VOLUME 18 EDITION 10
Comanche Nation Public Information Office, Lawton, OK www.comanchenation.com
HALLOWEEN FUN
CHILDREN FROM THE COMANCHE NATION YOUTH PROGRAM TRY ON MASKS FOR SOME HALLOWEEN GIGGLES. CAN YOU GUESS WHO THEY ARE?
Courtesy Photo
LaDonna Harris Receives Woody Guthrie Center’s 2017 Changing World Award
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Americans for Indian Opportunity Press Release
A world-renowned activist for Native American Rights, LaDonna Harris, accepted the third annual Oklahoma Changing World Prize on September 24 at the Woody Guthrie Center in downtown Tulsa. The Oklahoma Changing World Prize is given annually by the Woody Guthrie Center, presented in 2017 by the Chickasaw Nation. “The Woody Guthrie Center is proud to recognize the work of LaDonna Harris with the Oklahoma Changing World Prize,” said Woody Guthrie Center Executive Director Deana McCloud. “As an advocate for equality, peace, and social justice, Ms. Harris follows in the footsteps of Woody Gurthrie as a guiding force for positive change in our world.” Harris, a citizen of the Comanche Nation, is a human rights activist and civil rights leader. As president and founder of American for Indian Opportunity, Harris brought Native American issues to a national stage. She has been active in the environment, world peace, and women’s rights movements. Harris recently served as an Honorary Co-Chair for the Women’s March on Washington in January. Born in Cotton County, Okla., Harris was raised by her maternal grandparents. After helping to integrate the town of Lawton, Okla., Harris founded the first statewide Indian organization - Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity. While married to U.S. Sen. Fred Harris (D-OK 1964-73), she became the first senator’s wife to testify before a congressional committee. Throughout her career, Harris served on many national boards, like the Girl Scouts, National Organization of Women, Independent Sector, and five U.S. Representative to UNESCO. She has influenced the struggle for social justice nationally and internationally, and her work changed the country’s perception of contemporary Native peoples, providing an influence in See, HARRIS 2017 AWARD, Page 2
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Secretarial Election Passes by Over 240 Votes Raises the number of signatures needed for the Recall Process By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Absentee ballots were counted the afternoon of September 8 by members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Southern Plains Regional Office to determine the future process of Comanche Nation recall petitions. The Certificate of Results of Election- Secretarial Election was released with the following, “Pursuant to a Secretarial Election authorized by Tim LaPointe, Acting Regional Director on July 10, 2017, the attached Amendment A to the Constitution of the Comanche Nation was submitted to the qualified voters of the Comanche Nation on September 8, and was ratified by a vote of 787 for and 541 against with 6 cast ballots found separated or mutilated, in an election witch at least thirty percent (30%) of the 1,988 entitled to vote cast their ballots in accordance with Article XIII of the Constitution of the Comanche Nation. “ The voting results for Amendment B to the Constitution of the Comanche Nation was also released through a Certificate of Results of Election- Secretarial Election. “Pursuant to a Secretarial Election authorized by Tim LaPointe,
Acting Regional Director on July 10, 2017, the attached Amendment B to the Constitution of the Comanche Nation was submitted to the qualified voters of the Comanche Nation on September 8, and was ratified by a vote of 808 for and 548 against with 6 cast ballots found separated or mutilated, in an election witch at least thirty percent (30%) of the 1,988 entitled to vote cast their ballots in accordance with Article XIII of the Constitution of the Comanche Nation.” Both Certificates of Results of Election- Secretarial Election were signed by members of the Comanche Nation Secretarial Election Board, Sherry Lovin-Chairperson, Vivian Holder- Board Member, Adele Mihesuah – Board Member, and Willie Pekah – Board Member. “Stability is needed,” said Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson. “Stability is needed so the Comanche Nation can move forward in a positive direction.” Article 8, Section 2 of the Comanche Nation Constitution will now read, “The Comanche Tribal Council may at a meeting duly called specifically for the purpose, recall any officer or committeemen for neglect
of duty or conduct that has brought disrepute upon the tribe. Such a meeting shall not be unless a petition signed by 10% of the Tribal Council requesting recall is submitted to the Tribal Chairman. The Tribal Council shall consist of all members of the Comanche Nation who are eighteen (18) years of age or older. The recall of only one officer or committeemen may be initiated per meeting called for this purpose.” Article 5, Section 3(c) will now read, “When he is so requested by a petition signed by 10 % of the Tribal Council setting forth the purpose of the meeting consistent with the constitution. The Tribal Council shall consist of all members of the Comanche Nation who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.” Some tribal members complained about not receiving a request to receive a voting ballot, and others complained about the Comanche Nation Complex making registration packets available. Other tribal members applauded the passing of the election, saying money was wasted on previous recalls, and it was long overdue.
October 2017
Pewewardy Takes Initiative Towards a Charter School Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
Tribal member and educator, Cornel Pewewardy, is at the beginning stages of opening doors to a Charter school located in the community. Charter schools are public schools that have flexibility to meet students’ unique needs, while being held accountable for advancing student achievement. According to National Alliance for Public charter schools, there are more than 6,900 charter schools across the country. NACA (Native American Community Academy) is one of many charter schools that was founded one year ago through multiple years of community conversations about how to better serve native students in Albuquerque. The school is located at 1000 Indian School Rd, NW Albuquerque, NM 87104. NACA’s mission is to engage students, educators, families, and community in creating a school that will prepare their students to grow from adolescence to adulthood and begin strengthening communities by developing strong leaders who are academically prepared, secure in their identity and healthy. Kirsten Wright and Colleague Phil Gover are assisting Pewewardy with this project. They work with NISN (NACA Inspired Schools Network). Wright said, “Once per month, we all gather together for content of learning including; best practices and things to avoid in facilities. One of the biggest issues for a charter school is land. The land has to be in current or previous trust land in order for a school to be authorized by a tribe.” Pewewardy held a two day gathering about charter schools Sept. 13-14 at the Comanche Nation Complex. He said “I’m starting out by asking the community, What would you like to have in a community school? What options do you have for Lawton? Walters? Cache? Indiahoma? We have alternative besides these public schools. I’m here to help us create better ways to make alternatives and improve the education of our people. I also would like to thank the tribal leaders and the Comanche Nation as a whole for hosting our NISN fellows. Know that all of our fellows are appreciative of the times you came into the Patriot Room to say hello and give us support for our work. We will need the continued support in the years to come as we all build out our respective charter schools in Oklahoma.” Pewewardy is a retired Professor and Director of Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University. His research explores Native American mascots in schools and media, recruiting/retention of Native students in higher education, Indigenous teaching practices, Indigenous urban and reservation-based teacher education, tribal colleges/universities, transformational Indigenous schools, Indigenous identity (de)construction, Indigenous community-based participatory research methods, and ethnomusicology (digitizing tribal music). Dr. Pewewardy developed courses that emphasize and explores a pedagogy of resistance that can be See CHARTER SCHOOL, Page 2
October 2017
HARRIS 2017 AWARD Continued from Page 1
laws and lawmakers that still guides federal Indian policy. “This is a very special honor because Woody is a hero of mine and I think Woody and I have a lot in common,” said Harris. “Woody shared many of my Comanche Indian values -- a kinship with all humans and with Nature; that everybody has Medicine - an inner personal strength and unique talents; and a shared responsibility to nurture that Medicine, to care for our kinfolk, and our neighbors.” Harris continues, “Woody believed, as I do, that to achieve social justice and true equality, we must have more fair and equitable redistribution of wealth and opportunity in the Changing World.” LaDonna Harris Biographical Profile LaDonna Harris, President of Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), is a remarkable statesman and national leader who has enriched the lives of thousands. She has devoted her life to building coalitions that create change. She has been a consistent and ardent advocate on behalf of Tribal America. In addition, she continues her activism in the areas of civil rights, environmental protection, the women’s movement and world peace. Raised in Indian country on a farm near the small town of Walters, Oklahoma during the Great Depression by her maternal grandparents (an Eagle Medicine Man and a devout Christian woman), Harris modeled a life and career of mutual respect and personal choice and has an abiding belief that there is room for all traditions. Because she spoke only Comanche when she entered grade school and because of her unique upbringing, Harris views all things with the wisdom and values of two cultures. Harris began her public service as the wife of U.S. Senator, Fred Harris. Her partnership with Senator Harris made her a strong force in Congress where she was the first Senator’s wife to testify before a Congressional committee. She was instrumental in the return of the Taos Blue Lake to the people of Taos Pueblo and to the Menominee Tribe in regaining their federal recognition. Her guiding influence on both pieces of legislation led to landmark laws that set a precedent that still guides Indian policy today. For more than 4 decades, Harris has been a strong voice for Native American rights. In the 1960’s, she founded Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity to find ways to reverse the stifling socio-economic conditions that impact Indian communities. Today, this organization remains vital, serving the tribes of Oklahoma. From the 1970’s to the present, she has presided over Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO). A catalyst for new concepts and opportunities for Indian peoples, this national organization works to enrich the cultural, political and economic lives of Indigenous peoples. Harris also founded some of today’s leading national Indian organizations including the National Indian Housing Council, Council of Energy Resource Tribes, National Tribal Environmental Council, and National Indian Business Association. Harris applies much of her energy to reinforcing and strengthening tribal governments. She has encouraged tribes to reweave traditional value based methods of consensus building into their governance systems.
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Native American Church 1918 President Faced with Challenges of Unity and Survival By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The Comanche Native American Church, is the original way of worship for the Numunu. Through Quanah Parker, the Comanche religion spread to other tribes, who accepted and practiced the ways of praying inside the tipi, and the religion spread nationwide in Indian Country. The Comanche Native American Church, once united, has branched off into several small chapters. All are passionate about worshiping Taa Ahpuh in the traditional way that was handed down, and all conduct meetings on a regular basis. On September 20, members from the three Comanche Native American Church chapters came together the week of the annual Comanche Nation Fair to pray for the Comanche People and for the Comanche Nation Fair. Despite the rain, it turned out good.
Due to challenges that are arising against the Comanche Native American Church, such as a potential supply shortage of peyote, and the survival of the religion, some members of the Church are saying it is time to unite all chapters into one. Some are urging chapter leaders to put aside their differences in view of the Church for the good of the survival and recognition of the Comanche Native American Church. “For far too long, our Church has been divided,” expressed Billy Komahcheet, Native American Church 1918 President. “It is time for us to join together as one for the benefit not only of the Comanche Nation, but for our future generation’s as well.” The younger generation of men within the Comanche Nation are not interested or do not know about the traditions of the Comanche Na-
CHARTER SCHOOL Continued from Page 1
applied across disciplines: Insurgent Research (Decolonizing Methodologies), Tribal Critical Race Theory, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Red Power, Culturally Responsive Teaching Indigenous Students, Power & Knowledge, Self-determination Sustainability, and the Politics of Indigeneity. He is on the Executive Committee for the newly created School of Gender, Race and Nations at PSU.
tive American Church. Komahcheet said getting the youth involved and getting them interested is another task he has taken on. “We need to be sure our teachings will be handed down and will remain within our great Comanche Nation indefinitely. Currently we have very few active members under the age of 40 participating in our services,” he said. Windmill farms that blanket miles of land in Texas are destroying natural peyote fields, and the traditional medicine used for centuries is getting harder to find. Some atabitis tribes who worship through the Native American Church, attain the button by the loads, hoarding it, and leaving little to none for other tribes, who are also in search of the peyote. Komahcheet said at one time, you only got what you needed, but because of the
shortage, it is not like that anymore “The Comanche Native American Church is considered the ‘Mother Church’ throughout the Nation and into Canada, as it was the first religion prior to the white man bringing their version of religion. We need to ensure that future generations will have what they need available to them to carry on our way of worshiping, our tradition, our Native American Church.” These two big tasks are being taken very seriously. Although it seems almost impossible, Komahcheet said he has faith it can happen. The Native American Church 1918 officers are: Billy Komahcheet- President; Anthony Monoessy- Vice President; Diana Doyebi –Secretary and Michelle Blackstar - Treasurer.
