the comanche nation news The Comanche Code Talkers, 4th Signal Company, 4th Infantry Division United States Army: World War II Top: E. Red Elk, M. Tabbyyetchy, P. Noyobad, M. Permansu, H. Codynah, F. Kassanavoid, W. Mihecoby, 2nd Row: S. Parker, R. Holder, W. Yackeschi, C. Chibitty, C. Ototivo Sr., L. Saupitty, Bottom Row: R. Red Elk VOLUME 15 EDITION 12
Lawton, OK
November 2014
Elders Honored For Holidays By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Honorees at the 2014 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elders Ceremony Milton Sovo and Jack Shoemate. Comanche Elders will be the focus during several holiday happenings in the months of November and December. The Comanche Nation Elder Center will have its Thanksgiving Dinner noon Nov. 20 at its facility, 1107 NW H. Ave., Lawton. The Comanche Nation Elders Council will have its Annual Christmas Party 10 a.m. Dec. 1 at the Comanche Nation Community Center in Apache, Okla. Events begin at 10 a.m. with Christmas merriment. Elder Day will be Dec. 12 at the Comanche County Coliseum, 920 SW Sheridan Rd., Lawton. Doors will open at 10 a.m. An array of entertainment is scheduled, and a afternoon meal will be provided. Arts and Craft Vendors can set up on a First-Come-First-Serve basis, and can begin setting up at 8 a.m. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. The Comanche Nation Elder Center will have its Christmas Celebration noon Dec. 18 at its facility in Lawton. Pat Koomsa of the Anadarko Schools will have students provide a Grand Entry in their Tribal Regalia for the elders. Other line ups of singers and performers is also on the agenda. Arts and Craft vendors are invited to set up at the event, and can call the Elder Center Director with the number of tables and chairs that will be needed. Volunteers for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations at the Elder Center are needed. Volunteers can call the facility to sign up what time they can help. The Comanche Nation Elder Center telephone number is (580) 355-2330.
AARP Recognizes Elders at 6th Annual Honors Event Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
Comanches who attended the 2014 Induction Ceremony of the Texas Trail of Fame, where tribal elder, Ben Tahmahkera and the Comanche Code Talkers were given a Star, gather for a picture at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Comanche Nation Funeral Home Receives Superior Ratings This is the second year in a row Comanche Nation Funeral Home has received a superior rating from an OSHA inspection. This represents that the funeral home is in full compliance with all requirements of OSHA, such as all license manuals, price scheduling and cleanness of the prep room area.
Hub Baker proudly shows the Comanche Flag, a gift of Thank You for recognizing the Code Talkers and Tahmahkera.
There superior ratings are rare the rep stated Comanche Nation Funeral Home is pretty much in a category by itself with the superior rating. Also the inspector for the Okla. funeral board gave Comanche Nation Funeral Home a superior rating, advance in free compliance with funeral Board requirements, according to Director Camilita Edwards, everyone works diligently to this happen.
It was a special day on October 25 in the Ft. Worth Stockyards for the Comanche Nation, as the heroic Comanche Code Talkers, along with tribal elder, Ben Tahmahkera, received a prestigious Star on the Texas Trail of Fame. The Texas Trail of Fame is a virtual chronological history of the Western Heritage in the United
Donna Wahnee, Director of Special Projects, places a Comanche Pendleton Blanket on Honoree, Ben Tahmahkera.
Plaque recognizing the Comanche Code Talkers as inductees of the Texas Trail of Fame.
Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
States, Texas, and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. To those men, women and groups who made a significant contribution to the preservation of the history and grandeur of the Western way of life, their “Bronze Star” is ceremonially placed in the walkways of the Stockyards National Historic
District.
