p.m. Reservations taken August 28. September 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30. October 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21. Depart from Visitor Center.

• Fall Foliage Walk/ 10 a.m. Bus tour and moderately strenuous hike. November 11, 18, 25. Reservations taken November 6, and departs from Visitor Center.

For more information, please contact: Grants Department at (580) 492-3620.

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DALLAS COMMUNITY MEETS. On April 29, the Comanche Nation Grants Dept. traveled to Dallas, Texas to host a Community Meeting, with the help from the Comanche Nation Outreach Center of Dallas. Above, Christine Brinkman, staff member of the Grants Dept., takes note of Comanche discussions throughout the day.

Codopony Attends World Forum on Early Care and Education, New Zealand

Submitted by Carolyn Codopony/ECDC Director

Courtesy Photo

The Child Care Development Fund Program Director, Carolyn Codopony, attended the World Forum on Early Care and Education, Auckland New Zealand. This trip was made possible by the support, encouragement and monetary donations from friends, family, co-workers and the tribal community. Sponsored by the not-for-profit World Forum Foundation, the event was held from May 6-9. Attendees are asked to try to raise their own funds to help pay for their attendance at the event. There are also corporate sponsorships available to ensure that all countries have a chance to be represented and to have a voice at the World Forum.

The World Forum Foundation supports the development of young children, in particular through training teachers, providing mentoring to leaders and activists, and through hosting forums throughout the world. The mission of the World Forum Foundation is to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings.

Codopony is a leader of the Indigenous Peoples Action Group (IPAG), a World Forum Working Group and a Global Leader for Young Children. The vision of IPAG is a global awareness that values Indigenous early care and education through information sharing, collaboration, and advocacy.

The Global Leaders for Young Children Program is an advocacy initiative of the World Forum Foundation that inspires and empowers emerging leaders.

Codopony was asked to co-facilitate the working group meeting and to be a co-presenter at a conference breakout session. The breakout session was titled, “The Critical Role of Early Educators in Sustaining Endangered Languages and Cultures.” Co-presenting with Codopony were her fellow IPAG leaders: Barb Carlson, Canada; Karma Gayleg, Bhutan; and Tere Gilbert, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Carolyn shared information on the Early Childhood Development Center Program. She was asked to present this same material at the National Indian Child Care Association conference this coming fall.

The World Forum on Early Care and Education 2017 was a success.

A highlight of her trip in Auckland was when she was able to visit two language nests and a bi-lingual child care center. Codopony is humbled, honored, and deeply touched by all the support she received from you all, and wants to thank the community, leaders, employees, friends and family and says “URA!”

June 2017

Programs Caregiver Skills

The Caregiver Program focuses on helping caregivers to acquire and strengthen knowledge, skills and attitudes that are appropriate for the role they have undertaken. Skills and techniques that are informed by knowledge and improved through practice. Therefore the major emphasis is on acquiring knowledge, skill and attitude for caregiving.

Knowledge: Caregivers need to have facts about what it is they are dealing with in the aging process: Older people are more likely to be disabled or dependent due to medical problems. These problems change a person’s relationships with family. A husband, daughter or son may find that they are now the caregiver. Another person now depends on them for basic physical needs.

Common caregiver problems; Staying healthy, avoiding depression, remaining active, making friends and other activities that are an essential part of any human life.

Serving as the primary caregiver for an ill loved one should not make life meaningless.

The care of an impaired older person can create stress that affects the ability of the caregiver to continue giving necessary levels of care.

The stress experienced may be physical, financial, environmental and/or emotional in nature. General homemaking and housekeeping activities such as cleaning, laundry shopping, and meal preparation require energy and can be tiring, particularly when added to existing responsibilities in one’s own home. Personal care can be stressful in situations of acting out behaviors, incontinence, colostomies or assistance with bathing, lifting and transferring individuals with limited mobility is not only tiring but can result in injury to the caregiver or the impaired person. Maintainence of equipment such as wheelchairs or hospital beds.

When money is limited, many families assist with the cost of care, causing financial burdens on all family members.

Environmental Stress: Helping the older person to eat well.

Medical Aspects of Caregiving: managing medications with records and assisting with giving the person their medicines. Transportation to keep doctor’s appointment and picking up their medications and delivering it to her or him.

For family members providing care, the various forms of stress can result in different feelings. Anger, resentment and bitterness about the constant responsibilities, deprivation and isolation can result.

Types of Help Available: Community Agency Help: Tribal Programs, Home Health Care, Adult Day Care, Nutrition Program, home delivered meals, family and friends, and transportation.

Caring for the Caregiver: Caregivers experience mixed emotions.

They must take care of themselves.

They need to maintain their health and develop way to cope with current situation. They need to find a balance between under care and over care and these represent positions where they are not helping their care-receiver.

What can they do to help themselves?

Acknowledge their feelings. Your feeling have a lot to do with the way you view and cope with caregiving.

It is okay to have feeling of anger, frustration and sadness and recognize these emotions and speak to family members or professionals. Attend a support group and recognize what you can and cannot do. Do not expect that others will ask if you need help, it is up to you to do the asking.

They can give you a break by spending time with your care-receiver.

Use Community Resources: Inhome services or adult day care, other relatives, home health care, nutrition center and Tribal Programs.

Personal Care: Personal care activities include eating, bathing, shaving, caring for the skin, hair and mouth and transferring (moving from chairs,

bed, toilets). Eating and resting are important, also.

Nutrition: Good nutrition is important in order that people live life to its fullest. Good nutrition is a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water in the food we eat. And eating meals in the company of others, is the chance to socialize and enjoy good food. Good oral hygiene is necessary.

Emotional and Intellectual WellBeing: Each human being is a combination of body, mind and spirit.

What is their emotion; cheerful, optimistic, anxious and unhappy. Let them be involved with decision making for themselves and letting them assist with some of their care if possible.

When is it time to stop Caregiving? No one can remain a full-time caregiver forever, the job is much to strenuous and stressful. When should I say this is my limit; I am not able to do any more. Be honest with yourself and when that limit has been reached.

Diabetes Program Plans for a Busy Month The Comanche Nation Diabetes Program has various activities planned for the month of June.

Cooking Demonstration: 11 a.m. 12 p.m., every Monday of June, Walters Community Center.

Cooking with Kids Demonstration: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., every Thursday in June, at the IAMNDN Office.

Lunch and Learn: Noon - 1 p.m., June 16, in the New Conference Room at the Comanche Nation Complex; Noon - 1 p.m., Comanche Nation College Auditorium.

For more information on each event please contact the Comanche Nation Diabetes Program: (580) 280-4674.

Fitness Center Announces Hours and Classes Comanche Nation Fitness Center 904 SW F Ave., Lawton, OK Office: (580) 248-0005 Fax: (580) 248-0003 Email: fitnesscenter@comanchenation.com Hours of Operation Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Classes and Services Silver Sessions (for Elders or newcomers to facility) MondayFriday 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Circuit Training (moderate to vigorous fitness level recommended) Monday-Friday 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m.

Personal Training available by appointment only Please ask for Josh, Sarah, or Edward.

Sports Massage/Manual Stretching available to all members by appointment or before/after exercise session. Please ask for Sarah.

Membership is FREE to ALL Comanche enrolled members.

Membership fee for NONComanche enrolled members is $10 per month paid by cashier check or money order ONLY.

LIHEAP Coming Soon

The Comanche Nation Social Services will be accepting Complete applications only for LIHEAP on July 10.

For more information contact the Comanche Nation Social Service Office: (580) 492-3357.

Injury Prevention Car Seat Class The Comanche Nation Injury Prevention Program will have a Occupant Protection Class with Car Seat Distribution and Installation.

Child must be present, First Come First serve Basis. CDIB is required.

Class will be held 10 a.m., June 28 in the Watchetaker Gym located at the Comanche Nation Complex.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available.

For more information contact: Bonita Paddyaker (580) 492-

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The Comanche Nation News

3343 or Carolyn Lonewolf (580) 492-3344.

Realty Department Revising Cooperative Agreement The Comanche Nation is in the process of revising our Cooperative Agreement in anticipation participating in the Cobell Land-Buy-Back Program in the near future.

As previously reported, the Comanche Nation Realty Department met with the Cobell Program Representatives, the BIA Anadarko Agency personnel and our elected Officials. They outlined the process and procedures that we will need to follow.

They will make the Buy Back program successful in terms reaching as many tribal members as possible, offering them the opportunity to participate in the program, if they are interested in selling their fractional ownership interest.

They submitted the Fee-ToTrust Application for the Comanche Nation Funeral Home, and have provided supporting documents, as requested, for applications in the review process.

As always they are available to provide technical assistance to Tribal Members regarding their land.

Depending on the assistance that you are needing, they may not be able to help, but if they can we will, please call their office at (580) 699-3818.

Elder Center June Events The Comanche Nation Elder Center will take a trip to the Oklahoma City Flea Market 9 a.m. on June 3.

The Elder Center will sponsor a Garage Sale and Food Sale 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. June 10 at their facility, 1107 SW H. Ave., Lawton. Tables can be rented for $5. All proceeds will go to the Elder’s Christmas Party Door Prizes.

Call Nancy Bass for information, (580) 355-2330.

Department of Transportation Construction Begins

pared all the historical background information for the radio operators.

For more information contact the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, (580) 353-0404.

Human Resources Department Staff The Human Resources Department consist of three (3) employees: Shirley Rivera, Human Resources Director; Michele Robinson, Human Resources Assistant Director; and Summer Pequeno, Administrative Assistant.

Courtesy Photo

From left: Pequeno, Rivera, Robinson For position openings with the Comanche Nation Headquarters, you can look on the Comanche Nation website at www.comanchenation.com.

Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

CAR SEAT SAFETY. The Comanche Nation Injury Prevention program held their Car seat class from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on April 25, located in the Watchetaker Hall at the Comanche Nation Complex. Over 10 car seats were distributed out to tribal families. The child and their CDIB had to be present to receive a car seat. ABOVE: Carolyn Lonewolf, Injury Prevention Administrative Assistant, explains to the families on how to buckle in their child depending on weight and height. RIGHT: Carolyn Lonewolf instructs on how to properly install a rear-facing car seat for a child that is 0 - 2 years of age, or until the child reaches the weight and height limit of the car seat.

INPUT OF TRIBAL MEMBERS NEEDED The Comanche Language and Cultural Preservation Committee is seeking input from tribal members regarding the access of language material. With the newly revised Comanche Dictionary now available in book form, we would like to concentrate on getting the Dictionary words online for tribal members.

Our question to you as tribal members is: Should the online version be accessed only with a CDIB Identification Number (which limits it to tribal members only), or available to everyone?

This question has been asked before in small groups and there is always a division of opinions – some say only tribal members and others say share with anyone who has an interest in our language.

So what is your opinion? You can e-mail your thoughts to clcpc@comanchelanguage.org or mail to 1375 NE Cline Road, Elgin OK 73538.

Courtesy Photo

T & G Construction started construction on the CNOEP Roadway and Parking Lot May 8.

This project is being funded by the Comanche Nation Department of Transportation, to make a safer and more efficient road for tribal members to travel on.

Comanche National Museum Quahada Pride Exhibit Quahada Pride is currently on exhibit at the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC). The exhibition features paintings and sculptures by awardwinning Comanche artist Barthell Little Chief. The exhibit, which includes art work created by Little Chief in both traditional and contemporary painting styles, will be on display through the end of August.

Lawton-Fort Sill Amateur Radio Club will mark the 73rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion with at a Special Events Station commemorating the Comanche Code Talkers of World War II. The event will take place in the CNMCC parking lot, located at 701 NW Ferris Avenue.

During the event, local amateur radio operators will transmit information about the Comanche Code Talkers to other amateur radio operators around the world. The museum staff pre-

Computer Hints, Tips, and Tricks You May Not Know CN Information Technology program share some computer hints, tips and tricks you may not know: Using computers has become an integral part of professional life, and for many, it has become an everyday facet of life itself.

These are just some of the shortcuts and hot keys we can use on many of the things we do on computers.

1. Alt + F4 - Holding the ALT key down and hitting the F4 key will close the active window.

2.

Ctrl + P - always brings up the printer.