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October 2017
Government
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The Comanche Nation News
Chairman Nelson Addresses the Nation
Dear Tribal Members,
Fiscal Year 2017 End: It’s with great pleasure to share with the Tribal Council; each program voted on, back in May 2016, ended in the BLACK (none overspent). This makes two (2) years in a row of doing fundamentally sound business. This makes auditing and our promise to the federal government to stay off “high risk” very relevant of great accountability and opens venues for other possible grant ventures and stability. Great job frontline employees and the administrator Mr. Arterberry, amazing! The continual task of accountability at hand isn’t done yet. This new Fiscal Year (October 2017 – September 2018) will see and experience: 1. Outsource of accounting to come In-house: Major savings to the tribe. 2. Opening of the Comanche Nation Court: Pays for itself and adjudicates civil & criminal. 3. Opening of the Comanche Nation Education Center: (4-6), Elementary, Junior and Senior High, College and Vocational Prep. Plus, Language, Cultural, and by all means possible – “100% NUMUNU”: Also, the continuance of testing center, media center, and continual GED certifications. Projected savings $1,500,000. 4. Adding relevance to Living Assistance Center, Single or Married dwellings for our Comanche Elders. 5. Submission of GC Resolution #2010-01 for finality of acceptance or declination. 6. Opening of new Comanche Nation Housing location. This is only a snapshot of the continual work within Fiscal Year 2018. We have to continue this positivity, always being proactive and never stop progressing our Great Comanche Nation for the next generations coming forward. Hopefully, one day we can all utter blessings rather than meaningless negatives. Every Comanche in my opinion has a contribution and positive solution, bring it forward. The Comanche Nation Financial outlook: Last year the Business Committee showed our Net Worth, that number came to a rounded number of $151,000,000. What does this mean for an ever growing population? No matter what the world throws at us, we do have tangible assets to re-work or re-group. Our job as the Business Committee is to increase our net worth and Thank You to this past Secretarial Election in giving us the stability our government needs. Over the past decade we’ve had “soft finances” which is casino earnings, today is that day we bring “hard dollars” through new businesses that are innovative and can bring more back into the Comanche Nation financial coffers. No longer will our Nation be victimized by any outside interest, non-Comanche entity that benefits over us, those days are over. Gaming has been transformed by great accounting that emulates a Top 100 American Business. Gaming is now set for any and all encroachments that may take revenues, this is a real threat, we the Business Committee have been proactive in staving off encroachments. If you start to see new ventures dotting our Comanche Nation jurisdiction, be vigilant with us in staving off competitors and any financial threat to our Nation. Do know this didn’t happen overnight, past ignorance of encroachments were being planned by neighbors over 3 years ago, to ignore competition is to concede defeat. This Business Committee is having to play catch up to what should’ve been argued 3 or more years ago. Back to the real positives, Great News, a historic PER CAP year has been earned by Comanche Nation Entertainment. After review of the past 7 years, we, the Nation have been lucky in the past, Thank God. Today, the Nation has CEO Mr. Michael Starr who has brought thirty (30) years of making revenue for Vegas businesses and numerous Tribal gaming ventures, his mentoring will bring much needed expertise to our Comanche Nation Entertainment theatre. It’s a new day where professionalism abounds. Our retail ventures have been stabilized and future revenues look optimistic, the tax collection has increased by 12%. Do know this fact, the State of Oklahoma keeps wanting more Indian Tribal monies because they’re broke, our retail ventures will need to diversify for this eventual threat from the State of Oklahoma. The year 2020 is looming and of course the headlines read; “State of Oklahoma needing more Tribal Gaming Money.” We have to be ahead of the game as Gaming Compacts come to re-negotiations. Out financial outlook is good, we have to diligently assure this continues. In closing, the old biblical truth of, “A house divided cannot stand”, is still true. May we ALL collectively put differences aside and come with solutions and solutions only. May God continue to bless our Comanche Nation. Chairman William Nelson, Sr. Vice Chair Susan Cothren Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie CBC 1 Johnny Poahway CBC 2 Eddie Ahdosy CBC 3 Ronald Red Elk CBC 4 Clyde Narcomey
Twelve Resolutions Passed During September CBC Meeting
Story by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
Editor’s Note: This is an overview of the September 5, CBC Monthly Meeting and not the official minutes. To obtain a copy of the official minutes, call the Office of the Chairman, (580) 492-3251. Chairman William Nelson called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. Secretary-Treasurer, Robert Tippeconnie, conducted Roll Call. A quorum was established with all Comanche Business Committee (CBC) members present except Vice Chair-person, Susan Cothren. Chairman Nelson called upon Committeeman No. 3, Ronald Red Elk, for the Invocation. A motion made to approve the minutes of the August CBC meeting by Committeeman No. 4, Clyde Narcomey; seconded by Committeeman No. 2, Eddie Ahdosy. The motion carries 5/0/0. Resolutions No. 93-17 Enrollment List No. 1069. Approved Membership for the Comanche Nation Tribe. Committeeman No 4, Narcomey, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No.
3, Red Elk, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 94-17 Higher Ed Renewal of PL 93-638 Contract. Committeeman No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 95-17 Higher Ed Approval of Education Stipend Increase. Committeeman No 2, Ahdosy, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries. 5/0/0. No. 62-17 Approval Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment Policy. Creating a tribal policy for six programs including, Social Services, Indian Child Welfare, Law Enforcement (Commissioner positions only), Children’s Shelter, Youth Program, and IAM NDN. This policy keeps people that have assault, drug felonies, certain crimes, etc., from working with children. Upon approval of this policy, it will go into effect immediately. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, made the motion to approve. Committee-
man No. 3, Red Elk, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 96-17 LE (Law Enforcement) Approval Justice Assistance Grant. Committeeman No. 2, Ahdosy, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 97-17 LE (Law Enforcement) Approval CCDC (Comanche County Detention Center) Agreement. Secretary-Treasurer, Tippeconnie, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 98-17 LE (Law Enforcement) Approval Sac and Fox Juvenile Agreement. Secretary-Treasurer, Tippeconnie, made the motion to approve. Committeeman No. 3, Red Elk, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 99-17 Comanche Nation Travel Plaza Loan. Relieve debt and allow them to make revenue and bring it back to the Comanche Nation. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, made the mo-
“THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST” (ROMANS 5:1)
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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 tion. Committeeman No. 2, Ahdosy, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 100-17 Sophia Tahmahkera allotment. Tabled. Moved to Executive Session. Secretary-Treasurer, Tippeconnie, made the motion. Committeeman No. 1, Poahway, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. 101-17 Gaming Commission FY-2018 Budget Approval. Secretary-Treasurer, Tippeconnie, made the motion to approve. Committee-
man No. 2, Ahdosy, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. CTC-1 Comanche Tax Commission FY-2018 Budget Approval. Committeeman No. 4, Narcomey, made the motion to approve. Secretary-Treasurer, Tippeconnie, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. No. CNE-1 CNE (Comanche Nation Entertainment) FY-2018 Budget Approval for CNE. Secretary-Treasurer, Tippeconnie, made the mo-
tion to approve. Committeeman No. 3, Red Elk, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/0/0. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. and Executive session followed.
October 2017
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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 November edition is 5 p.m. October 16. 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 Robert Tippeconnie Committeeman No. 1 Jonathan Poahway Committeeman No. 2 Eddie Ahdosy Committeeman No. 3 Ronald Red Elk 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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Programs Transportation Replaces Roads Comanche Nation Department of Transportation (DOT) is in an agreement with Caddo County to replace one roadway. Route No. 7138 Redbud Rd. is being constructed by Caddo County District No. 2 under the direction of the County Commissioner Randy McLemore. This project consists of 3” asphalt roadway so the Comanche Nation Tribal members that live along this roadway will have a better road to travel going to and from their homes. Two projects that are completed is Route No. 6997 McIntosh Rd. and Route No. 7003 Chibitty Rd. This roadway was constructed by Comanche County District No. 3 under the direction of the County Commissioner Don Hawthorne. This project consisted of oil and chip overlay to make a better roadway for our tribal members to travel going to and from their homes. One project completed Route No. 7001 Hurst Rd. was constructed by Comanche County District No. 1 under the direction of the County Commissioner Gail Turner. This project consisted of oil and chip overlay to make a better roadway for our tribal members to travel going to and from their homes. The Comanche Nation Department of Transportation’s motto is “Paving the way and providing a more safe and effective way of travel.”
Caregiver Program Approaches Last 12 Weeks The Caregiver Program is coming to the end of their last 12 weeks of placement on the Caregiver Program. They will start another 12 weeks with caregivers providing care for their family or elder friends. The elder needs to be 60 years and older and has to be a Comanche elder and have a need for someone to take care of them because they can’t provide care for themselves anymore. The roles have reversed and to the caregiver needs pick up applications at the caregiver office, there is also a doctor’s form that needs to be filled out by the Doctor. Please returned completed applications to the office along with a tribal enrollment ID. The Caregiver Program will start the new 12 week program for care of the family elder on October 2. For more information about the program, please call: (580) 699-8811/ (580) 699-8812 Email: arlenek@comanchenation. com Email: ramonap@comanchenation. com Fax: (580) 699-8815 OR come by the Caregiver Office at: Comanche Nation Caregiver Program, Suite A, Keith Yackeyonny Medical Building, 5 SW “D” Ave., Lawton, Okla.
Higher Education Fall Activities Comanche Nation Higher Education in partnership with the Comanche Nation Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program is currently planning an exciting agenda for the 2017 College/ Career Day event, which will take place on November 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Watchetaker Hall. All area high school and adult students are invited to participate in this event. Students are encouraged to visit with representatives and recruiters from colleges, universities, vocational/ technology centers, as well as local potential employers and businesses. Students will be able to acquire information pertaining to admissions, enrollment, scholarships, financial aid and career opportunities. Various educational entities will be available promoting educational or employ-
ment opportunities. As in the years prior, we anticipate more than 200 students to be in attendance. Each year we look forward to sharing this opportunity with all students and the community. Light breakfast refreshments and lunch will be provided to all participants. Comanche Nation Higher Education department staff will also be participating in the Indigenous Scholars Empowerment Day on October 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Indian School, located at 101 Riverside Drive in Anadarko, Oklahoma. We will set up an informational booth and Christian Boos, Higher Education Specialist, will be presenting program information to the students The Comanche Nation Office of Higher Education (CNHE) participated in the 7th Annual Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program Annual Disability Awareness Day event, which took place on September 13, at the Comanche Nation Complex. CNHE set up a booth and provided information about programs and opportunities for Comanche Nation tribal members. In other related highlights, the Comanche Nation Office of Higher Education would like to remind students that the deadline for scholarship applications for the 2018 spring semester is October 1. Students are encouraged to submit their applications and required documentation as soon as possible to be considered and awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. Continuing students who are currently receiving fall scholarships, and who marked fall and spring on their current application, will not have to reapply for the spring 2018 semester; however, they will be required to submit an official transcript and enrollment schedule for Spring 2018, upon completion of the fall 2017 semester. College 2017 graduates who have not yet received their graduation gift or graduate stoles due to not being able to attend the banquet, may contact the CNHE office to pick up their gifts or request to have their gifts mailed; please call (580) 492-3365 to have this arranged. The CNHE department works together with CN WIOA department to provide GED course instruction. Classes began on August 21. GED classes are taught by instructor Kelly Berry at the Comanche Nation Education Center, located at 1608 S.W. 9th Street, in Lawton, Oklahoma. The next class will begin in January 2018. Eligibility for the program requires students to complete applications with both the CNHE and CN WIOA departments. Students must provide the following documents along with the application: a current photo ID, A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), proof of income (or signed letter from supporter), proof of residency (utility bill, letter addressed to you, etc.), proof of public assistance (food stamp card/SSI Letter, etc.). WIOA works in partnership with CNHE to assist with GED text book purchasing, testing fees and student stipends for participants. Students interested in applying for the GED program are required to take the Test for Basic Adult Education (TABE), which is a diagnostic test used to determine the student’s skill level and aptitude. The TABE testing is available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday; it is a 2.5 hour long test and tests will not be administered after 2 p.m. For more information regarding the GED program or to schedule TABE tests please contact Ekayah at (580) 699-7221. For inquiries pertaining to WIOA services please contact Georgia at (580) 492-3255. The Comanche Nation office of Higher Education would like to wish all students the best regards for a great semester. Their department is committed to servicing tribal members with opportunities for educational pursuits. For all other inquiries pertaining to our programs and services please call (580) 492-3363.
The Comanche Nation News
Museum & Cultural Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the CNMCC staff has stayed true to the museum’s original mission: To educate the communities about Comanche history, culture and fine arts. The museum possessed only a few artifacts and paintings when it opened in 2007. Today, CNMCC is home to the largest Comanche fine art collection in the world, and houses over 5,000 authentic Comanche items. Visitor numbers continue to rise. CNMCC averages 10,000 visitors a year; 13% of the museum’s visitors are school children. This is important because it gives museum staff an opportunity to teach children things about the tribe that they might not necessarily learn in the classroom. But, it's not just school kids who come to the museum to learn. Because of Fort Sill, CNMCC see visitors from all over the world, and that has helped make the museum one of the best tourist destinations in the Lawton-Fort Sill area. Last year, CNMCC saw visitors from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. International travelers also visit regularly. In 2016, the museum saw visitors from 31 different countries. The majority of those said they heard about the museum from the internet. Through technology, CNMCC is now able to take Comanche history and culture global. Over the past 10 years, the museum has successfully used social media to outreach information to people all across the world. The museum's Facebook following alone is now over 52-thousand people strong. Social media allows the staff an opportunity to tell the Comanche story to those who live too far away to visit; many are out of state tribal members. This outreach has allowed for Comanche history, culture and fine art to be shared in over 45 countries, including Russia, Finland, Nigeria and Iran. The museum also uses Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest to reach people worldwide. To date, CNMCC has received a total of 37 local, state, regional and national awards since opening in 2007. CNMCC continues to be the most award-winning tribal museum in the state of Oklahoma.