The Bronze Stars are designed to represent an old fashion Marshall’s badge with the recipient’s name inlaid in the star. The markers are uniformly placed in the sidewalks and public thoroughfares throughout the National Historic District. See TEXAS STAR, Page 11
Native Veterans, language preservationists, artists, a renowned female ceremonial dancer and a former Chief of the Choctaw Nation were among those recognized at the 6th Annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors recently held on October 7 in Oklahoma City. Milton Sovo, Comanche, raised on a farm in Comanche County, where he developed his love of Mother Earth’s resources thanks to the influence of his parents and grandparents. He used his college education in Agriculture to further the conservation of all natural resources and to encourage his Native American brothers and sisters to recognize the cultural relationship between these resources and their use and care for future generations. He is president of the Oklahoma Tribal Transportation Council and is a member of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Tribal Advisory Board. As a member of the Apache Town Board, he has worked to use his knowledge of infrastructures, roads and water to better the community, where he now resides with a large Native American population. Sovo has done much to further government-to-government relationships with tribal and county governments, as well as state and federal government. Jack Shoemate, Comanche, a Korean War Veteran who served with the U.S. Army, where he was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 27 years. He worked with 12 different tribes as Industrial Development Specialist and Chief of Credit. He spent 11 years as Superintendent of the Osage Tribe. After his retirement, he became Director of the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce and City Councilman. As Mayor of Pawhuska, Shoemate led a delegation to sign a Sister-City Compact with Montauban France. At age 81, he currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Osage County Historical Society and community volunteer. He is a member of the Indian Dutch Reform Mission Church in Lawton and attends Pawhuska First United Methodist Church. See AARP, Page 3
November 2014
2
Comanche
Youth Spotlight Olivia Komahcheet
Komahcheet
I AM NDN Story and Photos Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Olivia Komahcheet, a 17 year old member of the Comanche Nation tribe, is proud to share her many talents and ideas of Native American culture through art and music. Surrounded by many talented artists for as long as she could remember, a major part of her passion for art and music was originally generated and greatly inspired by her two parents, Travis and Kristy Komahcheet. Much of her early childhood consisted of the duo touring in their band nationwide, and being artists as well, there was no doubt she would develop a major passion and devotion to her creative talents at a very young age. Starting at the age of 5, Komahcheet began playing the home piano, learning songs she liked by ear, but it wasn’t until the 3rd grade when she began playing her first instrument, the viola, on a regular basis. Playing consistently for seven years, she then started picking up other instruments
such as cello, violin, acoustic guitar, drums, and Native American flute, and learning them with ease. Having experience performing with her father over the years, Olivia has recently been given the opportunities to perform in front of much larger audiences. Her next performance being at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada March of 2015, she sees this as just the beginning of her journey to making her long awaited dream finally come true. Equally to playing music, Komahcheet was blessed with a unique skill in various forms of art. Taught and mentored by her father and grandmother at a very young age and constantly being inspired by the various artists surrounding her now, she's developed her own unique style that conveys her idea of Native American culture and expresses it all through Photoshop, airbrush, and free hand illustration. She is also a part time employee of Intertribal Visions Unlimited, family owned multimedia design firm, and gives a youth’s standpoint on the various decisions and designs prepared for production. She is currently learning the ropes of the business and hopes to eventually help manage it one day along with her parents.
five-years beforehand, Komahcheet 's family relocated from their hometown of Topeka, Kansas, to Lawton Oklahoma to reconnect with their native side of the family. She did not have the pleasure to learn about her Comanche heritage in Topeka, but after meeting her newly found relatives and listening to the stories told and traditional ways, she finally found her identity as a young Native American woman and a positive role model for all of her peers. To express her devotion to empowering native youth, she has recently been selected as an official board member of the IAMNDN movement, her position consisting of a wide range of duties to help support and represent all native youth throughout Oklahoma. No doubt that it has taken time and countless efforts through all of the challenges she's faced, Komahcheet has blossomed into an amazing multi-instrumentalist and a great visionary artist. Constantly striving to become greater every day, she hopes to inspire, motivate, and enlighten her peers to always set goals and to realize the importance of being rich spiritually, culturally, and creatively.
Halloween Party Lights up the Night
The Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Program hosted an I AM NDN Halloween Party to promote sobriety on the night where, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 41 percent of all highway fatalities throughout the nation during the Halloween period in 2010 involved a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. Both amusing and frightful characters attended the event at the Comanche Nation Complex, and because the activities did not begin until the area Trick-and-Treat times had ended, youth of all ages had the opportunity to enjoy the lively entertainment. Excitement filled the air when the Prevention and Recovery staff passed out glow-in-the-dark accessories and hit the lights. The neon colors filled the darkness with a rainbow of colors. A costume contest followed, leaving the judges with a hard decision as to who had the best costume in each category. By providing a safe haven for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages, the I AM NDN Halloween Party proved one can have a fun, sober, and safe Halloween.
ABOVE: The DJ keeps the music going, filling up the dance floor in Watchetaker Hall. LEFT: Friends meet at the I AM NDN Halloween Party to share laughs and memories.
Courtesy Photo
Glow Sticks Light Up the Dance floor at Watchetaker Hall Halloween night.