3. F1 - Hitting this key will almost always bring up a help menu.

4.

Home - This key always takes you to the beginning of a line.

5.

End - This key will take you to the end of a line.

6.

Ctrl + Home - Holding the Ctrl key down and hitting the Home key takes you to the top left corner of a document.

7.

Ctrl + End - Holding the Ctrl key down and hitting the End Key takes you to the end of a document.

8.

On any web page the F5 key always refreshes the page.

9.

Ctrl + Enter - holding the Ctrl down and hitting the Enter inserts a page break.

10. In Outlook the F9 key checks for the newest email when you hit it.

These are just a some of the shortcuts one can use in many applications on the computer. Of course, you can always use the mouse for these things, but sometimes you might want to try one or two of these shortcuts just to see what they do.

Hope you find these items handy in your use of computers and work!

June 2017

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The Comanche Nation News

Programs NAGPRA Completes Final Consultation The Comanche Nation NAGPRA department will complete their final consultation of the 2015 Grant on May 18. The NAGPRA department has applied for the 2017 NAGPRA Grant, but the list of selected Grantees will not come out until July 2017. This list will be posted on the National NAGPRA website.

If you have any question please feel free to contact us, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (580) 595-9393 or you can stop by an visit us at #10 SW D Ave, Lawton Okla.

Comanche Nation Elder Council Annual Picnic The Comanche Nation Elder Council will hold its annual picnic at Elmer Thomas Park, West Pavilion, Lawton, Oklahoma, at 10 a.m. June 5.

The West Pavilion is located just across from the Comanche Nation Museum, enter at that entry point. Activities will include Horse Shoes, Story Telling, Joke Telling, BINGO. Comanche Elders 62 and older are encouraged to attend. Bring your chairs. A BBQ lunch will be catered from Billy Simms.

NO CHILDREN, PLEASE.

Day of Champions Football and Sports Camp The Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Program will host a Day of Champions Football and Sports Camp will 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. July 1, at the Comanche Nation Complex’s East Baseball Park, 584 NW Bingo Rd., Lawton.

The camp is for both boys and girls, ages 8 - 18 years. Registration is free for the first 150 participants. The camp is open to all youth.

Check in for the camp is at 7:30 a.m.

Incentives include a Camp T-Shirt, Water Tree, and an EMT/ambulance on-site.

The deadline to register is June 20. Registration forms can be mailed, faxed, or picked up/dropped off at: Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery 927 SW D Avenue Lawton, OK 73501 Fax: (580) 354-9211.

For more information, contact Jamie Swanson (580) 6788435 or by email. jamies@comanchenation.com.

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

They are still taking applications May 1 through May 31 Applications for Lawton Area.

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

July 1 through July 31 Applications for Cyril, and Fletcher Area “August” 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 nonComanche 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 Tahpay will contact you as soon as he is available due to fulfilling driveways.

Maintenance Tips for Spring: Repair any potholes and ruts, fill in any lost gravel, and repair your driveway’s drainage system if necessary. Kill any weeds you find growing in your driveway. Repeat this process at least twice a year, in the spring and fall.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren; What are the challenges?

Children: • Because of their experiences with their parents, children being raised in grandparent-headed families often display developmental, physical, behavioral, academic, and emotional problems. Some of these problems include depression, anxiety, ADHD, health problems, learning disabilities, poor school performance, and aggression.

• Grandchildren may also experience feelings of anger, rejection, and guilt. The degree to which grandchildren experience problems varies, although many grandchildren experience multiple problems.

• Relationships among family members can also create stress for grandchildren. Visits from parents can be upsetting, and often leave grandchildren feeling hurt and confused. Due to their age difference, grandchildren may also feel disconnected from their grandparent care-

givers. Finally, household rules and expectations can be a source of tension and conflict.

Grandparent Caregivers: • Becoming the caregiver for a grandchild impacts all aspects of a person’s life. As a result, grandparents raising grandchildren face a number of challenges.

• Grandparents often have legal difficulties related to obtaining guardianship, enrolling their grandchildren in school, and accessing medical care for their grandchildren.

They may also have concerns related to custody battles with other grandparents or their grandchildren’s parents.

• Because they often have limited financial resources, grandparents may experience difficulty providing adequate housing, food, and clothing.

• Parenting may be challenging for custodial grandparents, especially when their grandchildren have problems. To be effective parents, grandparents need current information about discipline, child development, and childhood problems.

Grandparents also need to transition from the role of traditional grandparent to that of parent.

• Grandparents may have limited energy and physical health problems that make parenting difficult.

Additionally, grandparent caregivers might feel anxious or depressed.

• Grandparents raising grandchildren often have less time for themselves. They may also have less time to spend with their partners and friends. This loss of time can be stressful and can cause feelings of anger, grief, and loss.

• It can be difficult for grandparent caregivers to manage their grandchildren’s parents. Parents may make unannounced visits and unrealistic promises. Grandparents may also struggle with trying to protect their grandchildren, while still allowing them to visit with their parents.

Additionally, it may be disappointing for grandparents to see their child fail as a parent.

• Grandparents may feel anger at their grandchildren’s parents, guilt about their parenting, or embarrassment about their family situation.

Comanche Nation Firefighters Accepting Applications in September

The Comanche Nation Firefighters are not taking Emergency Wild Land Fire Fighter applications for Native Americans after May, but will start accepting application again in September.

The Comanche Nation 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 8 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.

*Assists with fire dispatch through operation of radios, telephones, and other necessary equipment to exchange information for fire weather and other forest and Grass Fire suppression activities. *Coordinates with Volunteer Fire Departments for structural fire suppres-

Lawton Comanche Daycare Plans for Summer Currently ECDC is planning their Summer Care program which will include field trips and activities for the children during the summer months from Mid- May to Mid-August. During this time, they are able to plan more activities and field trips for the children.

Some of these trips will include going to the OKC Zoo, Aquarium in Jenks, Okla., Swimming and Splash Park trips, and many more.

The ECDC currently has 44 children enrolled and has a waiting list. They will be taking applications for the center for August enrollment.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Oklahoma City Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will be at the Oklahoma City Outreach Office 10 a.m., June 16. The Oklahoma City Outreach Office is located at 7390 South Walker, Oklahoma City.

For more information call, (580) 450-0593.

Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

During the month of May, the ECDC celebrated Teacher’s Appreciation Week with a Dinner, and staff were given appreciation gifts. In the past year they have had two staff receive their credentials to make them Master Teachers, Jackson and Burgess. The Lawton ECDC takes pride in having a Director and Assistant Director with their Bachelor’s Degrees and four teaching staff that have Master Teacher credentials. Pictured from Left: Anderson Allen-cook, Billie Kreger-language teacher, Angela Knox-assistant director/master teacher, Angelica Blackstar-assistant teacher, Stephanie Lewis-lead teacher, Desiree DeVine- director, Mist DeVine- master teacher, Samantha Burgess-master teacher, Jenna Jackson-master teacher, Amanda Davis-lead teacher.

Comanche Nation Elder Council Trip to Austin and Paint Rock, Texas April 25 – 28 Photos and Story submitted by Adele Mihesuah/ Treasurer, Comanche Nation Elder Council

On April 25, a bus load of Comanche Nation Elders left the Comanche Nation Complex for Austin, Texas where they would be visiting historical and cultural sites visited by our forefathers many years ago.

On April 26, the elders met with Richard (Rich) Denney, Travis County Historical Commissioner, and after a brief bus tour of the Capital and downtown Austin, stopped at City Hall for a meeting with Steve Adler the Mayor of Austin, Texas.

Mayor Adler greeted them with a short welcome speech, then asked the elders questions about their trip and where they planned to visit. Mayor Adler then greeted and shook hands with all the elders, welcoming them to home to Austin. Also greeting the elders at City Hall was Bob Ward the Travis County Historical Commission Chairman. While at City Hall the Comanche elders were videoed and interviewed by ATXN for their City View Program, The next stop was at Treaty Oak, which was located in the middle of a strip mall parking lot. Their fantastic bus driver was able to maneuver the bus to where they could get out and look up close at the Treaty Oak. Next up was a trip down/up the Lower Colorado River on Capital

Elders on Capital River Cruises on the Lower Colorado River are Aurilla Craig, Darrell Pohawpatchoko, Lebert Taunah, Henrietta Beaver, Sandra Toyekoyah and Rickie Hatfield.

Elders viewing Paint Rock are Phyllis Narcomey, Beverly Isaac, Willie Pekah, Leonard Chibitty with Campbell, tour guide and owner of Paint Rock.

Looking down from Mt. Bonnell are elders Beverly Isaac, Karita Coffey, guide Richard Denney, and elder Durene Santana.

Cruises. The boat Denney arranged for (and paid for by his Commission) was a double decker with plenty of room for all of the elders to see the beautiful sights along the River.

Elders were able to choose whether they were going to bake in the sun on the upper deck or be cool on the first deck. The Cruise lasted one hour and was so relaxing with a cool breeze blowing. The Cruise river guide gave details of the sites as the elders passed and gave a brief history of the river. Their next stop was Mount Bonnell, where the heartier of the elders climbed to the very top.

There were several tiers to the top and some elders stayed in the lower areas, depending upon physical ability. There were beautiful views in each area.

Once the small group of elders reached the top they all climbed on a concrete picnic table and started taking pictures. Descending from Mt. Bonnell, the elders again boarded the bus to visit the Oasis Restaurant on Comanche Peak. Here they hit a snag, the bus wouldn’t shift out of first gear. Their bus driver checked it out but the problem continued, she called the office and the mechanic told her she could drive us to our next stop. The elders continued on at 20 miles an hour to the Oasis where they had lunch and took in the beautiful sights from the terrace. While they were having lunch, our bus driver, Jennifer, arranged for the bus company to charter another bus to take them back to the hotel and Village Tours sent a replacement bus for the elders

that arrived that evening. So even though a snag occurred, the elders were taken care of by Jennifer and Village Tours, and didn’t really miss a beat. Denney arranged for every all the activities the elders enjoyed while in Austin.

On April 27, the elders traveled to Paint Rock, Texas to view the rock art on the property of Kay Campbell’s family. They stopped for lunch on the way to Paint Rock at the Beefmaster Restaurant in Ballinger, Texas. The Beefmaster had a BBQ buffet that the elders enjoyed.

Upon arrival at Paint Rock, they were met by Linda Pelon (who arranged for the visit with the Campbells) and Denney. Campbell (who proudly proclaimed she was born in 1927 and asked if any of the elders

were born before her) gave them the background on how her family came to own the Paint Rock site.

Her grandfather settled in that area of Texas and when he discovered the Native rock art bought the property to preserve it from vandals. Even back over a hundred years ago, there were people defaming existing historical and cultural sites.

Campbell’s grandfather bought the land and their family has been taking care of the site since that time. She is very proud of her connection with the Comanche Nation and has had other groups visit over the years. Her son, who retired as the County Attorney, vows to carry on the protection of this site. After their trip to Paint Rock, the elders overnighted in San Angelo, Texas.

On April 28, the elders boarded the bus bright and early for the trip home and arrived back at the Comanche Nation Complex about 1 p.m. The trip was educational, fun, and the elders were able to meet wonderful people who treated them with respect and took great care of the Comanche Elders Council.

Videos of the trip can be seen online at You Tube.

June 2017

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The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Emergency Management

How People with Disabilities can Prepare for Emergencies

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists how people with disabilities can prepare for emergencies.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists how people with disabilities can prepare for emergencies.

Be Informed Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. Above all, stay calm, be patient, and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected It is important to know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov/be-informed Make a Communication Plan A disaster can interfere with your ability to communicate with your family, friends, and coworkers.

It is vital to have backup plans for staying in touch with your support network, and for your network to be aware of where you will shelter or evacuate.

Create a personal support network. Everyone should make a list of family, friends, and others who will be part of your plan. Include a relative or friend in another area who would not be affected by the same emergency, and who could help if needed.

Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home, schools or workplace, and where you will go in case of a disaster.

Make sure that someone in your personal support network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies.

Teach them how to use any lifesaving equipment or medicine in case of an emergency. If you use a wheelchair, oxygen, or other medical equipment, show friends how to use these devices so they can move you or help you evacuate. Practice your plan with your personal support network.