Fitness Center Hours of Operation Comanche Nation Fitness Center Hours of Operation Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Phone: (580) 248-0005 Email: fitnesscenter@comanchenation.com The Fitness Center invites you to come out to Comanche Nation's Annual Halloween Safe House, October 31, and check out our Exercise for a Prize booth. Open to all ages. Angelena L. Ortiz, Director Comanche Nation Fitness Center 904 SW F Avenue Lawton, Okla. Office: (580) 248-0005 Fax: (580) 248-0003
Grandparents Program Thanks all the Grandparents for their Family Contributions Now that summer is over through, it is time to begin all over again. Most importantly, “school has begun” and everyone is talking about what is planned for the school year. However, September was also a very favorite month for the Grandparents Program because “Grandparents Day” is celebrated this month. Mothers are celebrated in May and fathers are celebrated in June and so the Grandparents Program hopes everyone celebrated “Grandparents Day” with a special “thank you” to them for all they do for their families. Especially the grandparents who have stepped in, stepped up and are raising a child (ren) again. It was difficult the first time around and it is still difficult even in this day and age of advancement of everything. So the Grandparents Program wants to give a very special “thank you” from the Comanche Nation Grandparents Program to all the grandparents who have given of themselves to make a child’s life even more special with their love and care. Grandparents are powerful influences in a child’s life. For more information about the Grandparent’s Program, contact Sandra Toyekoyah, Grandparents Program, 1001 “C” Ave, E door, 580450-0593, sandrat@comanchenation. com .
Please continue to look at the www.comanchenation.com website for any position openings at the Comanche Nation Headquarters. If you have any questions, call the Human Resources Department, 580-492-3570.
October 2017
Programs Emergency Management Alert Systems
According to FEMA, Public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you and your family in the event of natural or man-made disasters. This page describes different warning alerts you can receive and the types of devices that receive the alerts. Wireless Emergency Alerts During an emergency, alert and warning officials need to provide the public with life-saving information quickly. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), made available through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) infrastructure, are just one of the ways public safety officials can quickly and effectively alert and warn the public about serious emergencies. What you need to know about WEAs: • WEAs can be sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the President of the United States • WEAs can be issued for three alert categories – imminent threat, AMBER, and presidential • WEAs look like text messages, but are designed to get your attention and alert you with a unique sound and vibration, both repeated twice • WEAs are no more than 90 characters, and will include the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, as well as the agency issuing the alert • WEAs are not affected by network congestion and will not disrupt texts, calls, or data sessions that are in progress • Mobile users are not charged for receiving WEAs and there is no need to subscribe • To ensure your device is WEA-capable, check with your service provider Visit the FEMA Media Library and download these tools: • View “Wireless Emergency Alerts PSA (:30)” on Youtube. • Facts and FAQS on Wireless Emergency Alerts • Images, and videos on Wireless Emergency Alerts • For Kids: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Word Search Puzzle • For Educators: Wireless Emergency Alerts Instructional Materials Online Training Courses Emergency Alert System • The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), is a modernization and integration of the nation’s existing and future alert and warning systems, technologies, and infrastructure. • The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television systems, and wireless cable systems to provide the President with a communications capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency. • EAS may also be used by state and local authorities, in cooperation with the broadcast community, to deliver important emergency information, such as weather information, imminent threats, AMBER alerts, and local incident information targeted to specific areas. • The President has sole responsibility for determining when the national-level EAS will be activated. FEMA is responsible for nationallevel EAS tests and exercises. • EAS is also used when all other means of alerting the public are unavailable, providing an added layer of resiliency to the suite of available emergency communication tools. Emergency Alert System fact sheet NOAA Weather Radio NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continu-
ous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office. • NWR broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • It also broadcasts alerts of non-weather emergencies such as national security, natural, environmental, and public safety through the Emergency Alert System.
Gravel Tinhorn Schedule Please take note as to when your area falls on the schedule effective October 1, and submit your application 30 days before the deadline. They will resume work in Anadarko/Ft. Cobb area and will be taking applications: October 1 through October 31 Applications for Elgin Area “November” November 1 through November 30 Applications for Cache Area “December” QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE *Must provide proof of Comanche Nation Tribal Enrollment *Must provide proof of residency i.e., utility bill *Must not benefit a business or nonComanche Tribal Member (rental homes) *Must reside in the Comanche Nation Jurisdiction If you have any questions/ concerns please call the office at (580) 492-3308.
Elder Center October Activities For the Month of October, the Comanche Elder Center will be hosting a “Free Health Screening” sponsored by the Comanche Nation Community Health Representative CHR Program screening will begin at 11:15 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. The Comanche Nation Diabetes Program will be hosting an “Exercise Class” for the elders beginning at 11 am - 11:45 a.m. and on the last Friday of October. All the elders who completed all exercise classes will receive an incentive a T-Shirt complements of the Diabetes Program. The Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation Program will assist all Native American members with services
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The Comanche Nation News
please call (405) 247-7494 to set up appointment for Thursday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. October 27, the Comanche Elder Center will host the Elders “Halloween Party” 11:45 a.m. Program will have a Cake Walk & Costume Contest for the elders. The Comanche Nation Elder Center will post flyers on the Elders Free Flu Shots sponsored by the Indian Health Services Public Health Nurses for the month of October. The Comanche Elder Center main goal is to provide a wellbalanced meal to tribal seniors and to assist them with finding resources to meet their needs. The program will continue to assist Elders with Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Meals daily home visits are done monthly to assist elders with services.
NAGPRA Receives Grant On August 28, the Final NAGPRA Grant Report was accepted and approved by National NAGPRA. NAGPRA reviewed their database and made sure all 494 items consulted on were entered along with all 36 human remains, along with the 50 AFO’s (Associated Funerary Objects). NAGPRA is still in consultation with one museum over a Comanche skull, and will need to consult with another museum over the ethnology items. But NAGPRA has completed their 2015 Grant and have met all deliverable required. NAGPRA is extremely proud to announce that they have been selected to receive a 2017 NAGPRA Grant, In the amount of $87,640.00. The NAGPRA grant is a project based grant and will support them with 18 consultations. The Selected grantees were notified through email on August 15, and are also posted on the National NAGPRA Website. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/0815-2017-nagpra-grants.htm
Comanche Nation Historic Preservation’s Using computers has become an integral part of professional life, and for many, it has become an everyday facet of life itself. Here are a few more of the shortcuts and hot keys we can use on many of the things we do on computers: The “Tab” key advances to the next item or line. The “Shift + Tab” reverses the steps or lines to the previous one. The Ctrl key + “Z” undoes the last process or key stroke process. The Ctrl key + “Y” redoes the last process or key stroke process.
Recollection of Comanche History
Typing Tricks: Delete an entire word Instead of deleting a single letter, pressing CTRL + BKSP will delete the entire word behind the cursor. This makes deleting text quicker if you misspell up a whole word. Keyboard shortcuts Cycle through open windows Pressing ALT+TAB allows you to cycle through currently open windows. This makes switching back and forth between running processes quick and painless. If you want a more stylish method of cycling through open programs, Windows + TAB will do the job for you. Minimize all windows Sometimes you have a bunch of stuff running, and you want it all to go away so you can get to the desktop. Simply pressing Windows + D will minimize everything you have up, which will save you some time pressing the minimize button for each window. It should be noted that Windows + M offers similar functionality, but there is no undoing, so Windows + D is the more favorable approach. Just a few more shortcuts you might want to try to make your computer life a little more efficient. 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!
Courtesy Photo
150 Years ago, the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty was signed on October 21, 1867 by the U.S. Government and Tribal Chiefs of the Comanche, Kiowa and Kiowa- Apache Tribes. The Treaty was intended to bring peace to the area by relocating the Native Americans to reservations in Indian Territory and away from European-American settlement. The Peace Treaty negotiated at Medicine Lodge Creek was similar to others signed by the US Indian Peace Commission, involving the surrender of traditional tribal territories in exchange for much smaller reservations in Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) and allowances of food, clothing, equipment, and weapons and ammunition for hunting. The Tribes were to give up 60,000 square miles of traditional tribal territories in exchange for a 3-million-acres reservation in the SW corner of Indian Territory. The tribes would also be provided houses, barns, and schools worth $30,000, however the tribes did not ask for those items. 130 Years ago, On February 8, 1887, the Dawes Allotment Act was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland and divided the Reservation into 160 allotment lands.
October 2017
Programs
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Nation Receives testing in the United States, US ter- plied to students going to and from of their success and thankful for their helps American Indian and Alaska ritories, or Puerto Rico. school and school sponsored activi- willingness to participate in the mak- Native communities identify and New Grant Awards The Comanche Nation Grants Department has been busy this past month in preparation for submittals on several different projects. These projects include: • Summer camps and sports leagues for our youth • Increasing outdoor wellness opportunities for tribal members • Comanche Nation Tribal Court • Equipment for Law Enforcement Officers The Comanche Nation is very excited to accept the following grant awards: SAMHSA Comanche Nation Native Spirit Project: $381,443.00 NAGPRA Consultation/ Documentation Grant: $87,640.00. For more information please contact the Grants department at (580) 492-3701.
Optometry Assists Once Per Year
The Comanche Nation Optometry Program will provide eyeglass assistance to the enrolled Comanche Nation Tribal member once a year. Once your documents are complete, you will be eligible for $130.00 towards 1 complete pair of eyeglasses. Requirements for the Optometry Assistance 1. Must be an enrolled Comanche Nation Tribal Member. 2. Must have a current valid eyeglass prescription. Documents required: 1. Certification degree of Indian Blood (Comanche CDIB Card) 2. Copy of a picture I.D. 3. A current valid eyeglass prescription (Not over a year old) Diabetics (Not over 6 months) 4. If you’re an Out-of –Area Tribal Member, you must submit a copy of our eyeglass statement from the vendor. (To receive the voucher) Eyeglass Warranty: You have a one (1) year warranty on your eyeglasses. You MUST bring all the pieces to receive the warranty. The Comanche Nation Optometry only accepts: money orders, and credit/debt cards. Appointments are made every last Monday every month. Contacts Lens: We order contact lens on Fridays You will need a money order in the amount of contact lens. MONEY ORDERS ONLY For more information contact the CN Optometry office at (580) 699-5386.
Student Services Gives Helpful Information for High School Senior Parents If you are currently a high school senior or junior you may be eligible for the ACT Fee Waiver. The Act fee waiver covers the registration for either the ACT (no writing) or the ACT writing. The fee will cover the ACT going to your high school and to up to 4 colleges of your choice. Once you register for the Fee Waiver the student will automatically receive access to ACT Kaplan Online Prep Live. The maximum amount that you can use the fee is twice any test over that amount will be billed to you. Also, if the student is eligible for the ACT fee waiver the parent or student can request a Request for waiver or Deferral of College admission. You can find both these forms at www.act. org/the-act/resources. The eligibility requirements for the ACT fee waiver are listed below: 1. Be a United States citizen or
2. Meet one or more of the indicators of economic need listed below: • Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) income levels. • Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as GEAR UP or UPWARD BOUND). NOTE: If the student participates in a program, but is not economically disadvantaged, they are not eligible for a fee waiver. • Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless. • Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing. • Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches. NOTE: Income eligibility for the School lunches can be found https://www.federalregister.gov/ documents/2017/04/10/2017-07043/ child-nutrition-programs-incomeeligibility-guidelines ACT distributes forms to the high schools in the United States that had students that used the Fee Waivers the prior school year. If you have any questions concerning this program please go to ACT.org or to your high school counselor. For more information visit the website, http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ FeeWaiver.pdf., or call Student Services department at (580) 492-3278.