Raquel Ramos passes out party favors during the I AM NDN Hallowing Party Oct. 31. ABOVE: Face Painting was popular at the Halloween event. LEFT: Ghouls of all sorts enjoy the festive Halloween music. RIGHT: Tonto wets-his whistle with some punch. The Grim Reaper attends the Halloween Party
The Comanche Nation News
November 2014
3
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 December edition is noon November 15. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome. Contact: The Comanche Nation News P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908 Telephone: (580) 492-3386 Fax: (580) 492-3709 Emails: comanche_news@yahoo.com pio@comanchenation.com •
•
•
• •
•
•
•
TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: jolenes@ comanchenation.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: paulak@ comanchenation.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/ Photographer- Email: staceyh@comanchenation.com. Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. Photographs will be copied and will become the property of TCNN. To return original photographs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send faxed photographs or newspaper copies of photographs. The Milestones Page (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements,Memorial Pictures, Weddings, Births) are by submission only. The Passings are submitted by the Comanche Nation Funeral Home or by tribal members on a funeral home letterhead. The Milestones Page is for tribal members only. TCNN publishes all services conducted by The Comanche Nation Funeral Home without discretion. Obituaries are written for tribal members only. TCNN will print a Comanche organization’s annual event 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. 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
Government
Four Resolution on Floor At October CBC Meeting By Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
The October monthly meeting was called to order by the Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, at 10:21 a.m. Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Tahsequah, conducted roll call. A quorum was established with all CBC present. The invocation was given by Lynda Yackeyonny. Resolutions Resolution 87-14 Fire Program Wild Land Fire Suppression Services. Committee person No. 2, Sonya Nevaquaya, made a motion to approve the resolution. Tahsequah, seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/0. Resolution 89-14 Reconstruction of Roadway for Route No.6765 Tahsequah, made a motion to approve. Committeeman No. 3, Harry Mithlo,
seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/0. Resolution 90-14 Approving Fiscal Year 2015 Gaming Budget Tahsequah, made a motion to approve. Nevaquaya, seconds the motion. The motion passes 5/0/1. Committeeman No. 4, Clyde Narcomey, abstained. Resolution 91-14 Approving Fiscal Year 2015 Gaming Commission Budget. Mithlo makes a motion to approve. Vice-Chairman, Mack Mahsetky, seconds the motion. The motion carries 5/1/0. Narcomey, votes “no.” Nevaquaya, makes a motion to adjourn meeting. Mahsetky , seconds the motion. A meal was provided to be followed by Executive Session.
TCNNPIO
The City of Odessa, Texas, through the Downtown Lions Club, honored the Comanche Nation by dedicating an upcoming park at Comanche Trail, called Comanche Trail Park, 11 am Oct. 8 in Odessa, TX. Members of the Odessa City Council, Downtown Lions Club Officers, and Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, took part in the Dedication and Ground Breaking Ceremony, pictured above. Also helping in the ground breaking were Comanche youth, Arlene and Modesto Schonchin. Chairman Coffey conducted Cedar Ceremony for the park, asking for safety and wellbeing of all who visit, pictured. Coffey also presented the Mayor of Odessa, David Turner, a Certificate of Appreciation to the City for honoring the history of the Comanche Nation and commemorating it with a park for the youth. The Downtown Lions Club former President, Dr. Francisco Javier Morales, said they are all honored the Comanche Nation could take part in the special event. The $180,000 park is scheduled to be completed in 6-8 weeks, weather permitting.
This Card Entitles You To • Virus Removals 20% Off Computer Service!