If you undergo routine treatments at a clinic or hospital, or if you receive regular services at home such as home health care, meals, oxygen, or door-to-door transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and the areas you might evacuate to. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about a back-up plan for its use during power outage.

Talk to your employer and co-workers about the assistance you might need in an emergency. This is particularly

important if you need to be lifted or carried. Talk about any communication difficulties, physical limitations, equipment instructions and medication procedures that might arise during an emergency. Always participate in exercise, trainings and emergency drills offered by your employer or in your community.

Develop a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. For more information on how to develop a family communications plan, visit http:// www.ready.gov/family-communications.

Deciding whether to stay or evacuate. Depending on your circumstances, and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether to stay or go. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information to determine if there is immediate danger. In any emergency, local authorities may not immediately be available to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.

However, you should monitor television, radio, Internet, or social media news reports for information or official instructions as they become available. If you are specifically told to evacuate of seek medical treatment, do so immediately. If you require additional travel time or need transportation assistance, consider ways you might make these arrangements in advance.

Staying Put. Whether you are at home or elsewhere, there may be situations when it is simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside. Consider what you can do to safely shelter-in-place alone or with friends, family or neighbors.

Also consider how a shelter designated for public would meet your needs.

Work with local emergency managers and others in your community on preparing shelters in advance to meet access and functional needs.

If you have options, and decide to stay put and shelter-in-place, consider that you may be without electricity, phone service, and accessible roads for days or longer.

Evacuation There may be situations in which you decide to leave, or are ordered to leave. Plan how you will get away and anticipate where you will go. Choose several designations in different directions so you have

Black Ops Game Tournament Raises Money for Fair The Comanche Nation Optometry Program is sponsoring a fund raiser for the 2017 Comanche Nation Fair. A “Black Ops 2 4V4 Teams” will begin at noon on July 22, in Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex. There will be a 4v4 double elimination, $40 per person or $160 dollars per team.

For more information contact the Comanche Nation Optometry at (580) 699-5386.

options in an emergency. Ask about evacuation plans at the places where you spend time including work, school, community organizations, and other places you frequent. If you typically rely on elevators, work with others to develop back up plans for evacuation in case they are not working. When traveling, consider alerting hotel or motel workers if you will need help in a disaster situation.

Keep your equipment with you in an evacuation, if at all possible. If you must leave your wheelchair, bring your cushion.

Consider your Service Animals and Pets. Whether you decide to stay put or evacuate, you will need to make plans in advance for your service animal and pets. Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what is best for your animals.

If you must evacuate, take your pets if you can. However, if you must go to a public shelter, it is important to remember that by law only service animals mush be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your animals.

Fire Safety Plan two ways out of every room in case of fire. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or overhead light that could fall and block an escape path.

Contact your local emergency information management office.

Some local emergency management offices maintain registries for people with disabilities. Some registries are only used to collect planning information; others may be used to offer assistance in emergencies. If you add your name and information to a registry, be sure you understand what you can expect. Be aware that a registry is NEVER a substitute for personal preparedness.

Even if the registry may be linked to first responders, assistance may not be available for hours or days after a disaster. Contact your local emergency management agency to see if these services exist where you live or visit www.ready.gov/ to find link to government offices in your area.

Build an Emergency Kit The reality of a disaster situation is that you will likely not have access to everyday conveniences. To plan in advance, think through the details of your everyday life. You should include the following in your planning: Basic supplies. Think first about survival basics- food, water, first aid, and tools. Plan to make it on your own for at least three days.

Consider two kits. In one kit put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own for a period of time. The other kit should be lightweight, smaller versions you can take with you if you have to leave your home.

Include important documents in your kit. Include copies of important documents in your kit, such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank account information, and tax records. Also be sure to have cash or travelers checks in your kits in case you need to purchase supplies. It is best to keep these document in a waterproof container, if there is any information related to operating equipment or life saving devices that you rely on, include them in the emergency kits, as well.

Also make sure that a trusted friend or family member has a copy of these documents. Include the names and numbers of everyone in your personal support network, as well as your medical and disability service providers. If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information includes instructions for the best way to communicate with you. Even if you do not use a computer yourself, consider putting important information onto a portable thumb drive for easy transport in an evacuation.

Finances. Signing up for direct deposit or Direct Express card is a simple but important step that can help protect your family access to funds in case an emergency happens.

If you or those close to you are still receiving Social Security or other federal benefits by check, please consider switching to one of these safer, easier options: Arrange electronic payment for your paycheck and federal benefits; the Direct Express prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper check for people who do not have a bank account. Sign up is easy, call toll free at (877) 212-9991 or sign up online at www. USDirectExpress.com.

Depending on your needs,

additional items for your go Kit might include: • Copies of medical prescriptions, doctor’s orders, and the style and serial numbers of the assistive devices you use • Al lease a week’s supply of medication or medical supplies you use regularly, or as much as you can keep on hand • Medical alert tags or bracelets or written descriptions of your disability and support needs, in case you are unable to describe the situation in an emergency • Medical insurance cards physical contact information, list of you allergies and health history • A list of the local nonprofit or community based organizations that know you or assists people with access and functional needs similar to yours • Extra eyeglasses, backup supplies for any visual aids you use • Extra batteries for hearing aids, extra hearing aids if you have them, of or you have insurance coverage for them • Battery chargers for motorized wheel chairs or other battery operated medical/assistive technology devices • Supplies for your service animal • A laminated personal communication board, if you might need assistance with being understood or understanding others • If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a light weight manual chair available for emergencies.

Know the size and weight of your wheel chair.

• If you have allergies or chemical sensitivities, be sure to include items that you are able t use for personal hygiene and for cleanup.

Get Involved In addition to your personal preparedness, consider getting involved in neighborhood and community emergency preparedness activities. Assist emergency planners and others in considering the preparedness need of the whole community, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Communities are stronger and more resilient when everyone joins the team. People with disabilities often have experience in adapting and problem solving that can be very useful skills in emergencies.

To find out more about potential volunteering and emergency response training opportunities, go to: http://www.ready.gov/volunteer.

Comanche Nation College Recognizes Eleven Students for Honor Roll The Comanche Nation College is proud to announce their President and Vice-President’s Honor Roll for the Spring 2017 Semester. For the President’s List the student had to have a 3.5-4.0 GPA. and for the Vice-President’s List the student had to have a 3.0-3.49 GPA. A total of eleven students made the lists.

President’s List: • Cody Coffman-Comanche • Naomi Nevaquaya-Comanche

• • • • • • • • •

Phaidra Pruitt-Comanche Thomas Purvis-Citizen Potawatomi Nation Jessica Roland Corlette Gail Tahhahwah-Comanche Malcolm Taunah-Comanche Edward Villicana-Comanche Vice-President’s List: Megan Carter Megan Holt-Choctaw Kiah Spikes

The CNC would like to thank the students along with parent/ guardians for their dedication, hardwork, and support.

June 2017

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The Comanche Nation News

Military A TRIBUTE TO COMANCHE VETERANS, PART I OF VI This is a tribute to the 1,232 Comanches that have served in the military beginning in 1878. 100 photos with brief bio’s will be published in the June edition of TCNN, 100 photos in July, 100 photos in August, 100 photos in September, 100 photos in October, 100 photos in the November, 100 photos in December, and the remaining in the 2018 issues of TCNN. Photos of about half the Comanche veterans are on file.

SGT Greg Ah Sam USAR 2007-present War on Terror Military Police

SGT Gerald Aitson Army 1969-75 Vietnam War

LCpl Brandon Allen USMC 2002-06 War on Terror Combat Action Ribbon

CPL Raymond Almanza ANG and Army 1950-56 Japan Commo Chief

FIC Curtis Apauty Navy 1952-55 Korean War USS Kearsarge, USS Stoddard

TSGT Ricky Arterberry Air Force 1984-04

LT Linda Asenap WAC 1943-46 World II (Europe) Nurse Corps

SP4 Darren Asepermy OKARNG 1984-91 Field Artillery

CPL George Asepermy Sr. Army 1952-54 Military Policeman

SGM Lanny Asepermy

SSG Jerri Atauvich

BT3 Carl Atauvich Navy 1956-59 USS Midway

SN Deroy Atauvich Navy 1958-61 USS Yorktown USS Thetis

MSGT Kenneth Atauvich

PFC Lewellyn Atauvich Army 1942-45 World War II Europe Combat Engineer

BT3 Vandal Atauvich

Navy 1952-56 Korea War USS Kaskaskie and USS Mauna Loa

PFC Vernon Atauvich USMC 1958-62 Fleet Marine Sea Service for 34 months

PVT Calvin Atchavit

MSG Robert Atchavit Army and ANG 1952-84 Japan

SGT Thomas Atchavit USMC 1970-74 Vietnam War 1st Marine Division

SGT Asa Attocknie USMC 1993-01 Fleet Marine

T5 Francis Attocknie Army 1942-45 World War II (Europe)

SP4 Jesse Attocknie Army (Discharge date unknown) Vietnam War

SGT Anthony Beasley

Kyle Bedeker

FN Clay Bennett Navy 1963-67 Vietnam War USS Chicago

PFC Douglas Bennett Army 1962-66 Vietnam War 124th Trans Company

Elmer Bennett Army 1968-71

AN3 Jerry Bennett Navy 1952-55 Hawaii and Philippines

SN Paul Bennett Navy 1956-57

BT# Terrance Bennett Navy 1954-56 USS Wasp

PO1 Terry Bennett

Tech/2C Dan Bigbee Jr. Navy 1977-84 USS Kitty Hawk

CPL Thomas Blackstar Air Force 1948-49

SN Edward Brace Navy 1961-65 USS O’Brien

CPL Robert Bradley Army 1966-69 Vietnam War 173rd Airborne Brigade

PVT Roberta Bradley

ABH3 Christopher Brady Navy 1995-98 USS Abrham

PFC Richard Bread Army 1964-66

SGT Johnny Brown CAARNG 1950-52 Korean War Combat Infantryman Badge

FN Armand Burgess Navy 1974-78 USS Enterprise

SP4 Charles Burgess

Clifford Burgess SIC Navy 1959-61 MSGT Air Force 1963-82 Vietnam War

Curtis Burgess USAR and Army 1972-75

SSGT Donald Burgess Air Force 1970-90 Thailand, Germany, Panama and Honduras

SGT Ronald Burgess Air Force 1970-74

SGT Teddy Burgess Air Force 1972-75 Panama

SPC Tony Burgess Army 1991-01 Hawaii, Bosnia and Korea AAM (7)

Army (Discharge date unknown) War on Terror (Iraq) 25th Infantry Division

WAAC 1942-43 and USMCR 194345; 1st Comanche Woman to serve in the Military

Air Force 1986-11 Persain Gulf War War on Terror (Iraq and Afghanistan) Awarded 56 medals and Ribbons

Navy 1983-03 Persian Gulf War Navy Commendation and Achievement (3) medals

Army 1966-90 Vietnam War Combat Infantryman Badge Korea, Hawaii and Germany

(Locklear) Army 1981-91 Korea and Germany AAM (2)

Army 1918-19 World War I (Europe) Awarded the DSC and Begium War Cross; WWI Code Talker , Numu Pukutsi

Army 200-06 War on Terror (Iraq) 101st Airborne Division ARCOM (2) and AAM (2)

Army 1966-69 Vietnam War 36th Trans Battalion Also served in Germany

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The Comanche Nation News

EM3 Willie Burgess Navy 1960-64 USS Salisbury Sound

Jenifer Burns Army West Point Graduate (No other information)

Bert Cable Army 1918-19 World War I (Europe)

SP4 Clifford Cable Army and USAR 1980-92 Military Policeman

SH1 Jimmy Caddo Navy 1952-71 Korean and Vietnam Wars Served on 6 different ships

SN Michael Caddo Navy 1986-90

LCpl John Campa USMC 1981-84

PVT Samuel Chaat

PFC Theodore Chaat Army Air Force 1943-47 Aviation Cadet

SGT James Chasenah Army 1942-45 World War II (Europe)

SRE3 John Chasenah Navy 1943-47 World War II (Pacific) Seabee

Clifford Chebahtah Jr. USMC Vietnam War

CPL Vernon Cable

PVT Claude Caddo Army 1967-70 Vietnam War

PFC Phil Cato Jr.