Transit Has Been Providing Services Since 1998 The Comanche Nation Transit has been providing transportation services to the public since 1998. Our objective is to provide assistance for our passengers in a safe, prompt, and courteous manner without discriminating against race, color, national origin, or physical limitations. They provide services to work, vocational school, college, medical appointments, grocery shopping, paying bills, appointments for dialysis patients (based on availability and program limitations), etc. The communities we serve are: Apache, Cyril, Elgin, Fletcher, Cache, Indiahoma, Lawton, and Ft. Sill. Hours of Operation Monday—Friday 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday How to Schedule a Ride 1. Contact the transit office dispatch at (580) 492-3389. 2. The person needing the ride will need to call and schedule the pickup. 3. The dispatcher will ask for your information: Name, phone number, pick up address, destination address, requested pick up time, all persons riding, and demographic information (ex. Date of birth, race/ethnicity, and disabilities, for grant reporting purposes only). 4. Please inform the dispatcher if you live in an apartment, apartment number, if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, if you have a mobility aid, or personal care attendant (PCA). 5. Passengers may transfer from one bus to another where destination is convenient. There is no additional fee for transfers. 6. Each passenger is only allowed 2 stops back-to-back. 7. There is a 20-minute window for the time requested for pick up. The driver can be 10 minutes ahead or after the requested time. If the driver arrives in this window they are on time. 8. Subscriptions are available for rides to work and adult educational centers. 9. In the event of severe weather the transit will close, rides will be rescheduled or cancelled. Fares Prices are per person, per stop. Personal care attendants are free of charge. Student prices are only ap-
ties. Student tickets are for college or vocational school only. Employee tickets are for Comanche Nation of Oklahoma Government Employees only. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Out of town fares include the destinations within the service area outside of Lawton and Ft. Sill: Apache, Cyril, Elgin, Fletcher, Cache, and Indiahoma. When boarding passengers must pay as they enter. Pricing Children 0-5 yrs....Free Adults 13-61 yrs...$4.00 6-12 yrs...$2.00 62 yrs+...$2.00 Out of town...$5.00 Students...$3.00 Tickets Adult Tickets..(10 rides)..$30.00..(20 rides)..$50.00 Elder Tickets..(20 rides)..$35.00 Disabled Tickets..(20 rides)..$35.00 Student Tickets..(20 rides)..$40.00 Employee Tickets..(20 rides)..$35.00
7th Annual Comanche Nation Disability Awareness Day
ing of the video. The Eisenhower Transition program was a special guest. This program works with young adults 18-22 yrs. of age, who have a disability(s). These students have graduated from high school but have chosen to continue going to Transition classes designed to address life skills that can assist them in a work environment. Many of these students are participating in a work assistance program. The attendees were able to see a performance of the Riverside Indian School Apache Crown Dancers following the noon meal. Everyone enjoyed seeing the young men dance. There were several rounds of applause. The event was a huge success. There were approximately 175 in attendance throughout the day. The CNVR program took the opportunity to conduct a community survey on the needs of individuals with a disability(s) and an evaluation of the DAD event. Results are yet pending.
Prevention and Recovery and the Native Spirit Project The Comanche Nation Prevention & Recovery Program applied for the Native Connections Grant from SAMSHA in March 9, 2016 and received notice of award in August 18, 2017. The Native Connection is a five-year grant program that
Courtesy Photo
Apache Crown Dance performs during the Seventh Annual Disability Awareness Day The Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program held their 7th Disability Awareness Day on September 13 in the Watchetaker Hall. The event started out with a cedar ceremony, conducted by Stacy Sovo of the Native American Church. Program venders began setting up information booths around 8:15 a.m. There were a total of 21 program booths set up. There were four Comanche Nation booths, three Indian Health Services booths, two Dept. of Rehabilitative Service booths and twelve other community program booths. All of these programs have services that could be very helpful to individuals with disabilities. All of these programs were given a chance to use the microphone and speak to the audience and explain their program services. The event was focused on “How your SSI/SS Disability benefits may or may not be affected if you return to work.” There were two professional speakers who spoke on this subject. One speaker was Jeremy Dickerson of the Lawton Social Security Administration office. The other speaker was Heather Eisel, Project Manager of the Oklahoma Work Incentives, Planning and Assistance Project. This project is funded thru the National Center for Disability. Blu Pahdocony, Comanche Tribal member and a CNVR program participant also spoke about the CNVR program and his success in acquiring gainful employment thru a special employment assistance program known as PCSI (Professional Contract Services, Inc.) The Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation program was proud to show a video about their program. Three CNVR program participants spoke about their personal experience as a person with a disability(s) that has affected them in becoming self-sufficient thru employment. Their stories were very influential and impacted the attendees. These CNVR program participants also receive services thru the State Department of Rehabilitative Services. The CNVR program is very proud
address the behavioral health needs of Native Youth. The program supports grantees in: Reducing suicidal behavior and substance use among Native youth up to age 24, Easing the impacts of substance use, mental illness, and trauma in tribal communities and supporting youth as they transition into adulthood. I have named this grant “The Native Spirit Project” and The Native Spirit Team would like to fill a service gap by forging a comprehensive family driven, community and youth guided services to reduce suicide and promote and expand the safety net of suicide prevention and intervention for urban and rural Native Americans. The Native Spirit Project team, along with trained community members, will then promote and develop a tailored healthy community. This vision of having a healthy lifestyle for all who reside in the community will truly be a community in which the “Native Spirit’s” name derives from: Sole Purpose in Restoring Identity Today! The impact will promote a continual understanding and networking between community stakeholders, adults and youth.” said Jamie Swanson., Director of Prevention and Recovery. For mor information contact Jamie Swanson MS, LPC Director of Prevention & Recovery at (580) 4923616 or E-mail: jamies@comanchenation.com.
October 2017
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The Comanche Nation News
Culinary Corner 5.
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heated oven. Uncover the dish and continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce to glaze the rats. While the rats finish baking, heat the peas and carrots in a small bowl in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Carefully transfer the rats to a serving platter so that their delicate tails don’t fall off. Press peas into the pointy end to make eyes, and insert carrot slices to make ears. Spoon some of the tomato sauce around them and serve.
Dead Man Meatloaf Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter Market Pantry Salted Butter 1-lb • 2 for $6 • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 1 onion, chopped • 1 cup chopped celery • 2 eggs • 2 pounds lean ground beef • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs • 1 pitted black olive, cut in half • 1 cup ketchup Directions 1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the garlic, onion, and celery in the hot butter until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 10 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a mixing bowl, and allow to cool to just warm. 2. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a sheet of aluminum foil onto a baking sheet, and spray with nonstick cooking spray. 3. Crack the eggs into the mixing bowl with the vegetables, and mix until the egg is smooth. Add the ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and bread crumbs. Mix with your hands until the mixture is evenly blended. Form the meat mixture into the shape of a stick man. 4. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 35 minutes. An instantread thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Once done, place the olive halves onto the head for eyes, and pour the ketchup onto the abdomen. Return to oven, and bake 10 more minutes. Serve with a plastic knife impaled in the abdomen for effect. NOTE: Partner tip: Reynolds Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier. Also • •
Strawberry Delight • • • • • 1.
Ingredients 1 box frozen strawberries, large and thawed 1 can crushed pineapple 1 can Eagle Brand milk 1/2 C. Chopped nuts 1 Large container Cool Whip
Halloween Inspired Recipes for Home Cooking
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Directions Mix milk and pineapple together, blending well. Add cool whip and fold together. Last add nuts and berries and gently fold into cream mixture. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Meringue Bones and Ghosts
Spider Cupcakes Ingredients 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix 1 pound black shoestring licorice 1 (16 ounce) can white frosting 48 pieces candy corn 48 cinnamon red hot candies 1/4 cup orange decorator sugar Directions Prepare cupcakes according to package directions. Let cool
completely. Cut licorice into 3 inch sections. Working with one or two cupcakes at a time, so the frosting doesn’t set before decorating, frost the cupcakes with the white frosting. Insert licorice pieces into the outer edges of the cupcakes to make the legs of the spider, 3 legs on each side (4 takes up too much space). Place two pieces of candy corn on the front of the cupcake for fangs and use two red hots as eyes. Sprinkle with decorator sugar. Repeat with remaining cupcakes.
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Ingredients 2 large egg whites 2 drops fresh lemon juice, or more to taste 7 tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste 2 chocolate chips, melted, or as needed Directions Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Whisk eggs whites and lemon
juice together in a bowl until thick, white, and foamy. Add sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking constantly, until meringue is shiny, thick, and holds its shape. Transfer meringue to a piping bag. Pipe 12 bone shapes onto a prepared baking sheet. Pipe 12 puffs to resemble ghosts onto the remaining baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until dried and firm, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven, close the door, and cool until completely dried, about 1 hour more. Dip the tip of a toothpick into melted chocolate and dot chocolate “eyes” on each of the ghosts.
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Halloween Bloody Baked Rats • • • • • • • • •
Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef 1/2 onion, chopped 1 egg, beaten 1 cup dry bread crumbs 1 (1.25 ounce) packet meatloaf seasoning mix 1 cup cubed Cheddar cheese 3 (10 ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
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sauce 1 ounce uncooked spaghetti, broken into fourths 1/2 carrot, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices 1 tablespoon frozen green peas Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, egg, bread crumbs, and meatloaf seasoning. Use your hands to mix until well blended. Measure out 1/3 cupfuls of the meat mixture and mold around a cube of cheese like a meatball. Shape into a point at one end and lengthen the body a bit by rolling between your hands. Place your ‘’rat’’ into a shallow baking dish, and continue with the remaining meat. Insert pieces of uncooked spaghetti into the rounded end of the rats to make tails. In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the rats in the dish and cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes in the pre-
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 Laurenzana Tieyah (580) 678-2052 or (580) 492-5455
October 2017
Military
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The Comanche Nation News
A TRIBUTE TO COMANCHE VETERANS – PART V of VI
This is the fifth of six groups of 100 Comanche veteran photos with brief bio’s (there are actually 102 photos in this edition as Leland Parker and Melvin Permansu was misidentified in the August edition – their photos with the correct info are the last two photos). 594 Comanches have served in the Army, 210 in the Navy, 182 in the Air Force, 139 in the Marine Corps and the remaining in the National Guard, Reserves and Coast Guard. 74 Comanche women have served in the military.
SSGT Benny Tahmahkera Jr.
A1C Garrison Tahmahkera Air Force 1958-62
Monroe Tahmahkera
Spencer Tahmahkera Navy
PFC Samuel Tahmahkera
GM3 Vance (and Anna) Tahmahkera Navy 1942-45 World War II (Pacific) Seabee
PFC James Tahpay (Center of photo) Army 1918-19
A1C Gordon S. Tahquechi Air Force
Gordon B. Tahquechi Air Force
MUS2 Norton Tahquechi
SP4 Frankie Tahsequah Army 1969-71 Korea
LtCol Meech Tahsequah
PFC Thurman Tahsuda World War II (Europe) Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star
SSGT Teddy Tahsuda
Army Air Force 1941-43 Died in hotel fire in Hobbs NM in 1943
PO2 Clifford Takawana Navy 1968-72 Vietnam War USS Mispillion (AO-105) 9 Campaign Stars
PVT William Tarcypokeadooah Army 1918-19 World War I (Europe)
A1C James Tate Tooahimpah Air Force 1956-60
SP4 Paul Tate Sr.
LCpl Malcom Taunah
PO3 Adrian Tehauno
PFC Capps Tehauno
SGT Roger Tehauno
USMC 1988-08 War on Terror (Iraq) Combat Action Ribbon, Commendation(2), Achievement medals
Army 1966-68 TXARNG 1975-79 Vietnam War
USMC 1969-71 OKARNG Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars
SP4 Roger G. Tehauno
SSG Michael Tenequer
USMC 1945-49
Navy 1918-19 World War I (Europe) USS Michigan, First Comanche Sailor
Navy 1965-69 USS Boxer and Rushmore
Army 1942-45 World War II (Europe), 9th Armored Division, Ludendorff Bridge on Remagen River
CPT Johnny Tiddark
Nipper Tiddark
Army 1987-89
Army and OKARNG, 1988-09 Persian Gulf War, War on Terror (Iraq)
Army and Army Reserve, 1964-83 Vietnam War, “Green Beret,” Bronze Star w/Valor, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman and Parachutists Badges, Numu Pukutsi
CPL Chester Tieyah
A1C Irene Tieyah
M. Tieyah Army
Army Military marker ID’s Company A, 7th Engineer Bn
SSGT Aubry Titchywy
Wayne Titchywy
PFC Phillip Titchywy
Army 1946-50 Died in vehicle accident in Okinawa on 9 July 1950
Army Air Force enlisted in 1941
Janise Todome
Navy 1982-87 Underwater Steel Welder
Air Force 1970-71
Navy and USMC Vietnam War
SFC Bobby Tomah
Army 1952-56 Korean War, 11th Combat Engineers, Presidential Unit Citation
Army 1948-52
SGT Bruce Tomah Army 1942-46 World War II
S1C, Navy 1945-46 CPL, Army 1948-50 A2C, Air Force 1953-55 Only Comanche to serve in 3 branches
Army 1918-19
Air Force 1965-69 Vietnam War, Security Policeman, Udorn AB, Thailand
Royce Tiddark
Air Force 1941-54 World War II (Europe) Korea War, Distinguished Flying Cross (3)-Numu Pukutsi, Declared dead while MIA
1SG Paul Tate Jr.