• PC Tune-Up
Located on the corner of 9th and Lee. 901 SW Lee Blvd Lawton, OK 580-357-4482
Milton Sovo poses with AARP organizers October 7 at the AARP Oklahoma Indian Elders Honoring in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Jack Shoemate shares a picture with AARP organizers October 7 at the AARP Oklahoma Indian Elders Honoring in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001
Follow the Comanche Nation News The Comanche Nation News
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Text the letters PIO to 89800 or CNWEBSITE to 89800 to receive information and updates from the AARP Continued from Page 1 Comanche Nation
Chairman Wallace Coffey Vice Chairman Mike Mack Mahsetky Secretary/Treasurer Jerry Tahsequah Committeeman No. 1 Jonathan Poahway Committeeman No. 2 Sonya Nevaquaya Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Clyde Narcomey Tribal Administrator William Owens To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK 73505
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
The Comanche Nation News
Lawton’s Premier Apartment Homes Roommate Floor Plans Handicap Units Available Garden Tubs Spacious Closets Playground Two Pools Sports Court Garages
3501 E Gore Lawton, OK 73501 580-248-3500 Legendparkapts.com
This year’s class of Indian Elder Honorees marks 300 elders representing all 39-federally recognized tribes and nations in Oklahoma who have received the recognition since AARP began the program in 2009. “Since its inception, we have been so blessed to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of elders from all walks of life, “ said Lyons. “Some have led high profile lives and others have quietly passed on their gentle wisdom and culture. Collectively, this year’s AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honorees represent what is best about Native American people in Oklahoma: love
of family, dedication to culture and respect for all people.” Lyons noted that AARP Oklahoma continues to expand its work on issues affecting Native Americans in the state, particularly working to address health disparities, transportation needs and cultural preservation. She invites anyone interested to join the AARP Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Community Group by sending an e-mail to: ok@aarp.org. More information about AARP Oklahoma’s Native American outreach can be found on the AARP Oklahoma Indian Navigator website that can be accessed at: www.aarp.org/okindiannavigator
November 2014
4
The Comanche Nation News
Programs
Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop Asks the Question “Why Is There Violence Against Women In Society?
Key Speaker for the Domestic Violence Awareness Conference, Kelly Stoner, goes over information about the liability for failure to enforce, October 24, at the Great Plain Technology Center in Lawton, Okla. Story by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
The Comanche Nation’s Women Shelter and Law Enforcement teamed up with Native Alliance Against Violence to observe October Domestic Violence month. A special presentation was held on October 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Plains Technology Center. The Complex Question with A Simple Answer Will Be Addressed: Why is there Violence Against Women in our Society? Some of the topics for discussion included: ~ Oklahoma Lethality Protocol ~ Ins and Outs of Protection Order ~ Domestic Violence 101 The program began with registration from 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. Registration was then followed by a presentation by Kelly Stoner, J.D., Tribal Law and Policy Institute. Stoner covered the Oklahoma Lethality Assessment Protocol for Intimate Partner and In and Outs of Orders of
Protection. Stoner graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in December 1988. In October 2011, Ms. Stoner was appointed as a Judge for the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and as of October 2013, Stoner has been a Victim Advocacy Legal Specialist for the Tribal Law and Policy Institute. For the past 20 years, Stoner has taught at the North Dakota School of Law and Oklahoma City University School of law where she was an Instructor teaching Tribal Law and Domestic Violence related classes. For eight years, Stoner directed the University of North Dakota Native American Law Project that served clients of the Spirit Lake Reservation. Stoner’s case load targeted domestic violence and sexual assault cases arising in Indian Country involving teen and adult victims. From
2001-2013, Stoner directed the Native American Legal Resource Center at Oklahoma City University School of Law where she supervised law students prosecuting Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking cases in tribal courts and the Court of Indian Offenses and representing victim of domestic violence and sexual assault in civil matters in state, tribal and CFR Courts. In 2008, Stoner testified before the U.S. Indian Affairs Committee regarding domestic violence issues affecting Native American women in Indian Country. In 2010, she was invited to the White House to witness the signing of the Tribal Law and Order Act. Stoner is a frequent lecturer for the American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic Violence and also lectures for the Office on Violence Against Women’s national
Photos by Tomah Yeahquo/News Staff
Sandra Thompson explains to participants about Ownership that goes along with Domestic Violence in a relationship. technical assistance providers on domestic violence related issues in Indian Country. Stoner wrote and was awarded a federal grant to launch Oklahoma’s only tribal coalition against domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking-the Native Alliance Against Violence. In 2011, Stoner supervised a project in partnership with the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma that established a SAFE Unit at a local hospital, recruited SANEs and targeted community education on the topics of domestic violence and sexual assault. Stoner has authored a domestic violence code for the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, a Children’s Code for the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, a Law and Order Code for the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, a comprehensive Law and Order Code for
the Spirit Lake Tribe and a Children’s Code for the Spirit Lake Tribe. Stoner has published in the areas of Family Law, Indian Child Welfare Act, and Domestic Violence Law. The Comanche Nation Law Enforcement sponsored lunch from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. The program then continued after lunch with “Why there is Violence Against Women in Our Society” and Domestic 101. This part of the program was presented by Sandra Thompson, Coordinated Community Response Specialist for the District Attorney’s Council. The program ended with a wrap up held from 3:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. by the Comanche Nation Family Assistance Center. It was a great opportunity to receive information.