Army 1943-46 World War II (Europe) Bronze Star and Purple Heart Battle of the Bugle

EM3 Scott Cato Navy 1965-68 Vietnam War USS Mauna Loa

TSGT Robert Chaat

PFC Kyle Chalepah

LT Dennis Chappabitty Army 1972-75 Korea 2nd Infantry Division

CPT Edwin Chappabityy Jr. Army 1967-72 Vietnam War 25th Infantry Division

PFC Earl Chasenah Army Air Force 1946-47

Cpl Lewis Chasenah

SGT Oris Chasenah USMC 1953-57 Japan and Okinawa

Anita Chebahtah Navy (Service dates unknown)

SFC Chris Chebahtah

PFC Clifford Chebahtah Sr.

SGT Gilbert Chebahtah USMC 1956-59

MSGT Hugh Chebahtah USMC 1961-66 Air Force Reserve 1968-70 OKARNG 1981-88 Vietnam War Okinawa and Japan

SGT Jacob Chebahtah

Army 2007-14 War on Terror (Iraq and Afghanistan) Combat Action Badge ARCOM (4) AAM (2)

James Chebahtah Army 1918-19

Joseph Chebahtah Jr. Army (Service dates unknown)

Joseph Chebahtah Sr. Air Force 1965-85 Vietnam War Korea and Germany

AZ1 Julian Chebahtah

LT Justin Chebahtah CAARNG (Service dates unknown)

SP5 Mathew Chebahtah Army 1970-73

Chebahtah aka Chevato Army (Scout) 1883-86 First Comanche Solider Apache Campaign

AIC Chris Choney Air Force 1992-93

CPT Cloyce Choney

PFC Corey Choney Army 1997-00 Korea and Bosnia ARCOM and AAM (3)

MSG Eric Choney

Army 1965-91 Vietnam War 1st Cavalry Division MSM, ARCOM and AAM (2)

A2C Errol Choney Air Force 1961-66 Greenland and Germany

Cpl Darrell Chrismon

SP5 Vernon Christian OKARNG 1965-71

MSGT Albert Clark Air Force 1951-72 Vietnam War Alaska AF Commendation

Benjamin Clark Cpl USMC 1955-58 SSG Army 1959-76 Vietnam War ARCOM (2)

Army 1943-45 World War II (Europe) 87th Infantry Division Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart

SUCN Donald Chrismon Navy 1972-78 Seabee

USMC 1943-45 World War II (Pacific) Purple Heart-Iwo Jima Combat Action Ribbon

Army 1969-75 Vietnam War 101st Airborne Division “Green Beret”Combat Infantryman Badge Bronze Star with/Valor Device (2) Purple Heart (2) Numu Pukusti

OKARNG 1986-92 Persian Gulf War 45th Infantry Division ARCOM

USMC 1967-70 Vietnam War Achievement medal with/Valor Device Numu Pukutsi

Navy 1970-91 Vietnam War Combat Action Ribbon Only Comanche Buried at sea on Nov. 15, 2012

Army 1943-46 and 1948-52 World War II (Pacific) Korea War

Army Air Force 1942-45 World War II (Europe, China, Burma and India) Combat Crew Badge

USMC 1979-93 CAARNG 1994-2009 War on Terror (Iraq) Combat Infantry Badge Bronze Star and Purple Heart

USMC 1968-70 Vietnam War 1st Marine Division Combat Action Ribbon

June 2017

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The Comanche Nation News

People, Places and Things Happening Oklahomans Should Be captain. The family is proud of all her accomplishments.

Aware of Ticks, Diseases

On May 10, the Oklahoma State Department of Health osdh@ public.govdelivery.com, wrote the following story:

A warm spring means Oklahomans are already enjoying outdoor activities, but a bite from a tick could quickly put a damper on the fun.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) advises anyone who participates in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, bicycle trail riding, yard work and gardening, to follow tick bite prevention precautions.

Since 2012, there have been approximately 2,000 cases of RMSF, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia among Oklahoma residents. Cases have ranged from 2 to 92 years of age; 11 percent of cases were hospitalized due to their illness.

The symptoms of a tickborne illness may include fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and fatigue. Other symptoms may include a skin rash or painful swelling of lymph nodes near the bite. Symptoms of illness typically occur 3-14 days following a tick bite. Most tick borne diseases can be treated successfully with early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics, so it is important to seek medical attention if a fever and other signs of illness are noticed within 14 days of a bite or being in an area where ticks are lurking.

The OSDH advises those who participate in hiking, camping, bicycle trail riding, yard work, gardening and other outdoor activities to prevent tick bites by following the tips below: • Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to see.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks to prevent ticks from attaching.

• Wear closed-toe shoes, not sandals.

• Hikers and bikers should stay in the center of trails to avoid grass and brush.

• Check for ticks at least once per day, particularly along waistbands, the hairline and back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin area.

• Remove attached ticks as soon as possible using tweezers or fingers covered with a tissue.

• Use an insect repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection which lasts several hours.

• Use products containing 0.5 percent permethrin only on clothing and gear, such as boots, pants and tents. Permethrin should not be used on the body.

• Check with a veterinarian about tick control for pets. Dogs and cats can get tick borne illnesses too, and they are a vehicle for bringing ticks into a home if not on a tick-preventive regimen.

For more information, visit https://go.usa.gov/x5thh.

Monocivais Graduates

Monocivais

Summer Lilly-Monocivais graduated on May 20, from South Haven Kansas.

Moncivais is the great granddaughter of the late Betty Tabbytite-Buffalo-Nixon as well as Everett Nixon, granddaughter of Mike and Susan Buffalo-Tabbytite Seal and the daughter of Stephanie Pocowatchit- Moncivais and Walter Moncivais.

Moncivais is the former princess of the Medicine Lodge Peace treaty association, vice president of student council and softball

Shelby Mata Crowned Miss Indian Oklahoma 2017

Watts Attends USAO

Watts

Comanche Tribal member, Casey Michelle Watts will be playing softball and studying Pre-Med at USAO in Chickasha, Okla.

Watts has been active in FFA where she has served as VicePresident, Secretary, and Reporter.

She was President of her class for two years. She has played basketball, Fast-Pitch softball, Slow-Pitch softball, baseball and has run in track.

Watts was the 2016 Football Homecoming Queen. She has received All Conference Slow-pitch softball, All Conference Fast-pitch softball four times, and All Conference Basketball three times. Watts is on the Principal’s Honor Roll and has received the Citizenship award three times. She is Co-Salutatorian for the 2017 graduating class.

Watts is the daughter of Audra and Tim Keesee and Tommy and Kaye Watts.

Conneywerdy Inducted Into the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society

Conneywerdy

Tribal member, Autumn Conneywerdy from Red Rock, Oklahoma was inducted into the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society which is sponsored by the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education. Conneywerdy just completed her sophomore year at Frontier High School and was listed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll both semesters.

Conneywerdy was awarded the Outstanding Student Achievement by the Frontier Public School Title VI Indian Education Program.

In addition to her academic achievements, Conneywerdy qualified to compete in the state golf tournament with her play in the Class 2A Regional at the Kingfisher Golf Course. The Class 2A State Tournament was held May 3 & 4 at Aqua Canyon Course in Guthrie. Back in March, Conneywerdy helped lead her team to a trip to the Class A State Basketball Tournament. The Frontier Lady Mustangs finished the season earning Class A District Champions, Regional Champions, Area Champions, and Quarter Finalists at the state tournament.

Conneywerdy is enrolled in college courses at Northern Oklahoma College and Tulsa Community College and she will be working this summer at the Frontier Public School. Conneywerdy’s parents are Cruz and Gina and she has an older sister named, Julia.

The Article, “American Indian Catholic Outreach Leads First Evangelization Retreat” that ran in the May 2017 issue of TCNN was an excerpt from the April 2, 2017 edition the Sooner Catholic Newsletter, written by tribal member, Dana Attocknie, Sooner Catholic Managing Editor

Mata poses as the newly crowned 2017 Miss Indian Oklahoma.

Mata when she was Comanche Nation Junior Princess 2008-2010.

Mata being crowned Miss Indian Oklahoma 2017, in Durant, Okla.

From left to right; 2017 Miss Indian Oklahoma, Shelby Mata, and 2017 Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma, Chelbie Turtle.

Submitted by Brittany Hill/Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women Pageant Director and family of Shelby Mata

On May 19, beneath the casino lights of the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, the new titleholders for Miss Indian Oklahoma and Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma were crowned. The 2017 Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma is Chelbie Turtle (Cherokee) and the 2017 Miss Indian Oklahoma is Shelby Mata (Comanche).

Mata is the 20-year-old daughter of Antonio and Phillis Mata and currently resides in Walters, Okla. She attends the University of Oklahoma where she is a junior.

She has chosen “Preventing Health Problems throughout Indian Country through Exercise & Dieting” to be her platform. Mata represented the Comanche Nation during the pageant.

Turtle is the sixteen year old daughter of Lisa and Jeff Turtle and currently resides in Tahlequah, Okla.

She attends Sequoyah High School and is in the 10th grade. She has chosen “The Value of Higher Education” to be her platform. Turtle represented the Cherokee Nation during the pageant.

Every year, the Oklahoma Federation of Women (OFIW) puts on the Miss and Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant in conjunction with their annual events which include an honor banquet for statewide award winners and an honor powwow for the outgoing titleholders.

This year’s scholarship pageant theme was “Honoring Our Indigenous Women Warriors: Protecting All That is Sacred.” The Jr. Miss category had four contestants and the Miss category had three contestants. Contestants are judged based on a preliminary competition which includes a written essay and personal interview with judges and judged onstage in the categories of tribal introduction, tribal dress, talent, platform and contemporary dress, and impromptu questions. One of this year’s judges, well known Choctaw/Kiowa artist and writer Steven Paul Judd said, “Every single young lady had a stand out moment.” Tribal nations represented this year were Cherokee, Arapaho, Chickasaw, Comanche, and Yuchi.

For an entire year, the titleholders act as goodwill ambassadors that represent OFIW, the state of Oklahoma, and the thirty-nine tribes

of Oklahoma. They also promote the mission of OFIW which is to bring together Indian women of Oklahoma in friendship, preserve culture and heritage, promote education, and uplift our Native young women. The new titleholders receive a scholarship at the end of their reign, quarterly stipends, a silver crown, a rhinestone tiara, two banners, and a shawl. OFIW congratulates the 2017 Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma Chelbie Turtle and Miss Indian Oklahoma Shelby Mata and also thanks our platinum level sponsors, the Choctaw Nation and the Cherokee Nation. Special thank you to the Choctaw Nation for hosting our annual events this year!

To schedule an appearance for Miss Indian Oklahoma Shelby Mata, please contact Brittany Hill at bhill@live.com or for Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma Chelbie Turtle, please contact Faith Harjo at harjo.faith@ yahoo.com.

Shelby Mata

Shelby Elizabeth Mata is 20 years old, a junior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Native American Studies: Emphasis on Tribal Governance and Policy, and from Walters, Oklahoma. Her parents are Antonio and Phillis Mata, grandparents Mitchell Gwoompi and Lou Bell Ototivo, great-grandparents Vilas Ototivo and Angeline “Gommock” Peahcoose Ototivo.

Mata was recently crowned 2017 Miss Indian Oklahoma on May 19, at the annual Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women – Miss Indian Oklahoma scholarship pageant in Durant, Okla. During the pageant, Mata’s platform was “Preventing Health Problems throughout Indian Country through Dieting and Exercising.” She also received ‘Best Tribal Introduction,’ and ‘Best Tribal Dress.’ Mata is an enrolled Comanche member, where she served as the Comanche Nation Junior Princess in 2008-2010 and Comanche Princess 2015. Mata has also held the title of Miss Walters 2015, Comanche Indian Veterans Association 2013-2015, and the Comanche War Dance Society 2011-2013. Mata is very honored to be able to represent her Comanche tribe, family, and other tribal nations across Oklahoma during her reign.