Army, OKARNG 1993-present Persian Gulf War, War on Terror (Iraq)
SSGT Robert Tehauno USMCR and USMC 1980-93 OKARNG 2006-08
Arza Tieyah
Army 1918-19
Army 1969-71 Vietnam War 4th Infantry Division
SP5 Melford Tieyah
SK2 Norman Tippeconnie
Henry Tippeconnie
PFC Reed Titchywy
PFC William “Billy” Titchywy
To-Aypsays (Dark Roam)
Army 1944-46 was 42 years old when he enlisted
Casey Tomah Army 1918-19
Navy 1953-57 USS Healy (DD-672)
Navy 1952-56 USS St. Paul (CA-73)
Army, 7714th Military Police Died on active duty on 12 Sept., 1948 in Germany
Army World War I era
CPT Kent O. Tomah III
TSGT Kent O. Tomah
Army 2010-present War on Terror (Iraq)
Korean War
October 2017
PVT Bruce Tomah
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MSG Lawrence Tomah
PFC Henry Tomahsah
Army 1918-19 World War era
Army 1943-52 World War II (Europe and Pacific) and Korean War, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart
Army 1943-45 World War II (Europe), 4th Infantry Division, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart
SGT Delbert Toquothty
The Comanche Nation News
SGT Otto Tonips Jr..
USMC 1968-70 Vietnam War, 3rd Marine Division, Combat Action Ribbon, Twice wounded in action
CPL Kenneth Tooahnipah
Army 1952-54 Korean War, 26th Signal Construction Battalion as a Lineman
A1C Gary Topetchy
SGT Terry Torres
Air Force 1948-52
OKARNG 1958-61
SGT Lee Toquothty
Army 1949-52 Korean War, 7th Infantry Division, Silver Star, Numu Pukutsi
A1C William Torralba
S1C Alfred Torralba
SP4 Roland Torralba Army 1971-73 Germany
Army Enlisted in Jan. 2000, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Korea
SP5 Gary Tosee
SGT McEvans Tosee
Archie Trevino Army 1945-46
PVT Ben Trevino
Army 1941-44 World War II (Europe), 9th Infantry Division Killed in action on 3 August 1944
Chris Trevino Navy USS Fulton
SP5 Eddie Trevino
Army 1942-59 World War II (Pacific) Korean War, 7 Battle Stars
To-es-sit
SP4 Michael Turner
Raymond Valdez Navy
Cpl Floyd Valdez
USMC 1969-71 Army 1973-76 Vietnam War, 1st Marine Division
SGT Ralph Valdez
CPT Michael Waddle
Army 1969-82 Okinawa
CPL Samuel Trevino
Army 1941-45 World War II (Europe), 106th Infantry Division, Prisoner of War
Army 1942-45 World War II (Europe) Battle of the Bulge
Scout Served in the 1890’s
Air Force 1950-54
Army 1972-78 Korea
Navy 1944-46 World War II (Pacific) US Patrol Craft (1081)
Army 1968-79
Army 1943-44 World War II (Europe), 4th Infantry Division Killed in action on 16 September 1944
MSG Army and Army Reserve 1941-48 TSGT Air Force 1950-53 World War II (Europe), Korean War, Purple Heart
Herbert Vidana
PFC Nabor Villicana Army 1942-46 Alaska Paratrooper
Army 1966-69 Vietnam War, 82nd Airborne Div., Silver Star, Combat Infantryman Badges, Numu Pukutsi
SGT William Waddle
Army 1966-69 Vietnam War, 173rd Airborne Bde, Combat Infantryman and Parachutists Badges
CPL Louis Wahahrockah
J. Wermypekah
SGT Raymon Wahkinney
CPT Myers Wahnee
PFC Gilbert Vidana
Army 1950-52
World War era
CW2 Karli Wahkahquah
OKARNG 2001-present War on Terror (Afg), Combat Action Badge, Only female Comanche Warrant Officer
PFC John Wahkahquah
PVT Jacob Wahkinney Army 1918-19 World War I (Europe) 27th Division Wounded in action
OKARNG 1949-53 Korean War, 45th Infantry Division, Artilleryman
Air Force 1941-51 World War II (Europe) Prisoner of War, Purple Heart
Joe “Jeep” Wahnee Jr..
Ralph Wahnee
AN3 Tyler Wahnee Connywerdy
CPL William Ware
SP5 Frankie Wauahdooah Army 1969-71 Vietnam War
Aaron Wermy
Air Force Enlisted in 2003 Crew Chief on C-130
CPL Billy J. Wermy
SN Glen Wermy
SP4 George Wermy
CPT Kris Wermy
SFC Ralph Wermy
SSG Gordon Whitewolf
SN Richard Wichita
SPC Christel Wilkerson
Army
SP4 Billy F. Wermy Army 1970-71 Vietnam War 11th ACR ARCOM
Thompson Wermypekah Army 1918-18
Army 1941-44 Code Talker Did not serve overseas
Army 1951-53 Korean War, 2nd Infantry Division, Combat Infantryman Badge
Army 1972-84 OKARNG 1989-96 Persian Gulf War, Parachutists Badge, ARCOM and AAM
Army 1918-19 World War I (Europe) Meuse-Argonne
Army 1958-60
Navy 1950-54 Korean War
Navy 1953-57 USS Carpenter
Navy Died in Auto accident
Army 1969-70 Vietnam War, 11th ACR Also served in Germany
Army 1997-01 AAM (2)
Army and OKARNG War on Terror (Iraq and Afg), CIB, BS & ARCOM w/Valor Device, Numu Pukutsi
Cpl Leland Parker
USMC 1967-70 Vietnam War, Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, Achievement Medal w/Valor, Numu Pukutsi
Army 1950-71 Korean and Vietnam Wars Awards not confirmed
SGT Melvin Permansu
Army 1942-45 World War II (Europe), 4th Infantry Division, Code Talker, CGM, OKMHOF
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The Comanche Nation News
People, Places and Things Happening
Freedmen Descendants Begin Applying for Cherokee Nation Citizenship Following an Aug. 30 federal court ruling, descendants of Cherokee Freedmen have started applying for Cherokee Nation citizenship through the tribe’s Registration Office. U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan’s ruling in the Cherokee Nation v. Nash, Vann and the Department of Interior case allows Freedmen descendants the same rights as CN citizens, such as applying for citizenship, using tribal services and running for political office. Attorney General Todd Hembree said the tribe is processing Freedmen applications. “We’re happy and relieved this longstanding case is finally resolved, and now we are moving forward processing applications as quickly as possible,” he said. To be a CN citizen, applicants must provide documents proving they have a direct ancestor on the Dawes Final Rolls. According to cherokee.org, the Dawes Rolls were taken between 1898-1907, with a handful being accepted in 1914. To be on the rolls, Cherokees had to live in Indian Territory during that time. Sherelene Pratt, a Freedmen descendant from Tahlequah, said the judge’s ruling was a “major” breakthrough. “I’m glad it’s finally over and we can go on and be citizens like our ancestors,” she said. Pratt said her application is in the Registration Office, and since the ruling she has stayed in contact with the office, updating her information and checking on the process. “They’ve been very, very helpful, very nice, very cordial every time I go in there. It might just be because they see me so often, but they’re very nice and helping with the information that you need,” she said. “Everybody’s history and family is specific to them. So what they may tell me or tell someone else may be different to somebody else. So you have to follow what they ask you to bring.” She said she advises others who have submitted applications to make sure all of the information is correct and still on file. “You just want to go ahead and make sure that your application didn’t get misplaced or lost somewhere in a file cabinet,” she said. “Some people may have to fill out a new application because it’s been so long ago.” When asked about giving a number for Freedmen who could apply for citizenship, Jon Velie, lead counsel for the Freedmen cases, said he would only be speculating. “Nobody knows that specifically. Tribe doesn’t know it. We don’t know it. Basically what we can do it is figure out at the time of the Dawes Act about 10 percent were Freedmen. So if Freedmen, I guess, grew at the same rate that the Cherokee by blood citizens did it would be 10 percent,” he said. “The number that we’ve all thrown around, not based on any scientific evidence, is probably around 25,000 total.” For more information, call 918-458-6980.
Courtesy Photo
OHCA Tribal Government Relations Coordinator Johnney given Kolten Horsechief Coalgate toothpaste and a toothbrush during the 11th annual dental health event at Riverside Indian Boarding School in Anadarko, Okla. to the list of sponsors this year was the American Heart Association (AHA). “It’s an honor to work alongside all of these wonderful partners and the Riverside Indian Boarding School staff to help make a positive difference in the lives of these kiddos,” said Dana Miller, OHCA Tribal Government Relations Director. Students received onsite dental evaluations, eye screenings, behavioral health screenings, and body mass index (BMI) measurements. They also received information discussing the effects of using tobacco on their teeth, gums and body. Students also learned how to achieve and maintain good oral health. Any follow up care needed for the students was coordinated by the Indian Health Service. OHCA staff extends appreciation to Colgate-Palmolive who donated toothbrushes and toothpaste, SPTHB who provided dental floss and bags, and all partners who provide education and supplies to promote healthy living. To learn more about OHCA and its programs, please visit www. okhca.org.
Secretary Zinke Names John Tahsuda III the Principal Deputy Assistance Secretary for Indian Affairs
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced that he has named John Tahsuda III, a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, as DOI’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs (PDAS). The appointment was effective September 3. The PDAS serves as the first assistant and principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs in the development and interpretation of policies affecting Indian Affairs bureaus, offices and programs. “I want to welcome John
Tahsuda to my Indian Affairs leadership team,” said Secretary Zinke. “John possesses extensive experience in federal Indian law and tribal government, and deeply understands and respects our government-togovernment relationship with tribes. He’ll be a strong leader for the Indian Affairs organization.” “I appreciate Secretary Zinke for giving me this tremendous opportunity to bring greater prosperity to tribes and their communities,” Tahsuda said. “I’m looking forward to working with tribal leaders on finding ways to make Indian Affairs programs more responsive to their needs.” Tahsuda joined the Department from Washington, D.C.-based Navigators Global, LLC, where he was a principal. Navigators Global is a company that specializes in and offers a wide range of political services to multiple industry sectors, including financial services, insurance, energy, health care, defense, emergency management, American Indian tribal affairs, and high tech/telecommunications. He led the company’s tribal affairs practice providing clients with advocacy and counsel services on a range of tribal affairs policy issues at state and federal levels, including gaming, tax incentives, tobacco sales, land-into-trust issues, health care, economic development, energy policy, federal recognition, and selfgovernance. Before joining Navigators Global, Tahsuda had served on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs since 2002, first as senior counsel and later as staff director, where he directed policy and legislative efforts relating to Indian tribes. He also was directly responsible for federal policy and legislation affecting gaming, federal recognition, selfgovernance, and Indian health care. Prior to joining the Committee’s staff, Tahsuda was engaged in private practice providing legal advice and legislative counseling to Indian tribes and tribal organizations. From 1999 to 2001, he served as general counsel and legislative director of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), the Indian gaming industry’s trade association, where he monitored legislation and policy issues affecting the organization’s 180 member tribes and assisted them in their lobbying efforts. Tahsuda received a juris doctorate from Cornell Law School in 1993 and a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1990.
OHCA Hosts Annual Dental Event at Riverside Indian Boarding School An annual dental evaluation and health screening event cosponsored by the Oklahoman Health Care Authority (OHCA) at the Riverside Indian Boarding School recently helped about 515 students get dental exams and supplies. The OHCA was joined by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Indian Health Services (IHS), Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB), Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Little Axe Health Center, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) to sponsor the 11th annual event. New
Courtesy Photo
HELPING HURRICANE VICTIMS. Lawton and Comanche Native, Cpl Stefano J. Ruiz-Harrison (2nd Battalion, 6th Marines (2/6)) is Son of the late Vanessa Tahpay, and George Ruiz. Helps fellow Marines unload water at a distribution center in Key West, Fl. Sept. 14. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit helped distribute food, water, and supplies in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner)
Tahdooahnippah Qualifies for the Oklahoma Kids Midget Baseball State Tournament
Courtesy Photos
Comanche Tribal member, Nacona Tahdooahnippah, of the Elgin Owls Midget baseball team (12 years and Under) qualified for the Oklahoma Kids Midget Baseball State Tournament, July 11-15, 2017 in Weatherford, OK. Tahdooahnippah is a pitcher and first baseman for the Owls. Elgin Owls won their regional’s by defeating Sterling by run rule in the finals. The Owls fell short to Canute in extra innings. The Elgin Owls had a remarkable season with a 26-6 record. Nacona is a Seventh Grader at Elgin Middle School. LEFT: Tahdooahnippah slides into base. RIGHT: Tahdooahnippah,stands proudly with his Regional’s trophy. He is the son of George & Mia Tahdooahnippah and Nathan & Cynthia Billy.