Higher Education’s Annual Career Day Encourages Students to “Go Out There and Do Something” Remarkable
Several students raised their hands when asked “How many of you, are going to College?” The students had the opportunity to get information about colleges and other opportunities at the Annual Career Fair.
Higher Education handed out sweaters to all students that attended. Students were filling up the lines to get them a sweater.
Students from different school districts fill out applications to start receiving more information on a variety of Colleges.
Comanche Community Center of Apache Hosts Annual Holiday Bazaar/Flea Market Saturday, November 15 From 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m.
Story by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
On September 10, the Comanche Nation Office of Higher Education sponsored the annual Career Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Watchetaker Hall. The college/career day was open to all Native American high school students, parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators. “Go out there and do something Remarkable” was the day’s
SCARY STORIES FOR HALLOWEEN. Watchetaker Hall was full of 250 excited October 28, and wide-eyed children who were ready to hear all the scary stories from storytellers Gene Wilson and Dawn Skiles. After the meal of barbecue sandwiches and pizza, they were told scary stories with accompanying sound effects. Afterward, The Original “NDN Michael Jackson,” AKA, Stacy Sovo,performed his spooky rendition of “Thriller” with the music and DVD. He was joined in the dance by the Cache Indian Heritage Club, who were dressed as scary Zombies! Then, they lead everyone with a group dance. “The Cupid Shuffle.” The children enjoyed popcorn and left for home with a bag of Halloween treats and coloring books. Thanks to Finley-Cook and the Comanche Nation staff members from Maintenance, IT, Property, and the Higher Education staff. Higher Education Specialist, Christian Boos, pictured right, dressed as “Indiahoma Jones” for the Halloween event.
theme. The agenda began with registration and breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The opening prayer and greeting followed. A welcome address was given by Chairman, Wallace Coffey. From 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. motivational speakers came forward to talk about their own stories. Recruiters from colleges, vocational institutes, military, and employment
held their presentations from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Lunch was provided from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. All recruiting and informational booths were available for browsing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day’s activities and presentations were very informative and it turned out to be a success.
Saturday, December 6 From 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am to 10:30 am Indian Taco Sale will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. This event is open to the public. There will be no charge for booths; they will be available on a first come first serve basis by registration. Please contact Sandra Gallegos at 580-215-3300 to reserve a booth or for additional information and/or questions.
November 2014
5
The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Nation 4th Annual Disability Awareness Day
Stacey Sovo starts the event off with a traditional Cedar ceremony.
Courtesy Photos
Participants walk around to different booths during the Disability Awareness event to check out all their new information and great tips.
Bill Voelker talked about the history of the SIA program and how he takes care of the beautiful Albine Red Tail Hawk and Eagle.
Submitted by Charlotte McCurtain, Director
The 4th Disability Awareness Day held on September 17 was a huge success. There were approximately 200 people in attendance. A total of nine Comanche Nation programs, eight Lawton Indian Hospital departments and two State Department of Rehabilitative offices set up information booths for the event. These programs helped make the event successful. Each program was given the opportunity to address the audience and talk about their particular services. The event started out with a traditional Cedar ceremony, performed by Stacey Sovo. This was followed by guest speaker, Bob Zumwalt, Fitness Specialist of the Lawton Indian Hospital Diabetes program. Zumwalt gave a presentation on
“Laughter Yoga.” He spoke on the positive physical effect laughter has on one’s health. Next was a presentation by Bill Voelker of the Comanche Nation SIA (Eagle) program. He spoke about the history of the SIA program. He brought a beautiful albino red tail hawk and an eagle to show. The people in attendance enjoyed looking and taking pictures with the birds. The SIA program is internationally known and has a close working relationship with several countries. A survey designed to identify barriers for Native Americans participating in the State Department of Rehabilitative Services program was once again taken at the Disability Awareness Day. Data from the survey will once again be shared with the
Comanche Nation Elder Council Trip to Taos, and Santa Fe, New Mexico Submitted by Comanche Nation Elders Council