In June 2014, Mata was the youngest of 13 tribal members to return to Utah Beach, Normandy, France to honor the Comanche Code

Talkers on D-Day. She performed Comanche hymns for the French Government, became an honorary citizen of Tilly-Sur-Suelles, Normandy, France, and was on the top 10 pictures on MSNBC for the week of June 4 – 11, 2014. Mata has traveled to Washington D.C., with the Comanche Nation to receive the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Comanche Code Talkers, she also traveled to D.C. with the tribe to perform at the National Museum of the American Indian during Thanksgiving 2014. Mata is grateful to be a part of the great Comanche Nation.

She has been honored with a horse from Comanche horseman, Morgan Tosee, a billboard from IAMNDN Youth Council, a billboard to advertise the Comanche Nation Fair 2016, as well as, shoot a promotional video for the Comanche Nation Fair. In 2013, Mata was able to be the first to greet Johnny Depp at the Red Carpet premiere of The Lone Ranger at the Carmike Theatre’s in Lawton, Okla.

Mata has been attending powwows since she was nine months old. Her first powwow she attended was at Fort Sill Indian School. She is a southern cloth and buckskin dancer.

She has had the opportunity to travel coast to coast, Portland, Oregon, to Washington D.C., to represent her Comanche people. She would like to thank all of her supporters and everyone who has helped her along the way.

“I was beyond happy when they announced that I had won Miss Indian Oklahoma. It has always been a dream of mine to represent my Native people. Now that I get to represent the great state of Oklahoma as well as my people, it’s truly an honor.”

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me, given me words of encouragement, and who have always believed in me. I hope to represent this title with the upmost grace and respect,” says, Mata.

June 2017

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The Comanche Nation News

People, Places and Things Happening Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Receives Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits ONE Award for Health Services

Courtesy Photo

Robyn Sunday-Allen, pictured right, CEO of OKCIC, receives the Moran Family Foundation and Barnett Family Foundation Award for Health Services during the 10th Annual ONE Awards from Alana Hughes, pictured left, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

Rachael Maltby, Graphic Designer.,rachael.m@okcic.com wrote the following story: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a nonprofit clinic providing services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, was honored to win the Moran Family Foundation and Barnett Family Foundation Award for Health Services during the Tenth Annual ONE Awards at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center on April 29.

In January, OKCIC received the nomination for the ONE award and received a $5,000 grant just for being nominated. The clinic then received an additional $7,500 by winning the category.

“All 24 of the nonprofits honored have demonstrated excellence in their approach to serving the community,” Alana Hughes said, board chair of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. “Since its inception, the ONE Awards have been transformational to build capacity for more than 200 organizations in Oklahoma through the recognition and grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. We are truly thankful to the visionary philanthropists who have made these awards possible.”

OKCIC serves members of over 200 federally recognized tribes for various health services including: medical, dental, pediatric, physical therapy, fitness wellness training, nutrition, diabetes, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, women’s health, optometry, podiatry and more. All services are located in one place, making it as easy as possible for patients’ needs.

“We were overjoyed when

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was called as the winner for its category.

The other nominees in the category are excellent nonprofits and are all deserving of this award,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “By winning this award, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is one step closer to becoming the national model for American Indian healthcare.”

The Tenth Annual ONE Awards honored a total of 24 organizations in eight categories: arts and humanities, community, education, health services, open services, selfsufficiency, seniors, and youth development. Additionally, the Center names an overall winner of the event named after Charles Schusterman.

All 24 nonprofits receive at least a $5,000 prize, and category winners receive $7,500. The overall winner receives a grand prize of $10,000.

This year’s grants bring the total awards for Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence to over $1.5 million. Past Schusterman Award winners have included United Way of Central Oklahoma, Myriad Gardens, Elder Care, Little Light House, Oklahoma FFA Foundation, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Mental Health Association in Tulsa, Oklahoma Blood Institute and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Nonprofits may use the prize money as they see fit to aid current programs or make transformational changes for their organizations.

About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic:

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic(OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma.

The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from more than 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.

About the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits is the state’s preeminent organization convening charitable entities from throughout the state for training, consultation, networking, advocacy and recognition. Comprising more than 1,000 members from throughout Oklahoma, the Center’s primary mission is to build better

communities through effective nonprofits. Since 1981, the organization has assisted thousands of individuals and organizations through various programs designed to build capacity and positively impact the lives of Oklahomans. www.OKCNP.org

Tieyah Inducted in the National Junior Honors Society

Adolph Places First in Five Categories

Ahtone Selected for Nieman Foundation 80th Class

Ahtone

Courtesy Photo

Tristan Ahtone, is one of the 24 recipients that was selected for the U.S. Nieman Class of 2018 and also the fourth Native American to receive this opportunity. Ahtone is a freelance reporter and member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. He is also the Vice-president of Native American Journalist Association (NAJA.) He will study how to improve coverage of indigenous communities with a particular focus on creating ethical guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct.

The Nieman Fellowship News wrote: “The Nieman Foundation for Journalism, a leading global voice in journalism education and innovation, has selected 24 journalists as members of the Nieman class of 2018. The group includes reporters, writers, correspondents, editors, radio and television producers, a photographer, a director of audience engagement and news executives who work around the world. The new Nieman Fellows will begin an academic year of study at Harvard University this fall.”

Tieyah Tribal member, Chesney Laura Tieyah, is a seventh grader at Spangdahlem Middle School at Spangdahlem AirBase, in Germany.

Tieyah recently was inducted in the National Junior Honors Society at her school. Tieyah is also in advanced band, the young authors club, drama club, participates in the local and school soccer and basketball teams as well as being an straight A student.

Tieyah is the daughter of Michael and Cara Tieyah, her father is in the United States Airforce. They are stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Tieyah is the granddaughter of Melva Camacho (Mahsetky).

Adolph Congratulations to Tatiana Adolph, 8 years old , from Fliptastic Gymnastics. She placed first in all five categories she participated in.

Adolph score in beams, 9.45, vault, 9.4, bars 9.45, floor 9.45 and first for all around. Adolph is in the 3rd grade, and attends Ridge Crest elementary School.

Adolph is the daughter of James and Tahshina Adolph, granddaughter of Nabor (JR) Villicana and the great granddaughter of the Late Phillip Herrera and Selma Connywerdy Herrera.

PEWEWARDY RECEIVES OUTSTANDING INDIAN EDUCATOR AWARD. Cornel Pewewardy received the 2017 Outstanding Indian Educator of the Year Award by the Oregon Indian Education Association at the 40th Annual Conference of the Oregon Indian Education Association held April 20-21, at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. Dr. Pewewardy was nominated by Dr. Brook Colley, Director of the Native American Studies Program at Southern Oregon University for his years of advocacy for American Indian/Alaska Native students in Oregon. A longtime advocate of American Indian/Alaska Native education in Oregon, Dr. Courtesy Photo Pewewardy was recognized by the Oregon Indian Education Association. In 2011, he received their Teacher of the Year Award and 2009 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award. At Portland State University, Dr. Pewewardy is the Director and Professor of Indigenous Nations Studies. Pewewardy (Comanche-Kiowa) is a member of the Comanche Nation.

Culinary Corner Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps • • • • • • • • • • 1.

2.

3.

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

4.

1 Cup Low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt 6 Teaspoon Honey 4 Teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar 1/8 Teaspoon Salt 1/8 Teaspoon Pepper 4 Cups of Grilled Chicken 1/2 Cup Crushed Almonds 1/2 Cup Red Grapes. sliced in half 1 Red apple, diced. Iceberg lettuce pieces Directions To make salad dressing, combine the mayo/yogurt, honey balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until creamy and well-mixed Prepare the salad, combine the chicken, almonds, grapes, apple and salad dressing in a bowl using a wooden spoon. Stir until the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Let chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator before preparing wraps.

Prepare wraps, Put a large piece of iceberg lettuce on a plate.

Spoon a generous portion of chicken salad into the wrap.

Optional: roll the lettuce to create a wrap and secure using a toothpick.

June 2017

12

The Comanche Nation News

Milestones Happy Belated Birthday

April 11- Ricky Toho May 1- Ina Yackeschi May 2- Jeffery Codynah May 3- Cindy King May 7- Joneda Sage May 14- Daphne Short May 17- Modesto Schonchin May 18- Donald Grigsby May 18- Jocelyn Codynah May 18- Moopey Niedo May 18- Edward (Bubba) Tahhahwah May 19- Shana Tahhahwah May 25- Roland Apauty

Happy Belated Birthday Jocelyn Codynah May 18

Happy Belated Birthday Moopey Niedo May 18 ~Love, Claudia

Happy Birthday June 2- Diane Andonian June 2- Edward Tahhahwah Jr. June 2- Leslie Youngman June 3- Greg Poemoceah June 10- Carlos Akoneto June 14- Connie Amos June 16- Barbara Asepermy June 16- Ronald Sr. June 21- Amelia Mammedaty June 21- Arleeta Viddaurri June 22- Christopher Jones June 25- Devin Lopez June 25- Kendra Lopez June 28- Christian Avery June 28- Elizabeth Fife Chrismon

Anniversaries Alan & Zeldina Viddaurri-Floyd June 13 ~ Married 11 years Joseph & Jessi Mann June 25 ~ Married 7 years

Passings Michael Rivera March 17, 1962 ~ February 18, 2017 Karen Lynn Emhoolah Garza Harrison September 24, 1957 ~ March 5, 2017 Lela Ruth Poemoceah

Happy Belated Birthday Qynn Plata June 23

Happy Birthday Devin Lopez June 25 Love always, Mom

Happy 13th Birthday Jimi Tahdooahnippah May 20 Our teenager!

ALWAYS!!!

From Mom, Kevin and KaKu

Happy Birthday Christopher Jones June 22 We are so proud of you From Mom & Dad

Happy Birthday Kendra Lopez June 25 Love always, Mom

Happy Birthday Ronald Sr. June 16 Happy Father’s Day From your mini !!!

Happy Birthday Amelia Mammedaty June 21

Happy Birthday Christian Avery June 28

In Loving Memory Theresa Robles

June 18, 1938 ~ April 19, 2016

Happy Birthday Connie Amos June 14 From Brother and Sisters

The Comanche Nation News July Edition Deadline~June 15 Email: candacet@comanchenation.com Mail: Comanche Nation PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73501 Contact: (580) 492-3386

Photo by Candace Todd/News Staff

Happy Birthday Barbara Asepermy June 16 Love your Children and Grandchildren

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory In Loving Memory Cilina Teira Bell-Deloney June 1, 1995 - January 16, 2017

Happy Birthday in Heaven

HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION, paid off for one tribal member. Tevin Foster who signed with Drury University a Division II team right out of Lawton High has now signed with a Division I University.

Foster signed a Letter of Intent to play for Abilene Christian University to finish out his final eligible season, in Division I Men’s Basketball. Foster shared with of his intent, “I wanted to be able to come back and show the younger players that its possible for everyone, anyone to make it to Division I basketball, you just have to put in the work, you have to stay focus and locked in.”

DIVORCE? WRITS? WILLS/CODICILS? ATTESTATIONS? Packets/citations typed and prepared for Native Americans for issuance through BIA Court of Indian Offenses.

(Additional BIA filing fees due at time of documentation).

REASONABLE PREP FEES Contact: Jewell Tieyah (580) 678-2052 or (580) 492-5455

Olamae Tsatoke Always in our hearts, our beloved Kaku and Tsoh Tsoh

Lee Viddaurri-Floyd

June 15 1907 ~ May 13 2003

We all love you Daddy and miss you every single day.

Sending up birthday hugs from mom, all your girls and Grandchildren.

June 2017

13

Obituaries plex.

Jones Timothy Bruce Jones of Walters, Okla., passed away on April 26, in Lawton.

Graveside services was May 1, at Walters Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

Jones was born in Walters on December 19, 1952 to Billy and Connie Sue (Chockpoyah) Jones. He attended school in Walters and California. He was a proud member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and the 8th and Lee Church of Christ.