Comanches Were Represented at the 9th Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
Courtesy Photo
Left to right; Randell Doyebi, Tristan Berryhill, Tessa Robledo, Arnita Pewewardy, Farley Pewewardy, and Kody Doyebi. Front Row; Cornel Pewewardy and Sah-dee Pewewardy. Comanches were represented this year for the first time in three decades at the 96th Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial on August 4,13, in Gallup, New Mexico. Since 1922, Native Americans from across the United States participate in a massive celebration and display of their tribal cultures. The indoor and outdoor marketplace and the Ceremonial Showroom present the country’s most complete and varied displays of genuine Indian fine arts, including Navajo rugs, Kachinas, jewelry, pottery and basketry. There are socials and rodeos held at Red Rock Park and an evening and day parade along Route 66 in downtown Gallup. Cornel Pewewardy, from Lawton, Oklahoma coordinated a Comanche dance troupe to the 96th annual event. Their dances included the Comanche round dance, war dance and social dance singing at the Marland K. Aitson Amphitheater.
Other participants included members of the Navajo and Hopi, communities as well as the Pueblos of Acoma, Isleta, Laguna, Jemez, Zuni, and Taos. While the four-day event still retains some elements of the early days when Natives and nonNative people came to Gallup for entertainment and to socialize, today it has grown into more of a inter-tribal gathering. The exhibits halls are a bright combination of trader/dealer booth and artists representing their own work displaying, the best of the art. The ceremonial dances personify the proud history and tradition of the Inter- Tribal Indian Ceremonial. It is truly a special time for participants and spectators alike an opportunity for cultures to come together in the universe rhythm, motion and artistic expression.
The Southern Plains Indian Museum To feature Ed Hoosier in a Special Exhibition The Southern Plains Indian Museum, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, will feature an exhibit of paintings by Ed Hoosier. The exhibition will run from September 29 to November 17. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Ed Hoosier, an enrolled member of the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma, is a skilled graphic designer and artist. He is a graduate of Elgin High School and attended Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma. Currently he resides in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he works as a professional graphic designer. Although he first began drawing as a child, Hoosier did not begin painting in earnest until 2012. After reconnecting with his family history, he began painting memories from stories told to him as a child by his great grandmother, Maude Tocsi Blevins. While he has experimented with a variety of painting media,
Hoosier prefers acrylic craft paint for its versatility and workability. He carefully transfers his thoughts and memories to each canvas he paints For Hoosier, art is a way of connecting with the past while staying grounded in the present. Through his artwork, he portrays images of a troubled past and a hopeful future. Hoosier hopes that viewers of his work are able to see beauty in the most unlikely places and faces. Hosier’s artwork has been displayed at multiple venues including: Paseo Plunge, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Red Door Gallery, Medicine Park, Oklahoma; the Comanche National Museum, Lawton, Oklahoma; and the Great Plains Museum, Lawton, Oklahoma. The artwork featured in the exhibition may be purchased by contacting Ed Hoosier directly at (580) 583-3051 or by email at edhoosier@ gmail.com.
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The Comanche Nation News
Lawton Indian Health Services are Super Heroes at Annual Kids Karnival Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
The Lawton Indian Health Service (IHS) saved the day during their Super Hero themed Annual Kids Karnival. Kids went through Pediatrics, Women’s Clinic, and other offices for sports physicals, dental cleaning, Immunizations, and Hearing and Vision screening, to help prepare them for a super healthy academic school year. Employees and volunteers put on their SuperHero capes and made sure the youth were taken care of. An estimated of 1,100 students, including parents and vendors attended the Super Hero Kids Karnival. There were over 200 Sports physicals, and Eye Exams that were given that day. The children enjoyed plenty of games including, the Dunk Tank, inflatable obstacle course, connect four, bean bag toss, bounce houses, basketball throw and the football throw. There was also a Petting Zoo for the children to pet the array of animals. A Mist Tent was set up to cool children off with a light refreshing mist. The children sat under the tent to enjoy snacks of popcorn, hotdogs, snow cones, and listen to the Indian Blues sing. Several door prizes were given away throughout the day that ranged from backpacks filled with supplies, T-shirts and many of other items. Different tribal and local entities including Comanche Nation Diabetes Program, Comanche Nation Firefighters Program, Kiowa Tribal Suicide Prevention Program, Comanche Nation Vocational Rehab Program, BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma, and BIA Law Enforcement-Child I.D., to name a few, set up informational booths for the children. The (IHS) would like to thank all who came out to make this event a success.
Connect Four. The kids race each other during the Connect Four game to try to hurry and connect four before their appointment.
Avengers Style Shop, Pam Mashunkashey and Candice Aitson, cut children’s hair for free during the Kids Karnival. Mashunkashey and Aitson were busy all day long and the children loved their new haircuts for school. The kids enjoyed competing against each other during the Football Toss.
Indian Blues sing loud and proud throughout the afternoon for the Kids Karnival guests.
Khylie Gayton, tries her hardest to make the basketball in the goal during the annual Kids Karnival held at the Lawton Indian Hospital . The children of all ages had fun petting the array of animals.
The kids enjoy their snow cones to help cool them off during the outdoor activities.
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The Comanche Nation News
HAUNTING STORIES FOR HALLOWEEN Tribal Members and Tribal Employees Share some Ghostly Stories of the Unknown
EDITOR’s NOTE: The following article is for entertainment purposes only, and does not reflect the opinions or views of The Comanche Nation News Staff. Be advised some of the stories are not for the easily scared. Read with caution. Halloween is a time to share spooky stories. Here are some stories that may want you to burn some cedar at your house and say an extra prayer before you go to bed. There are some things in this world we experience that cannot be explained. As Numunu and Native people, we learn from a young age about nunupis, puetuyai, and pia mupits. Our parents and grandparents lay out rules to keep us safe from these beings, and they are molded into our memories. “Close your curtains and do not look outside after dark.” “Do not turn around if someone is calling your name or whistling behind you.” We go through our day to day lives, working, being with family, traveling to places. We almost forget about the things that we were taught to stay away from. Until our paths cross with theirs, and we see or hear things we cannot explain, but know, they are real. There have been stories told about places where the unexplained dwell and watch. Some of the places include tribal property, roads, and areas. The Comanche Nation Complex, which houses most of the tribal governmental programs, is known for its paranormal experiences. Some employees who have worked at this facility for decades have experienced such events at different places on the tribal campus. Some have agreed to share some of their stories. Indian Man Glen Heminokeky, who has
worked for the Maintenance Department for 27 years, said he encountered an Indian Man in the former library area of the tribal complex. “Back in the late 1990’s, we were getting ready for Elder Day. We had stayed there almost all night to help set up and get all the grocery baskets ready. In the New Conference Room there were about 15 grocery baskets. I had to haul them to the gym. I went inside to get the baskets. There was only a dim light in between the door and the room. As I walked in, I realized there was an old Indian man sitting in the corner of the room, looking at me. I didn’t pay any attention to him, but I knew what it was. Every time I went inside to get more baskets, that Indian man was in a different place in the room, watching me.” Walking By Papa Joe has been running the tribal snack bar for several years. With breakfast being his busiest time of the day, he routinely arrives at the gymnasium in the wee hours of the morning, prepping for his breakfast rush. He said he has heard voices, footsteps and seen many apparitions well before the building is open. There was one occurrence that sticks out in his memory when the west gym door was broken, and the lock to his counter window was in need of repair. “The (west) door would not close right, and the door to my counter window would not go down all the way because it needed a new slide on it. I was here one evening in the winter, about seven or eight o’clock at night, no one was here but me. Because my counter window would not go down all the way, there was an 18 inch gap I could see the gym through. I saw this person walk toward the back door. He had blue jeans on and a red and gray plaid shirt. I could see from his ribs to his waist, so he had to be pretty tall. He went toward the
door and I thought, ‘He is not going to be able to open the door because it is broken, and it took two or three people to open the door.’ I thought I would wait until he comes back and tell him the door does not work. But I never saw him go back. So I open my door and look to see if he was standing there, but there was nobody there. I saw him just as plain as I am seeing you right now.” But he said it does not have to be nighttime for unexplained things to occur. Ringing Bell “It was between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. one afternoon. No one was in the gym, and I was in the back doing inventory. I had a bell that I kept on the counter to let me know when someone was at the window. I was in the back, and the bell rang. I came up front, and there was nobody here. So I went back to the back, and the bell rang again. I came back up and there was nobody there. I thought there were a bunch of kids playing tricks on me so I waited until the bell rang, and I opened my door and rushed out to the front to see who it was, and there was nobody there. The bell rang three times, so there was no way someone could have rang it and left that fast. After that happened, I put the bell up and do not use it anymore.” He also recalls several times when the ice scoop for the ice machine will unexpectedly fly off the top, landing five or six feet away. He also remembers when several employees were eating lunch, when a stack of white tables that were leaning toward the wall shifted the opposite way and fell over with a big bang. No one was around them, and they were leaned against the wall. Something moved them. Everyone saw what happened, and got up and left, said Papa Joe. Flushing Toilet There was even a time Papa Joe remembers when, before mov-
ing the Men’s restroom to its current location, the handicap toilet would flush on its own. There were other employees who have witnessed it was well. Another employee that has worked for the tribe for over 30 years has had several encounters with puetuyai. Touched by a Puetuyai “ I used to be the receptionist for the tribe and one of our employees was killed in a car accident. We were close friends. I used to see her walk through the front area with a white dress on. One day she came and touched my shoulder. I was going back and forth to the hospital because I knew something was wrong. I went to see an Indian Doctor. He worked on me and said ‘She did not mean to hurt you. She just wanted you to know she was okay.’ She used to walk by all the time.” A Ghostly Smile She also remembers another encounter she had in the gymnasium. “I was on my 10 a.m. break, and I went to the gym to get some ice. Around the snack bar, where the old men’s bathroom was, there was a man standing there with a black security uniform on. We made eye contact and he smiled at me, and I smiled back. I got my ice and went back to my desk and I realized who it was.” Still Working She also recalls seeing several employees who have passed who still check in for work. “We hear someone typing in one of the back rooms, but no one is there,” she said. Can’t Get Out Several people walk the roads of the tribal complex, zig zagging around buildings and parking lots, to get their daily exercise completed. Nolan Tahdooahnippah is one who often uses the complex to exercise. He remembers one particular afternoon during the weekend when he
heard something that was not normal. “I was walking by the old Tax Commission building, and I heard a banging, like someone was banging on the door. I looked toward the entrance, and saw the glass door vibrate the same time I heard the banging, like someone was hitting it on the inside, and was trying to get out. Someone or something was banging on the door from the inside. I was the only one there, and it was not windy so it could not have been that.” Stories from TCNN Facebook Followers TCNN reached out to its FACEBOOK Followers to see if they had any stories to share. Here as some responses Richard Runningwolf “I live in Caldwell County Texas where Plum Creek is where a battle took place with the Penatʉka Nʉʉ and the Rangers and have been out there many times at night as a teen and have heard what I knew was Nʉmʉ tekwapʉ being spoken and I was the only one there as it is not very populated, this community prides itself of this war between the Comanche and the rangers.” Curtis Robin Jones “My son Tristan Wise was a student at Riverside in 2011-2012 during his freshman year. I’m a paranormal investigator so he knew some of my tricks. He lived in the Delaware dorm and heard the bathroom was haunted. Late one night he put his MP3 player in the bathroom on record and didn’t tell anyone. The next morning he discovered that he picked up some EVPs. He called home telling me all about it very excited and I was so proud of him for doing it on his own without consulting me.” Tennyson Kerchee “Slick Hills, Mt. Scott, hitchhikers on 4-mile rd, little kids being seen at Esa-Rosa dance grounds when no one else is down there?? Yeah I do.”