He enjoyed going to rodeos, horse sales, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved giving his family a hard time, always teasing them.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Jones of Temple Okla.; four children: Davina Carter of Temple, Cade Jones of Walters, Brack Jones of Walters, and Rachael Newcomb of Temple, and by his good friend Rhonda Toquothty of Walters, And also his seven grandchildren: Cody, Daniel, Sarah, Emma, Micheal, Brinleigh, and great granddaughter, Ava. He is preceded in death by his Parents; Billy and Connie Jones and Grandparents: Lee and Lorene Chockpoyah.

He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Sandra

Jean (Motah) Karty

Karty Sandra Jean (Motah) Karty, 78, of Walters, entered into her heavenly home with her husband and her children by her side on May 3.

Funeral for Sandra Jean Karty was May 6, at Watchetaker Hall at the Comanche Nation Com-

Burial was at Otipoby Cemetery on Fort Sill under direction of the Comanche Nation Funeral Home with Pastor Sharon Yeahquo officiating.

Prayer service was held May 5, at Watchetaker Hall at the Comanche Nation Complex.

Karty was born January 17, 1939 in Lawton, Okla., to the late Lee Motah and the late Rhoda Pauau Motah. Karty grew up in the Walters area and graduated from Walters High School in 1958. She was a member of the Walters High School PEP club. Karty was the 1957 Walters Service Club Princess.

Karty met and married the love of her life Delbert Karty. They were married on June 28, 1959 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Karty was one of the last fluent speakers of the Comanche Nation. She was a Language and Culture Historian for the Comanche Nation.

Karty was a member of the Walters Service Club, the Tia-piah Society of Oklahoma, Comanche Homecoming, Native American Church, Comanche Elder Council, the Comanche Nation NAGPRA Board, United Methodist Women, a Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church. She was a member of Hunting Horse United Methodist Church.

Karty liked to sew, embroidery, bead working. She loved speaking and teaching her Comanche Language. She loved setting up her arts and crafts booth at the Comanche Nation Fair. One of the most joys of her life was watching all of her great grandchildren run, play, climb the tree in her front yard and slide down her cellar door.

Karty is survived by her husband, Delbert Karty, of the home; three daughters; Debra Hutchens and David of Geronimo, Okla., Paula Karty, of the home, Bessie (Cricket) Karty of Elgin, one adopted son Billy Komahcheet and wife Amber of Indiahoma; one brother, Gaylon Motah and wife Melaine of Elgin; three sisters, Julene Gutierrez of Espanola, New Mexico, Ruth Toahty of Elgin, Okla., and Carol Kahrahrah and husband Bernard of Geronimo, Okla., seven grandchildren: Kellea Kerchee, Rhoda (Darci) Kerchee, Anthony Hutchens, Travis Codynah, Delayna (Parker) Karty, Starla Hutchens, Richard Karty; 12 great grandchildren.

Karty was preceded in death by her parents the late Lee Motah and Rhoda Pauau Motah; three brothers Wayne (Pokey) Motah, Thomas Blackstar Sr., Hammond Motah, James Lee Motah,; two sisters, Vinita Liles, Oneda Twohatchet, one great granddaughter Morgan Dawn Hutchens and her beloved dog “Mickey” Karty.

Lloyd Van Codynah Nelson

Lloyd Van Codynah Nelson, passed away on May 12, with an overcrowd of family and adopted

Nelson family at his side singing the “Comanche Homecoming Song” as he traveled to his heavenly home.

Nelson was born March 31, 1946 along with his twin sister Doris Janelle.

Prayer Service was May 15, funeral Service was May 16 (Both Services) was at the Comanche Funeral Home.

Interment was at the Walters Cemetery.

His parents were Haddon “Red” Codynah and Francis Marie Red Elk. He leaves behind his brothers; Charlie Nelson, Calvert Codynah, William Nelson, Sr., James Paul Nelson, his caretaker daughter Feliciana Herrera. The family recognizes Big Brothers deep kinship to: Kenneth Giemausaddle, Freddie Ticeahkie, Berky Monoessey, Joel Laurenzana, Rick Tossee, Elrod Monoessey, Richard Jones, Aaron Jones and Cletus Gayton.

Nelson looked upon his brother’s wives as his own. Other deep kinships are; Kip Monoessey, Ruth Pickup, band members of “NDN TIMES”, the late “Big Mike”, and his beloved “F Troop” drum group. Left behind are numerous, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who only knew “Uncle Van” as their own.

Nelson was a proud 4/4th Comanche Nation Member and every step in his life was always “Comanche First.” His kinships went far and wide and he connected with the less fortunate, the down trodden and those in poor spirit. Nelson knew every story of those he encountered, did remarkable philanthropy from his handicapped state and was very instrumental in motivating those that had missing limbs. His love in life was the “Big Drum” and all songs sung at Pow Wows and his beloved saari “Bo Bo.” The “Van Nelson annual backyard Birthday” was always anticipated with his adopted families playing Rock and Roll and singing Pow Wow songs.

Earlier in life Nelson was a standout defensive lineman in Ohio and started on the high school varsity team while only in the 8th grade.

Nelson was instrumental in putting together a softball team called the “Misfits” that featured the family’s neighborhood friend, baseball leg-

The Comanche Nation News

end, now Legislator Randy Bass.

From Anadarko Nelson put together a craft business and traveled throughout Native American events and made numerous lifetime friends.

Nelson, although handicapped, was an officer of the Little Ponies, “Tah Kah Yon” Family, Comanche Nation Fair, Code Talkers Appreciation, and was very active in the Comanche Indian Veterans Association and did indeed salvage an unfunded Comanche Fair at Craterville Park with his Princess Lanette Tahchawwickah.

He was proceeded in death by: Father Haddon Codynah, Mother Marie Red Elk Nelson, Brother Roderick, Twin Doris Janelle Nelson, Brother Ronald “Butch” Nelson, Brother Randy King, Sister Delita Marie Nelson, Sister Rhietta Sue Nelson, Sister Delphine Nelson, nephews Rueben Burgess and Dennis “DJ” Sindone.

Chloe Hope Baker

Anadarko.

Funeral service was May 18, at Wares Chapel in Anadarko with Lay Ministers Dusty Miller and Robert ”Whitey” Baker, and Pastor Linda Luznia officiating. Burial followed at Ware’s Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

Prayer service was May 17, at Ware’s Chapel.

Baker though her time was short she will be truly missed. Baker was a surprise and a gift from God. We loved her dearly.

Baker is survived: father, Robert Baker and mother, Nia Sandoval both of the home, two brothers: William and Aidan Baker all of the home; a sister, Leona Baker of Chickasha; her Huitsi (grandmother) Marie Ware; great grandparents, Delfino and Donna Sandoval of New Mexico; two paternal uncles: T.L. and Dempsey Baker; aunt, Bambi Allen and family; six maternal aunts: Marcella, Becky, Rosie, Dina, Bernie Flores and families, Autumn Sandoval Lopez; uncles: Antonio Sandoval, Albert and Izzi Flores, Benedicto Sandoval. Special grandparents: Esperanza Chacon, Frankie Ware Carter, Tom and Jeanie Lindley; uncle, Ricky Cooper and wife Robin Daily.

She is preceded in death by: grandmother, Genovera Flores, grandfather, Robert Baker Jr., great grandparents, Pearl Pewo, Wilson Ware.

Baker Chloe Hope Baker was born March 30, and went to be with our heavenly father on May 14, in

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June 2017

14

The Comanche Nation News

Dear TCNN Letters to the Editor

Dear TCNN,

My name is LaNeal Pewewardy and I currently teach the GED classes at the Comanche Nation College (CNC), the first tribal college in Oklahoma. I taught the algebra classes on the first day we opened CNC. I want to appeal to my people both as a tribal member and educator. Knowing the Comanches made history when this college was started and knowing all other tribes in Oklahoma have to follow the Comanches’ lead, should make us all feel so much pride in being Comanche.

As much as we needed the college then is still how much we need it today. I hope that our people see the importance of this college, and the pro-active longterm positive effects it will have for our Comanche people. I was raised on how important education is, and what it can do, and has done, for me and my people; I still firmly believe what my parents and elders taught me. As an elder now, I know this is what I want for my Comanche people.

Comanche Nation College was started because so many of our Comanche students were dropping out of other colleges, and too many of our Comanche students tested in high school at the remedial level. CNC was opened to allow those students a chance at college, and some students wanted only to go to their own tribal college, rather than a vocational school. When you see these students on a day-to-day basis and the pride you see in them working and hearing their stories, and the excitement and opportunities to travel and represent their college at other student conferences, it is evident that the college is worthwhile. When our students see the pride and joy in other students from other tribal colleges, you can understand the nature of tribal colleges.

Many of our own Comanche people do not send their children to CNC because they believe they are sending them there for nothing, that the hours they earned will not count. This is one of the many myths out there. We have many actual cases where students have attended CNC for one or two years, then went on to attend a major university, and in most cases, all their CNC hours were counted at those major universities. My daughter, who graduated from OU last December, grew up with a childhood Comanche friend who also graduated from OU last year, and his CNC hours counted at OU. And there are many other such students in this same position.

Statistics will show you, and many of our people have witnessed our college drop-out rate. As an educator, I believe most of our Comanche graduates should go to a community college because this is the level they test at in high school and statistics back this up. I am not saying all our Comanche graduates should go to a community college type, but better results will follow if the community college route is followed.

I have personally seen too many Comanche and Native American students drop out of the University of Oklahoma when I attended there. Of course, I want all our students to attend four-year universities, but statistics show more positive results if most of the students attend a two-year college first. I ask that our people be better informed, and not be misled by people who do not know what CNC is going through or do not realize what education can do for our students. Other tribes in Oklahoma would love to be in our position in having a tribal college, but will have to follow our lead. We chartered new ground with our state legislators, the people of Oklahoma, and the nation when CNC was opened.

When the college was started in 2002, the goal was to have the college virtually self-supporting. The plans we saw at the beginning did not materialize as planned, but the cause is just as vital to our Comanche people. I am not making excuses for the college on why we are currently not fully accredited. CNC was not perfect in the accreditation process, and many adverse things happened at the college that did hurt us. But, CNC achieved the first step toward accreditation in 2012 which is why the credit hours earned by CNC students do count toward a four-year institution or wherever they may transfer to. CNC has many students who have earned a CNC associate degree, or perhaps not earned a CNC associate degree and their hours have been accepted by four-year universities. Some of our students may only go for one year at CNC,

then move on to another school; this needs to be remembered when people try to tie the total money given to CNC versus the total number of graduates. I wish I could tell my people we are fully accredited now, but the situation today is that more time is needed, and we are asking for that time. Many of our people say we spent all this money for nothing, but what is worse is throwing it away if not allowed the opportunity to seek a college that will one day be virtually self-supporting. This is why I request my people to be an informed voter, and vote your conscience (heart) and not be swayed by misinformation or money (emotion).

Last November, CNC was notified by the Higher Learning Consortium (HLC) accrediting agency that we did not meet the second phase toward accreditation. When HLC told CNC of the results of that accreditation, their recommendation was to “withdraw” our accreditation request, wait a certain period, then pursue toward full accreditation. HLC told CNC this was the fastest path to full accreditation and it had the students’ best interest in mind.

It was HLC’s recommendation for us to withdraw, which did not mean shutting down the college. It simply allowed CNC time to work on those specific areas of deficiency. The alternate, according to HLC, was to start the process all over again, which would have entailed more time and money. These are the same rules established by HLC to all schools who seek accreditation in the United States. While there have been many schools that have been accredited within the same time frame CNC is in now, there are many schools that were not accredited in this same time frame.

CNC will not be included in the budget as a line item for the June 3 general election because in a monthly CBC meeting on February 11, 2017 in a 3 to 2 vote, the CBC voted to take CNC off the 2017-18 line-item budget which is a decision, according to the Article VI, Section 7 (d)(3) of the Comanche Nation Constitution, that could only be accomplished by the vote of the people. Article VI, Section 7 (d)(3) reads as follows: “The line item budgets shall be approved or disapproved in the election of officers conducted subsequent to the annual meeting pursuant to Article VII, Section 2, in which tribal officers are elected.” I was there when this amendment was written and remember it well; I dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s in so many of my Dad’s amendments. I believe the intent of this amendment was to prevent exactly what had occurred in the February 11, 2017 CBC meeting. This was the nature of the conversations that helped our elders to pass this amendment in the late 1970s. This is solely the issue, not all the reasons to close the college; only the tribal council can take any program off as a budget line item. There could be many reasons, valid or not, to close the college, but that is separate from the constitutional issue. Reasons are not authorizations to close the college; this must be understood! This is an issue that is in the people’s hands, and no one except the people can take that away; this is the reason why there are so many amendments to Article VI - Duties of the CBC. I can say this because I was personally involved in these amendments.