Dear TCNN Letters to the Editor
Dear TCNN, I would like to take time to thank God and all the services that our Comanche Tribe provides for us. We are very special in God’s eye as all his children alone is our provider of all things. So please than Him every day. I am truly grateful for the Comanche Nation’s Social Services, Housing Authority, “Grasshoppers,” – the WIOA’s Elder Yard Care Program, I know there are many other services provided to us to use and will continue to use. Be thankful. My story is how the CNHA helped me to have a home. I came back in September 2013 to this area, planning to live in my travel trailer on the land inherited from my mother Amelia Atchavit Codopony, but could not due to others an allotted land to grant a “gifted deed” to do so. I stayed there with no water or electric for
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two months, winter was coming, my brother, Jerry Kosechata, took me in to his home until I moved to the “high rise” downtown in October 2014. I thanked God for both blessings. I lived there until the end of March of this year. I returned to my travel trailer once again to work on “gift deed,” but to no avail. I stayed there until June 23rd of this year, the day the Lord and CNHA gave me a beautiful home here in Walters, it has been a long, long time since I have had anything this nice. I thank God everyday for this home He shares with me. I cried tears of joy, and still do, sometimes, for God sharing this home with me. Please, let us all be thankful for our Indian Health Services that we are privileged to have, we do not have to pay money out of our pockets for this care, medicines, and services they provide. I will be thankful ev-
ery day for what the Lord has given freely to us all. Ura. Antoinette (Tonie) Kosechata P.S. Be thankful for family, friends, and all those who love us, God especially.
Send Letters to the Editor to: Email: jolenes@comanchenation.com Fax: (580) 492-3709 Mail: Comanche Nation News ATTN: Jolene Schonchin PO Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502-0908 Drop off: PIO Office- Comanche Nation Complex
COMANCHE NATION CRIME STOPPERS HOT LINE (580) 492-1TIP ( 1847)
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday September 10- Georgetta Cambell September 12- Rhonda Williams September 13- Pamela Ortega September 17- Codylekee Dickson
Happy Birthday October 1- Ethan Herrera October 4- Jason A. Koontz October 4- Rance Pollard October 6- Llori Celeste October 9- Daniel Saupitty Jr.. October 11- Shalah Tyone October 13- Paulette Coffey October 13- Sebastian A. Burgess October 16- Jared Lee October 18- Kiyou William Kerchee October 18- Rachel Lee October 19- Rodney Lukens October 25- Elgin “JuJu” Red Elk
Anniversaries
Happy Belated Birthday Codylekee Dickson September 17
Passing Saul Birdshead Jr.. April 19, 1931~September 9, 2017
Happy Birthday Daniel Saupitty Jr.. October 9
Happy Birthday Paulette Coffey October 13
Happy 1st Birthday Kiyou William Kerchee October 18
Change of Address Form New Address
Update Address Date:
Initial:
Nathan Lopez Sr. & Candice Duarte Lopez September 21~Celebrating 8 years Terry & Laverna Tahsequah October 6~ Celebrating 41 years
Happy Birthday Llori Celeste October 6
The Comanche Nation News November Edition Deadline~October 16 Email: candacet@comanchenation.com Mail: Comanche Nation PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73501 Contact: (580) 492-3386
Name Address City, State, Zip Code The Comanche Nation News mailing list is updated every 90 days: January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15
Obituaries Pamela Kay Vargas
by: her parents, Barbara Jo Karty Yackeschi and Harold Dean Martinez Sr.; son, Dillen Vargas; sisters: Carol Ann Grant and Gina Martinez, uncle, Don Karty; nephew, Gary Stitcher; sister in law, Carla Martinez, brother in law, Vance “Moose” Hall, and father in law, Abel Vargas Sr.
Sandra Jean Caddo
Vargas Pamela Kay Vargas of Temple was called Home by her heavenly Father on August 22, at the age of 53. Funeral Service was August 26, at First Baptist Church in Temple with Pastor Orlando Vargas officiating. Burial is in Temple Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer Service was August 25, at the First Baptist Church in Temple. Vargas entered this life on March 8, 1964 in Tuba City, Arizona. She was the beloved daughter of Barbara Jo Yackeschi and Harold Dean Martinez Sr. She grew up in Walters and attended Ft. Sill Indian School until its closure. She was a founding member of the West Side Baptist Church in Walters. She operated a home daycare in Oklahoma City for two years. She worked at the nursing home in Walters before quitting and going to work for the Texhoma Smokeshop in Randlett. Vargas was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Vargas leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years Abel F. Vargas of the home; two sons: Abel Vargas and wife Jan of Cache, Kellen Vargas; daughter, Ceanna Vargas all of Temple; three sisters: Donna Ahdosy, Leanna Martinez and Brenda Martinez; two brothers: Harold Dean Martinez Jr., and George Martinez all of Walters; six grandchildren: Kellen Vargas Jr., Jace Vargas, Isaac Vargas, Emilya Vargas, Kade Vargas and Olivia Taunah; uncles: Mike Karty, Delbert Karty; aunt, Joella Cullen; she leaves behind many nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends. Vargas is preceded in death
Caddo Sandra Jean Caddo, 59, passed away in Lawton on September 9. Funeral service was September 14, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home with Rev. Matt Asetamy officiating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was September 13, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. She was born to Leatrice Wermy and Jimmy Caddo in Norfolk, Virginia on April 24, 1958. She worked various jobs, Housekeeper, 7 UP Company Bottling and at Kens cleaners. She was a proud member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. Caddo loved spending time with her family and friends especially her grandchildren. She loved late night movies and attending church with her loved ones. Caddo is survived by: her daughters: Queen Crowles of Sand Springs, Monica Imes of Lawton, Amanda McQuoid of Lawton, Stephanie French of Snyder, Crystal French of Lawton; sons: Robert Kiesecker, Allen Kiesecker, Winston McQuoid and Timothy French all of Oklahoma City; sisters: Jamie Caddo and Shirla Caddo both of Cache; brothers: Mi-
Send this form to: The Comanche Nation News, P.O. Box 908, Lawton, OK 73502 or by email: candacet@comanchenation.com , or fax: (580) 492-3709 Comanche Nation Public Information: (580) 492-3386
chael and Paula Caddo of Chickasha, ed schools there. He also attended sons Gene, is a US Navy and Persian Mark Caddo of Red Wing, Min; nu- Draughn Business School and also Gulf War Veteran and Kenneth is remerous nieces, nephews, other fam- Cameron University. Atauvich enlist- tired from the US Air Force. ed in the US Navy on September 2, ily members and friends. He enjoyed spending time She is preceded in death by: 1959 and served until March 3, 1963 with his family and friends. He was mother, Leatrice Wermy, grandmoth- earning the rank of Seaman. He took a member of the Cache High School his Boot Training and A School, asUpdate er, Agnes Wermy; brothers: Marlon Alumni, and the Lawton/Ft. Sill New Address Address Caddo and Richard Caddo; son, Ste- Fire Control Specialist, at the Naval Bowling Assn. According to a recent phen French and niece, Verdel Cad- Training Center in San Diego CA. write up by Renee Johnson, after inInitial: Date: Seaman Atauvich was then assigned quiries of DeRoy “Dee” Atauvich, do. The family of Sandra Caddo to the USS Yorktown (CV-10), an air- “Dee was an active member of our would like toName acknowledge all the craft carrier with home port at Long association for several years, not just kindness shown to them during their Beach CA.- he did one cruise to the as a bowler, but he also served two hour of sorrow. In her honor her fam- Western Pacific in the South China years as a director on the Lawton-Ft. ily would like you all to remember sea with port calls at Pearl Harbor, Sill Bowling Association, back when The her as a child of God, called by her HI, Yokosuka, Japan, and Formosa. we were aligned with the American Address Lord because he eagerly awaits the While on the Yorktown he was a Bowling Congress. He served as day we will reunite in the Glory of gunner on the 3” anti-aircraft bat- president of the All Purpose League the Lord. We will miss Sandra, but tery. He then attended Gunnery and at Holiday Bowl for 12 seasons and her memory will continue to live for Quartermaster Schools at San Diego did a nine-year stint as the president was assigned to the USS Thetis of the All Stars League, that is still as long as we do. City, State, Zip Code and Bay (LPH-6), a Helicopter Amphibi- running strong, only now under the ous Assault Carrier and also ported at roof of Hog Pin Bowl.” Lawton ConLong Beach- they patrolled the west stitution Sunday Sports Scoreboard southern to 15, pg.April 6c. 15, HeJuly was proud member mailingfrom list is updated everyCalifornia 90 days: January 15,aand October 15 of The Comanche Nation Newscoast Alaska in support of the US Marine the Comanche Nation. amphibious forces. He was gunner Survivors include; wife Send this form to: The Comanche Nation News, P.O. Box 908, Lawton, OK 73502 or by email: DeRoy M. Atauvich with the 40mm anti-aircraft crew on Wanda Jo Atauvich of the Home, candacet@comanchenation.com , or fax:was (580) 492-3709 the Thetis Bay. Seaman Atauvich children; DeRoy Atauvich Jr, Gene credited with 1 yeah, 2 months, and Atauvich, Kenneth Atauvich and Information: (580) 492-3386 Comanche 21 days of Nation foreignPublic and/or sea service. Angela Atauvich. Sisters; Jackie He was awarded the National De- Atauvich, Arletta Nell McKee, Karen fense Service Medal for service dur- Samis and Llewelyn “Al” Atauvich. ing a nation emergency and the Cold Numerous other family, relatives and War Certificate of Recognition for friends. service during the Cold War. Seaman He is preceded in death by Atauvich qualified with the M-1 Rifle his parents; Lewellyn Atauvich Sr. and 45 Caliber Pistol and was a mem- and Pearl Yokesuite Atauvich, and an ber of the Thetis Bay Shore Party. His infant sister.