In all my discussions about this issue and although I am an advocate for CNC, I have not made one reason to keep the college open because that is a separate issue. In all my discussions, they were short and to the point; it is when others discussed closing the college that took up so much time. I am not saying such discussions should not be held because our people should be informed on all such information. My issue is simply following the intent of Article VI, Section 7(d)(3).

I was raised in this world of Comanche politics, and all I had asked for in the April 15 general council meeting was for the people, which is a purpose of the general council, to finalize this issue by either a hand or machine vote like we had done many times. So many times in the past we/I have witnessed someone bring up an issue in the tribal council at the appropriate time and then it was voted upon by the people; this is exactly what I was seeking. My motion was made and seconded at the April 15 general council for the people to vote CNC back on the budget as a line item per Article VI, Section 7 (d) (3), then

to be voted on as a line item by the people at the next general election. We were told our issue would be brought up later in the general council, but of course never happened because the general council ended abruptly. Now that the general election is now scheduled for June 3, the issue of the college to be put back as a budget line item to be voted on is still not resolved by the people. The issue is still here and does not become moot simply by having the general election. The college belongs to the people, not three people.

Just a note here about tribal colleges in general. I feel our people should be more exposed to the hope, spirit, and excitement both our Comanche and other Native Americans students feel about their tribal colleges.

The first tribal college, Dine College, was started in 1968 and has been a huge success, along with the other tribal colleges that have started since. While we continue to have Comanche college graduates, we need to be aware of those who could have graduated, and there are many, if they would have had a tribal college. Tribal colleges were started because college rates were dismal and successful attainment of college degrees were practically nonexistent for too many students. Many of these students felt lost and discouraged so never went to college, but tribal college advocates recognized this dilemma, thus the birth of the 37 tribal colleges today.

Tribal colleges recognize the spiritual life that is integrated into the daily life of tribal colleges. Tribal colleges fill the need of Native people to “be at home” and “go to college “with one another”.

The tribal college teaches the history and knowledge of the world from tribal perspectives. Tribal colleges bring the knowledge and experiences of tribal elders and cultural informants right into the classroom, or a student’s relative might come to visit the campus or a young mother may bring her children to class, which is unheard of in other educational settings. The bottom line is we are currently losing, and will continue to lose, more college graduates than we think because a tribal college was not there for them. This is the case nationally for Native Americans, and for our people. Tribal colleges in the United States are enjoying huge successes today and students are excited to talk about how grateful they are for their unique, cultural opportunity to attend a/their tribal college. When you hear their success stories, it will give you so much pride and joy.

Finally, on a more personal note, I have witnessed this college open so many doors for students who did not qualify to go anywhere else or did not want to go anywhere else. The college has done so many positive things for these students, and many of those things they will not have ever experienced without the college. I personally see the long-term effect of the college for our people, and this is the direction I want to see our tribe go. It should reduce our poverty and unemployment rates, reduce our alcohol and drug use rates, and make us less reliant on the tribe for financial assistance. I envision our tribe moving in this direction, but it will take a revived type of thinking and different types of efforts. I hope to appeal to our cultural side of how our college is needed for us to survive and compete in today’s world. We are asking for the people’s help to keep the college alive, for it is up to you as what direction our tribe is to go, for us and our future generations. We ask not only to believe that this college is vital to our future, but that it is an investment that will lead to it being less financially dependent upon the tribe. The original plan was for the college to virtually support itself, but until then seek financial help from the tribe. We are almost there, but is it worth the risk of denying CNC the necessary funding now before it can be on its own? I am Comanche also, and only wish that I can tell my people, we are fully accredited, but we are not, and we still respectfully ask for your help. I have personally witnessed our past CNC leadership not moving out on the accreditation process and the time lost, but lately have seen progress, but we just ran out of time for the accreditation visit last November. The process has not gone perfectly, but the end result is worth it by having history repeat the story of the first tribal college in Oklahoma.

My purpose in writing this

Letter to the Editor is to let the people know what is going on with the college.

I am amazed at how many people do not know that the college is not on the June 3 line item budget for the general election. Even at this writing, I had one Comanche tribal member today who wanted to enroll in classes for the upcoming Fall semester, but couldn’t.

Whether you are for or against the college, I just wanted to explain the facts on why the college was taken off the budget. Our people have the right to know this and react as they see fit. Urako!

In Christ, LaNeal Pewewardy Dear TCNN, Re: Special Section of Chairman Nelson’s Report to the People, The Comanche Nation News, May 2017, Vol. 18, Edition 15, pg. 21.

My name is Robbie Wahnee, the daughter of Ralph Wahnee and the granddaughter of Shannon (Tahdoquah) Wahnee and the President of the Comanche Nation College. My letter to the Editor is about: The letter of response to formal notification of action taken by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Board of Trustees concerning Comanche Nation College (CNC) and commentary published in the May 2017 TCNN, pg. 21. My intent is to provide Tribal members with a statement of fact regarding the College’s voluntary withdrawal of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and when the Chairman knew of this action.

I met with Chairman Nelson October 25, 2016. On October 26, 2016, I summarized that meeting in an email to the Chairman. The following information was contained in that email: Greetings, Chairman Nelson,

Congratulations on a long battle to get to your new position. I want to thank you for meeting with me recently. I just wanted to follow up and denote the primary bullet points, as I recall them: • CNC will keep you updated on our accreditation status. The earliest we will know our fate is December. We are on the same path as the Muskogees and all other colleges across the nation who are seeking accreditation. Accreditation opens a number of financial opportunities for the college and our students. I am working on Plan B, if the college does not receive accreditation this round.

• CNC disburses financial aid to all eligible CNC students. Only Bacone students receive their financial aid through Bacone and this is only for fall.

In Spring, CNC will disburse funds for any student attending the college.

This fall, for the first time ever, CNC received and disbursed the following scholarship, award, and PELL monies: • $12,000 from the American Indian College Fund. The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides American Indians with student a variety (Quanah Parker, FullCircle, Anheuser Busch - to name a few) of scholarships and programs to support academic readiness and student success. So far 11 students have received various scholarships from this program.

• $39,160 of PELL Grant money to 14 students.

• $1,000 Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant • Again, Congratulations! CNC is now in trust and the celebration will be held December 1, from 11 - 12.

• CNC will begin strategic planning soon and you will certainly be invited to join us. Once we complete that plan, it should provide you a very aggressive business plan scenario for the college.

• I will meet w/Ms. Parker, the Higher Education (HE) Director, and see if we can figure out how HE can serve CNC students. Currently, HE does not assist Comanche students who attend CNC. The money I’m interested in is Gaming or set aside and not federal funds.

Also, two representatives from U. S. Senator Lankford’s staff who handle American Indian Issues, Mr. Derek Osborn, JD, Legislative Assistant and Mr. Steve Carson, Field Representative, will visit CNC on

Wednesday, November 2, 2016. They will only stop by for about 1 hour, tentatively from 11:30 – 1. I hope to have a light lunch for them before they head off to their next meeting. You are certainly welcome to join us. I’m sorry for the short notice but Mr. Osborn emailed me yesterday.

Please come and visit the college when you have a spare moment.

Again, on December 2, 2016, during the College Fee-to-Trust celebration, Chairman Nelson was told that more than likely CNC would withdraw from the accreditation process with the intention of remaining a viable candidate for accreditation, and re-enter the process December, 2017, after the required one year wait-out period.

Later that day, in an email to Chairman Nelson, dated, December 2, 2016, I attached the Higher Learning Commission memo that was later published in the May, 2017 Comanche Newsletter.

The Chairman also met with CNC’s Board of Trustees on December 5, 2016 and February 9, 2017 where the withdrawal of candidacy was again discussed and the promise made to keep CNC open to re-enter the accreditation process in 2017. I am happy to personally share these emails with anyone who requests a copy and they will be published on various websites and in the Lawton Constitution (if allowed).

Sincerely, Robbie Wahnee, Ph.D. President Comanche Nation College Dear TCNN,

The Pewewardy family would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to friends and family for the many prayers, letters, cards, flowers, food and phone messages we received following the passing of our dear brother, Stanton.

It has been such a comfort to know that he had touched so many lives in his own particular way. Your support to the family has helped us tremendously. We all appreciate these condolence messages more than we can say.

Cornell Pewewardy and Pewewardy Family Dear TCNN,

What has happened to the Comanche Powwow in Fredericksburg, Texas?

How it began

The Comanche family of Chappabitty (Knocks His Enemy from his Horse) & Quassycheeky (Eagle Feather Hair tie) moved their family powwow held in southwest Oklahoma (after ten years) to Fredericksburg, TX in 1998. The family chose to do this because their great grandmother, Takey Yetchy (Stands and Speaks) was born outside this German town. Another important reason is because of the 1847 Treaty between the Comanche and the German Immigration Company.

Meusebach-Comanche 1847 Treaty

The town was founded by the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants, Prince Carl of SolmsBraunfels, the first commissioner of the society. The Prince had made it clear from the onset of the settlement plans that he was determined to find a way to coexist peacefully with the fierce Penataka Comanche. The treaty was made between the powerful Chiefs Buffalo Hump, Santa Anna, Old Owl for the Penateka Comanche and Meusebach for the Society.

Treaty Between the Comanche and the German Immigration Company May 9, 1847 Treaty

Between the Commissary General of the German Immigration Company, John O. Meusebach, for himself and his successors and constituents for the benefit and in behalf of the German people living here and settling the country between the waters of the Llano and the San Saba of the one part and the Chiefs of the Comanche Nation hereunto named and subscribed for themselves and their people of the other part, the following private treaty of peace and friendship has been entered into and agreed upon:

“The German people and the colonists for the Grant between the waters of the Llano and San Saba shall be allowed to visit any part of said country, and be protected by the Comanche Nation and the Chiefs thereof, in conContinued on Page 15

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The Comanche Nation News

Continued from Page 14

sideration of which agreement the Comanche may likewise come to the German colonies and settlements, and shall no cause for fear, but shall go wherever they please…..

In regard to the settlement on the Llano and the Comanche promise not to disturb or in any way molest the German colonists, on the contrary, to assist them, also to give notice if they see Indians about the settlement who come to steal horses from or in any way molest the Germans – the German likewise promising to aide the Comanche against their enemies, should they be in danger of having their horses stolen or in any way be injured. And both parties agree that if there be any difficulties or any wrong done by single bad man, to bring the name before the chiefs, to be finally settled and decided by the agent of our great father.”

City council of Fredericksurg have forgotten their founding history The year 2008 marked the 10th year the Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family put on the powwow at the historic Fort Martin Scott. During all the 10 years the city council contributed minimally only one time to help with the cost of the powwow. During 2002 (third year of the powwow) the mayor at that time had made a promise to the family and the Comanche Nation to build a permanent powwow grounds, where powwows and other cultural events could be held. This would serve as a permanent place that the Comanche could use. Members of the family went to the contracted architect’s office and previewed the plan. This promise was never fulfilled.

There were two years that the family did not have the powwow.

This was because a non-Indian volunteer tried to take over the powwow.

Following the 2008 (tenth powwow) the family solicited help from Mayor Hoover to support the powwow and the Treaty. He refused to do so.

After numerous inquiries from tribal members on the status of the powwow, an article was written and placed in the March 2010 Comanche tribal newsletter informing concerned tribal members about the difficulties the Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family had endured. The following month the family was contacted by Randy Rupley of the then Fort Martin Scott Museum Association asking why there was no powwow in 2009. He asked what would it take to have the family bring back the powwow to Fredericksburg.

There was a newly elected Mayor and it was through Randy’s advocacy that the family was invited back.