Change of Address Form
Translated to the Comanche Language Atauvich DeRoy M. Atauvich, 76, passed away at his home on September 23, with his loving family by his side. Funeral Service was September 28, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Matt Asetamy officiating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer Service was September 27, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Atauvich was born October 12, 1940 in Lawton to Lewellyn Atauvich Sr. and Pearl Yokesuite. He grew up in Cache and attend-
Mark 9:41 “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his award. ”
“Nah hahka awokü [ nü nahniaruku] mümi vayunitu’ika; piarüahatsa Christha mümi hipüvaihku, tüvitsüku nü’ me mümümatu yükwitü: Ke u’ pü nara’uraküpüha watiküwa’itü.” -From the Book
Mark-ha Tsaatu Narumu’ipu (The Gospel of Mark in Comanche and English Copyright 1958
Gone, But Not Forgotten October 2017
14
The Comanche Nation News
Remembering Murdered and Missing Native American Women and Girls
Story by Paula Karty/ News Staff
“Now that you’re gone, I can still feel you near, so I’ll smile with every tear I cry. Though I’m missing you, I’ll find a way to get through, living without you. You are my sister, my strength and my pride. Only God will know why.” These lyrics were taken from a song by R&B Recording Artist, Brandy, which some how tells how families of Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls deal with such tragedy. This crisis is nothing new among Native Americans throughout the United States. The number of Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls is overwhelming and it keeps growing every second, every minute, every hour, every day and every night. To help bring attention to these tragic crimes, Montana Senators Steve Daines and John Testor introduce Senate Resolution 60 on Feb. 13. This resolution is calling for the designation of May 5, as a “National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls.” May 5 was chosen because it is the birthday of Hanna Harris, a Northern Cheyenne woman who went missing in July 2013 and was found murdered five days later. Candle Light Vigil On August 30, a candle light vigil was held at the Comanche Nation Educational Center, to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Native American Women. Family members of victims lit candles in honor of their loved ones. Singers from the Walters area brought a drum and offered songs for comfort. The IAMNDN youth sung Comanche Hymns in honor of the victims. Tribal member Geneva Hadley, coordinated and organized the event. Hadley said, “This rally sparked an interest and concern with Comanches On The Move (COM) when Savanna Greywind was murdered. We wanted to do a rally in conjunction with Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) events that were also having vigils nationwide. This was just our small piece of honor that we wanted to offer to the Greywind family and to other families in our local community. Sadly, Greywind represents us all. She is a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter, and granddaughter. We hope to open a lot of eyes in our community and since then, we have been receiving new information on various cases of our stolen sisters and teaching and telling others about the injustices of our sisters. Some of our organizers have actually been approached by young women in our community asking what MMIW was about. So the more info we put out there and on social media, perhaps it will save a life. By sharing pictures and stories, we can empower our youth to always be aware of their surroundings. Human trafficking has always been a problem in the U.S., but it is beginning to really surface and people are seeing actual statistics of how dangerous it is. In October, we’ll be organizing a luncheon on Domestic Violence and we encourage male and females alike to come out and share
their story or just listen. As we finalize our plans for this luncheon, we are also in the process of a prayer walk called, “A Walk to Remember,” in honor of all murdered and stolen sisters. Comanches On The Move have slightly changed their direction. We will always be water protectors and caretakers of Mother Earth, but we also want to extend our voices and commitments to in other human related struggles such as MMIW and Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Teen Suicide, Bullying and other pertinent issues that natives face daily in their communities. There will be no limitations to what COM can do and will do for the native community. If anybody is interested in working with us, we would greatly appreciate it. These causes are worldwide and we are just a drop in the bucket, but if we can save lives then the work is well worth it,” said Hadley. This issue is very serious and it has hit Very close to home. There are several families within the Comanche Nation that has suffered the loss of a loved one. Several tribal women have gone missing or ended up being murdered. Justice has yet to be served for these victims and therefore not allowing closure for their families. The Tahhahwah family is one of the families that has been dealing with the death of family member Christina Tahhahwah, a innocent woman who suffered from a mental illness, but tragically lost her life while in police custody. The Tahhahwah family would like to tell, “Chirstina’s Story.” “Christina Tahhahwah’s life (allegedly) was taken November 14, 2014 by the over usage of police brutality by Lawton City Police. Unfortunately, Christina had suffered from Bio-Polar Disorder and had recently stopped taking her medication. She was so full of life, however her medication would make her sleep constantly. On November 13, 2014, she had an episode of throwing a cup of milk on her grandfather’s companion, and then the decision was made to call the police to help assist her to get back on her medication. However, she went to Lawton City Jail instead of receiving medical treatment, which she and her grandfather had asked for. She was arrested for trespassing, but she lived in that home with her grandfather. On November 14, 2014, the family was told by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital that the Lawton City Police said they found her unresponsive in her jail cell. Christina Tahhahwah always sang Comanche Hymns for comfort and that’s what she was doing while in jail. Christina was told to stop singing and then she was handcuffed to the jail cell bars for hours with her hands above her head. She was supposedly tasered multiple times for being Defiant as witnesses could hear her cries for help and the sounds of a taser. The EMT was called and they had tried to revive her for over 25 minutes. She was placed on life support in Comanche County Memorial Hospital as a “Jane Doe”, and the Lawton Police Department did not even
contact the family to let them know what happened to her. She was on life support for over 12 hours before any of the family knew she was in the hospital. Thankfully a friend of the family, who worked there contacted the family after mid-night on November 15, 2014 and her family stayed by her side until she was taken off life support on November 17, 2014.” The Tahhahwah Family is demanding answers, now that she is laid to rest. “We want justice and demand better procedures for the Lawton City Police with working with people with mental disabilities. Christina had a heart of gold and her freedom of speech and religion were violated. Now we all must speak on her behalf and prevent the abuse in Our City Jail. The medical staff supports our efforts and stated there is NO reason for her to be dead. Christina was only 37 years old when her life was (allegedly) taken by force by the Lawton Police Department. She was a mother, daughter, granddaughter and she was loved by so many people. The Family is planning to host another Prayer Vigil on November 18, from 5 – 7 p.m., at the Shepler Park, across from the Lawton Police Department,” said a family member. Stories like the Tahhahwah Family’s has touched the hearts of many. One person who felt like she had to do something to bring awareness about this issue was tribal member Natalie Wallace. A Walk to Remember On Sept. 19, Wallace coordinated a “Walk to Remember,” which was during the week of the Comanche Nation Fair. The walk brought families out to remember their loved ones who were victims of these horrific crimes. Family members spoke tearful words to the crowd about their loved ones and gave support to other families who are going through the same pain, loneliness and unanswered questions of WHY. Natalie Wallace said that there was over 200 participants in the walk. The following is a official statement from Wallace about the walk: The reason for having the Walk to Remember was for the people. To let the families know they are not forgotten, that there are others who share that same emptiness within their homes. Our people here in Southwest Oklahoma are not quite aware of how huge an epidemic this is in “Indian Country,” especially in the Northern States and Canada. Canada has a highway called “The Highway of Tears” because of the large amount of Indigenous found murdered there. By bringing this walk for murdered and missing Indigenous woman to Numunu Country our people were able to hear first-hand the stories and numbers of this harsh reality. One speaker stated that, “Last year there were 99,986 reported missing Native American females.” Can you imagine how many went unreported? But, the fact is, it isn’t just our women. Men and boys are included as well, but because they are supposed to be our warriors, our protectors, they go unreported. This is mostly because some fami-
lies feel ashamed that this has happened to them. They need to be accounted for as well. They are still our people, our brothers. A lot of our people, (men, women and children) have been found within the “man camps,” the temporary living quarters set up to house oil field workers and such. Some are able to escape, but many will never return home. We need to stand up. Stand, not as one person, one family or a couple of organizations, but as a nation. A nation that will fight for the safety and return of our people. If we do not stand up for our own people, who will? As a whole, we will make a difference for our Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. This may have been the first walk here, but it is not the last. There is already one in the works for Oklahoma City, within the coming weeks. There were 21 women represented in the Walk to Remember and one baby girl. There are 22 red dresses on the board and sadly it should be more. A list of names were read at the walk. The names on the list are names of Missing or Murdered Women and Girls. Sadly, to say the first name on the list is a baby girl who was never given a chance to have a life, or even to grow into a woman. Names of Missing or Murdered Native Women and Girls 1. Baby Girl Mame-Neta Attocknie, 04/24/2016, Murdered 2. Ida Beard, 08/2015, Missing 3. Lena Jean Bohay, 19812003, Murdered 4. Janice Buono, 2002 5. Egypt Covington, 06/27/2017, Murdered 6. Ci’ Lina T. Bell-Deloney, 1995-2017, Murdered 7. Mary Domebo, 19982017 8. Lucinda Wahnee Gay, 1938-1982, Murdered 9. Savanna Lafontaine Greywind, 1995-2017, Murdered 10. Ashley Loring-Heavyrunner, 06/2017, Missing 11. Martha Bell Kadayso, 1951-unknown, Missing 12. Jascie Kara Kaywaykla, 04/07/2008, Missing 13. Eddy “Lil Eddy” Mahseet, 12/2015, Murdered 14. Leah Rochelle Mahseet, 09/1997, Murdered 15. Angela “Sam” Maynahonah, 07/1971-03/2012, Murdered 16. Owachige Osceola, 05/25/1986-09/25/2013, Murdered 17. Rita J. Papakee, 06/01/1973-01/06/2015, Missing 18. Christian Tahhahwah, 11/17/2014, Murdered 19. Suzanne Torralba, 05/06/1967-08/26/2007 20. Erica Nicole Watty, 2002 21. Wanda Whitefox, November 1980 22. Linda “Lindy” Zotigh, 09/07/2017, Murdered Renea Toahty, the mother of one of the women who’s name was read and appears on the list told her daughter’s story: “My daughter Ci’Lina Teira Bell Deloney, born June 1, 1995, a member of the Comanche Tribe was murdered January 16. She was a daughter, wife mother sister cousin, and auntie. She was 21 years old, smart car-
ing and always willing to help anyone in need. Her murder was the first of 2017 here in Comanche County. She was found dumped like trash on Paint Rd. right outside of Lawton city limits. She was shot multiple times even though she was dead after the first bullet struck her. Ci’Lina’s at the age of 21 fell in with the wrong crowd and began hanging around different individuals we the family did not know. In the end, it has been told to us that her life was taken over an ounce of marijuana is what I have been told by different individuals. I hear a new story at least once a week. People will say anything to get a little attention. I pass each story onto Comanche County. However, it hasn’t resulted in anything. I pray for justice, I dream of revenge. I want the cowards that did this to my baby to pay. Her 4-year-old baby girl cries for her mommy, I cry for my baby, her sisters ache for their sister that will never have the chance to come home. When we heard about the “Walk to Remember” we were so happy that Maybe just maybe the senseless murders that have happened to women in our community might get some attention and bring awareness to the fact that there are so many heartbreaking stories all over the United States that just go unanswered. If you were there and heard the stories you know how tragic it is for families that are left behind to wonder and grieve not knowing what has happened to their loved ones. I hope and pray one day I will receive a call telling me they caught the monsters. Knowing these people are still out there on the streets right now living life to the fullest, right here in Lawton is a fact. Knowing they can kill again is terrifying. Who will be next? The family of Angela “Sam” Maynahonah submitted the article about Maynahonah’s murder, published March 31, 2013. It’s been a little over a year since the brutal murder of Angela “Sam” Maynahonah Rodriguez, whose body was found under a bridge in Carter County. Her family is now asking the public for help in catching her killer. Officials in Carter County say a driver spotted Rodriguez’s body in heavy brush on March 29, near the town of Fox, which about 65 miles Southeast of Lawton. At one time, the department enlisted the help of the Lawton Police Department. Her family said they have been helping police with the investigation, but there has yet to be a break in the case. They’re hoping a memorial they built at the site where Rodriguez’s body was found will keep her unsolved case on people’s minds. The Maynahonah family said two weeks after Rodriguez’s death, they started going around Lawton and the surrounding cities trying to find any information that could help police. They learned she was last seen at Glen’s Lounge in Lawton on Southwest 11th street before she disappeared. The family said they want her killer brought to justice, so Rodriguez’s spirit and family can finally rest. As the Maynahonah family worked to build a memorial where their loved one,
Angela “Sam” Maynahonah Rodriguez was found brutally murdered, they hoped somewhere someone will remember something. “We found out that the last place she had been seen was Glen’s Lounge and ended up being put here at her last point. We wondered if someone saw someone driving by here, saw someone suspicious here or in Duncan. Maybe somebody looked out of place,” said her sister Sabrina Maynahonah. They said pain of knowing that her killer is still free torments them everyday. “Some days I feel like I am going to be alright. Other days I feel like I am waking up from a nightmare that hasn’t ended. I just want somebody to be brought to justice for her death,” said Anglea’s mother, Verna Maynahonah. Her sister Sabrina said no matter what type of lifestyle her sister may have lead, she did not deserve to die in such a brutal manner. “It really hurts to know that there’s killers out thee that just don’t have any regard for human life. They just threw hew away like a piece of trash. She meant a lot to us even though sometime people don’t always make the right choices in life. It doesn’t mean that there any better or worse than anyone else,” she said. The family said that’s why they’re asking anyone that has any information to call the authorities. They took a life. They ended a mother, daughter, a niece, a granddaughter, someone that was cared about and had a family that cares about them. She should have never been left like this. Even if it was a accident, they could have took her to the hospital or something. For it to end this way for her, we want somebody brought to justice,” Sabrina. The family said that Rodriguez was friends with another Lawton woman who died suspiciously back in November of last year, Allison Sawyer. They’re wondering if anyone who knew Sawyer may have information about Rodriguez. They’re looking for any information that could help find her killer. The case is being investigated by the Carter County Sheriff’s Department and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The Lawton Police Department is assisting in the case. The family is urging anyone with information to contact one of those departments. Before the families departed, they were given a balloon to release. The significance of releasing the balloons was for the families to release some of the anger, the pain, the loneliness, the tears, and the emptiness that each family may be feeling. Many tears were shed and families came together to help each other heal and share the stories of their loved ones. We as Native Americans have to come together and stand up for ALL our Native sisters, mothers, daughters and granddaughters. We have to become the voices of those that no longer have a voice.
October 2017
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Candle Light Vigil
The Comanche Nation News
Tribal members and non-tribal members enjoying the evening of Aug. 30, while attending the Candle Light Vigil, pictured sitting in front of the Comanches On The Move banner. Event coordinator Geneva Hadley addresses the people August 30, during the opening of the Candle Light Vigil.
The family of Murdered victim Christina Tahhahwah hold lit candles in her honor and her memory during the Candle Light Vigil held at the Comanche Nation Education Center.
Walk To Remember
Walking the Comanche Nation Parade route in honor of Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. Over 200 participants walk in honor of the victims and to bring awareness of the senseless crimes committed against Native Women and Girls. Tribal member Nolan Tahdooahnippah leads the walk September 19, carrying the Comanche Nation flag, while members of the American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) follow close behind with the A.I.M. flag.
Dressed in her native clothes, a family member of Carmen Ybarra, holds a sign in her memory. Family members of murdered victim Ci’Lina Deloney hold a banner with her picture while walking in her memory. Deloney’s murder has not been solved.
Tribal employees from Student Services, I.T., C.H.R., Comanche Nation Elder Center and Maintenance, among others, stay after work and joi the walk to show their support to the families of Missing and Murdered Women and Girls.
“Walk To Remember,” event coordinator Natalie Wallace walks with other participants in honor of the victims and families. Breanna Maynahonah, the daughter of murder victim Angela “Sam” Maynahonah tearfully tries to talk about her mother and her murder. Maynahonah said that the family could not lay her mother to rest until 7 months after her mother’s body was found, due to the police investigation.
October 2017
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The Comanche Nation News