Before taking the powwow back to Fredericksburg, a Traditional Re-Affirmation Treaty Ceremony was held in November 2010. Chairman Burgess felt that it was necessary because of how the Comanche family had been treated and because the Treaty had been broken. Chairman Burgess and two CBC members, Mayor Musselbaum, a German consulate representative and members of the Chappabitty/ Quassycheeky family were in attendance.

Afterwards the family held the 11th Fredericksburg powwow in May 2011. Unfortunately, the powwow could not take place on the old powwow grounds because of a preexisting agreement with a group called the “Former” Texas Rangers made by Mayor Hoover. The family had to have the powwow in a pasture field across the creek from the Fort Martin Scott historical site.

Former Texas Rangers While waiting for the pasture field to be mowed for the 2011 powwow a family member was camped at the Fort Martin Scott. He had permission from Mr. Rupley to do so. While camped he was approached by an old Ti vah man who was dressed like he was going to a parade or an reenactment. He had a big black hat, white shirt, cowboy boots and was wearing a gun holster. He identified himself as a Former Texas Ranger, and continued to tell the family member to leave. He was described as being disoriented because he kept repeating himself. Then he pulled out his gun and pointed it at the family member. The family member was startled and kept telling the old man to stop pointing the gun at him.

The old man finally put his gun back in his holster and left. This is a typical example of a “Former” Texas Ranger.

There was an official representative at the 2011 powwow. The Germans had heard about the problem with the city council and wanted to show their support of the 1847 Treaty.

The Fort Martin Scott Museum Association, thru Randy Rupley had been trying to make the city fulfill

the promise made by a previous city council. Mr. Rupley, the leader of the organization had approached the city council about the promise of a permanent memorial powwow grounds for the Comanche on several occasions.

The city mayor and city council has chosen to ignore the promise and the 1847 Treaty.

On Feb. 14, 2012, (the late) Chairman Wauqua and the then CBC business committee signed an official letter to the Fort Martin Scott Association supporting the Treaty of 1847 and their effort to encourage the city to fulfill their promise to build a memorialized powwow ground. The Fredericksburg city council was given a copy of the letter at a Jan. 17, 2013 meeting.

They chose to ignore it.

An on-line petition known as Honor the Treaty.org was started in 2015. People from all over the U.S. and internationally signed the petition stating that the city of Fredericksburg should honor the Treaty and their promise to build a permanent powwow ground for the Comanche. For those that know how the city was founded questioned why does the city need to do anything for the Texas Rangers.

The Former Texas Rangers have taken a personal offense to these inquiries. The Former Texas Rangers, in defense of their proposed Heritage Center, have made derogatory remarks about the Comanche. One of the least derogatory statements is that the Comanche never honored the Treaty.

They appear to know nothing about what is the 1847 Treaty is all about. Yet they have invited a few Comanches to participate in their previous activities in an attempt to show Comanche support.

One such Comanche was a former Tribal Chairman who accepted an invitation to come to a Texas historical site where this group was conducting some type of ceremony. This Chairman took a picture shaking the hand with a Former Texas Ranger member. This group put this picture in a local Texas newsletter. Under the picture it was written that the Comanche Nation supports the Former Texas Rangers. This tribal chairman was upset about this. They are persistent in their attempt to show Comanche Nation support because they have invited other Comanche Nation tribal members to participate in the ground breaking ceremony of their Heritage Center. They like doing reenactment activities, where it shows Texas Rangers killing Indians, hooping and yelling such things as “Kill the Savages.” Pictures of this are on their website where Ti-vah women wearing black wigs, acting the part of Indian women, are fleeing for their lives, being chased by Texas Rangers. To an Indian these re-enactments are offensive and demeaning.

On March 31 & April 1, the Former Texas Rangers held a ceremony at their Heritage Center called the “Circle of Life.” They charged parking. The invited a Comanche to narrate and another Comanche to make an appearance. They also invited some Apaches. Some Lupan Apaches attended the event and were appalled by what they witnessed. They said that they were going to boycott their powwow on June 16 & 17th powwow in Fredericksburg and will be spreading the word for other Indians to do so.

They were to have a “historical re-enactments” at the March 31 & April 1 event. One wonders if they were truly historic. Did the re-enactment show the atrocities the Texas Rangers committed against the Comanche and other Indians? The primary reason the Texas Rangers were created were to annihilate the Comanche. Why would any Indians want to participate in any re-enactment? No money (payment) is worth participating in such an event?

Honor the Treaty Powwow The 2013 Fredericksburg powwow, now known as the Honor the Treaty Powwow was held on a site of an individual property owner. This individual is a supporter of the powwow and the Treaty. Once again, there was a representative of the German consulate present at the powwow. This German representative had appeared at a special Fredericksburg city council meeting, where he expressed his disappointment in how the city council had disregarded the importance of the powwow and the Treaty.

Unmarked Indian grave Meanwhile the “Former” Texas Rangers continued to plan on building their Heritage Center on the old powwow grounds. One of the proposed attractions was to erect a larger than life size statue of a Texas Ranger.

The statue was to be entitled “Indian

Fighter”.

Unbeknownst to most Comanche tribal members, there is an unmarked grave on the building site of the Former Texas Rangers Heritage Center. It is located at the edge of the now paved parking lot. Mr. Rupley, a German and active supporter of the Honor the Treaty Powwow has done some research on the grave and says the following: Written to the Comanche Nation NAGPRA program July 17, 2014: Last week, I called and spoke to you about the grave site at Fort Martin Scott. After some researching, I found this: “To propitiate the Indians, Meusebach presented them with discarded uniforms of the German Army.

Not long ago, in making an excavation near Fredericksburg, the body of a very large Indian chief was exhumed. It was clad in the remnants of one of these uniforms.” (Combats and Conquests of Immortal Heroes, 1910) page 233 We believe that this would be one of the Comanche Chief who signed the treaty with the Germans here in Fredericksburg in 1847. He may have sought help here after becoming ill and was then buried at this beautiful site over looking Barons Creek, which was named for the Baron von Meusebach.”

I have attached a photo of the grave site. The grave is protected only by that plastic fence. The highway construction by TXDOT is on one side of the grave, and on the other, the City of Fredericksburg and the Former Texas Rangers Foundation have bulldozed everything to build a Former Texas Ranger Heritage Center. The local Germans and many Comanche Nation tribal members have protested this construction and we are worried that there may be several other Native American graves that have been bulldozed over there.

Request to hold the 2015 Honor the Treaty powwow down town Fredericksburg The May 2014 Honor the Treaty powwow was once again held at the private property of the supporter.

This location was outside city limits and very hard to find. The property owner felt strongly that because of the significance of the Honor the Treaty powwow, it should be held downtown Fredericksburg.

Local city supporters of the powwow and the Comanche family agreed. Attempts to get the city council to allow the Honor the Treaty powwow to be held at the Marketplatz Square downtown were made. The requests were ignored by the city council. The Former Texas Rangers have a direct influence on the city council. This is the reason there was no Honor the Treaty powwow held in 2015 or 2016.

Traditional American Indian Society One of the latest attempts of the Former Texas Rangers to get the support of the Indians is to partner with the above organization. This group is headed by non-Indians. How can it be a Traditional American Indian Society when there are no Indians? 99% of these members do not have a CDIB (certificate of degree of Indian blood).

These non-Indians have invited Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache members and organizations to participate in their powwow. It is doubtful if these Indians know that they will be dancing for the Former Texas Rangers (enemies to the Indians) and a fake Indian group.

Indians should not support the June 16 & 17 Traditional American Indian Society/Former Texas Ranger powwow.

It is through the influence of the Former Texas Rangers to the city council that they were allowed to have their powwow downtown.

The title of the powwow is “Honoring the Past” Changing the Future Celebration Powwow. What does this mean exactly? Does this mean that the Comanche should ignore the 1847 Treaty made by our Comanche ancestors and the Germans? Should the Comanche ignore our history in the state of Texas? Texas was part of the homeland of the Comanche. It appears that this group wants us to ignore the sacrifice of our Comanche ancestors. They know nothing about “Historical Trauma” that Indians have gone through and that stills affects us today. That is because they are not real Indians.

On this groups website one of the main members of this group publicly states that “they are partnering with the Former Texas Rangers.” To participate in this groups activities means you are supporting the Former Texas Rangers, the group that was specially created to annihilate the Comanche.

German Consulate

Representatives of the German consulate are proud of the 1847 Treaty between Germany and the Comanche. The Germans vowed to support the Comanche in the 1800’s and as recently as 2010 in the Traditional Re-Affirmation Treaty Ceremony.

When the Texas Rangers were trying to exterminate the Comanche the German settlers refused to help them. In retaliation many Germans were hung.

The Germans have officially supported the Comanche family in putting on the Honor the Treaty powwow for some thirteen years in Fredericksburg.

Needless to say the Germans are disappointed that the city council support the Former Texas Rangers.

Citizens of Fredericksburg Throughout the 13 years of putting on the powwow in Fredericksburg, the Comanche family received many comments of support from citizens encouraging them to keep up the powwow and to keep coming back year after year. This relationship was a gen-

Mark 5:34 “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

uine representation of the meaning of the 1847 Treaty.

Comanche family statement The Chappabitty/Quassycheeky family worked hard for thirteen years at having a powwow rich in cultural and tradition to educate the Fredericksburg community about the history of the Comanche Nation. Absolutely no profit was made by the family. Instead, many of our family member’s own financial resources were used to put on the powwow. It was all in recognition of our family ancestor, Takey Yetchy’s birthplace and the 1847 Meusebach/Comanche Treaty.

Comanche people, respect the strength and sacrifice of our ancestors.

The Traditional American Indian Society/Former Texas Ranger powwow to be held June 16 & 17, in Fredericksburg disrespects the 1847 Meusebach/ Comanche Treaty.

Charlotte Niyah McCurtain

Translated to the Comanche Language “Süruküse’ Jesus me amatu yühkwi; Petü. Ü türokwisuaküna tsa’ ü marevuni’. Yuumia. Tevuuni, ü tü’oivükükanai.”

-From the Book

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

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5th Annual Cops and Kids Brings Joy and Excitement for Over 2,500 Attendees

Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

On May 5, Law Enforcement personnel Officer Lee Lynch, left, re- Kids enjoy racing one another on the ceives a bicycle donaton from Major Paul Reed, Owner of Classic Sports inflatable.

Chevrolet in Lawton, Okla., for the Cops and Kids Picnic.

Submitted by CN Law Enforcement Staff

The Comanche Nation Police held their annual Cops and Kids Picnic on May 13. The event was held at the tribal complex just north of Lawton.

Parents and kids begin arriving at 9:30 a.m. for the picnic.

The entire staff of the department, along with numerous Comanche Nation programs, sponsored activities to include the Comanche Youth Dancers, ice cream and frozen treats, popcorn, food provided by Bar S, Injury Prevention provided bike helmets, Medi Flight’s helicopter display, Comanche Nation Entertainment, IAM NDN, “Indian for Indians” Radio Program broadcasting live, Lawton Indian Hospital- Dental, Arvo Mikkanen providing DJ services, volunteer Marine Students from Fort Sill, and Comanche County S/O K-9 demonstration.

Other Police and First Responders included Comanche Co S/O, Fort Sill Police, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, Apache EMS, Wichita Mountains Fire Department, and the US Forestry Department. All officers donated time to cook, coordinate, and mentor the attending kids estimated at 2500 guest, parents, and kids in attendance.

Among the gifts donated and given out were 125 bikes, Kindle Fire tables, jewelry, toys, tee shirts, and hotel and restaurant gift cards. The most coveted gift was the Char-Broil gas grill which was a cherished prize donated by our key sponsors of this event. Activities included bouncy houses, pony rides, magic show, face painting, and the DJ providing music all events long.

A special “Thanks” goes out to the Lt. Smith, whose tireless efforts brought about the sponsorship and collaboration with all the agencies involved. The success of this event has brought about a desire by the tribal community and Comanche Nation leadership to make this an annual event each summer.

Any vendor or business who wants to assist is welcome to contact the Comanche Nation Police Dept. at (580) 492-3260.

BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) handed out free balloons, stickers, goodie bags, and snow cones to all children.

Children of all ages enjoyed the pony rides.

The Comanche Nation News