On October 13, the Comanche Nation Elders Council traveled by bus to Taos, New Mexico, for a visit to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument was established on March 25, 2013, by Presidential Proclamation, and includes approximately 242 500 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Hosting the visit were Jimmy Arterberry, Comanche Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer,, and Dr. Severin Fowles, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Barnard College and Columbia University, and director of the Gorge Project. Providing additional information and assistance were Ayers (Merrill) Dick, BLM Taos Cultural Resources Lead at the BLM Taos Field Office; Lindsay Montgomery, PhD student at Stanford University, Richard (Dick) Ford, Emeritus of Anthropology and Botany at the University of Michigan, Michael Adler, Professor of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University and the director of SMUs extension campus in Taos, Joe Vieria, Project Leader of the San Luis Valley/ Northern Rio Grande Regional Renewable Energy Project, BLM,Pekka Hamalainen, Rhodes Profession of American History at Oxford University and the author of The Comanche Empire, Samuel Trett, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico and the author of Fugitive Landscapes: The Forgotten History of the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands, Gary and
Dorothy Grief, Taos Archaeological Society, Jason Ordaz, professional photographer specializing in photography of archaeological subjects. Upon arrival they were met by Fowles and Arterberry and given a brief overview of our visit the next day. The next morning, the abovementioned individuals was introduced and told us a bit about their role in the research and preservation of the Gorge Project. The group traveled by caravan to the site about 10 miles outside of Taos into the rugged BLM Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. The Elders were shuttled in the other vehicles present. Three elders decided to walk, Vivian Holder, Adele Mihesuah and Beverly Isaac almost made it to the bottom, but were picked up within a few yards when it was decided they were taking too long. The Elders were taken to three sites, two of which were near the drop off point. The trail was steep, rocky and grown over with brush. It was a heartwarming and inspiring sight to see our hosts, BLM representatives, the bus driver Donnie Coslin, and the local participants helping the Elders along those trails, some were almost carried and their walkers were carried on those men’s backs. The rock art itself was amazing, clearly showing human figures, tepees, animals, animal hides and textile artifacts, scratched and abraded into the rock. Because the Comanche were known to visit the
Director of the State DRS program. The CNVR Director, Charlotte Niyah McCurtain presented statistics particular to those served through the program. According to statistics from Jan. 1- Sept. 12, 2014 there were 92 consumers served. Out of the 92 consumers 62% were female and 38% were male. Out of the female and male consumers and predominant age range was 41-50 years of age. According to the Director the top four primary disabilities of those served are (1) rheumatoid arthritis (2) anxiety/depression (3) bipolar disease and (4) substance abuse. Those served were of the following tribes: Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne/ Arapaho, Caddo, Choctaw, Apache, Eastern Shoshone, Ft.Sill Apache,
Sac & Fox and Crow. Prior to the Disability Awareness Day the CNVR Director and Administrative Assistant began working on a video. The video consisted of five CNVR consumers who are also consumers of the State Rehabilitative Services program. They told their own story of their disability (s) and how it impacted their employment goal. They also talked about how the CNVR and State DRS helped them obtain their employments goal. Unfortunately there was a problem with the video and could not be shown. Efforts are currently being made to correct the video for future usage. The CN Vocational Rehabilitative program is for Native Americans who have a documented
physical or mental disability that is a impediment to their employment goal. If you or a family member would like more information about the Vocational Rehabilitation program you can call (580) 492-3605 or come into the office, located in the administration building at the tribal headquarters. Comanche Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Staff: Charlotte Niyah McCurtain, Director (580) 492-3606. Elaine Antone, Counselor (580) 492-3610. Jacqueline Pete, Counselor (580) 492-3609 Rose Lomavaya, Administrative Assistant (580) 492-3605.
Pueblos for trading and raiding, these particular rock art were selected because they are suspected to be Comanche in origin. One of the strong reasons is the design of the tepee depicted in the rock art and the artifact design known to be of Comanche origin. A third site was visited by those that could walk and climb better since it was farther down the Canyon. The Elders were then shuttled to the lunch site to rest from the trek. After lunch, the Elders were shuttled back to the top of the Gorge and boarded the bus to return to the Hotel. That evening Dr. Fowles hosted a buffet dinner and showed a slide show of how the rock art was found and how it is transferred by tracing the rock, then putting onto pictures. There were statements by the hosts and the participants in the day’s journey and information about the ongoing research. “The site was rugged and beautiful and we could all see how our ancestors traveled down that ravine with the hundreds of horses for trade, camping where they couldn’t be seen until they were ready to make their presence known, said Adelle Mihesuah. On October 15, the Elders traveled to Santa Fe, where they toured the Institute of American Indi-
an Arts. They were greeted by Glennabah Buffington, who organized the tour and one of the guides and Chee Brossy, Alumni and Constituent Relations Manager. Also there was Jason Ordaz, who continued to take photos of their visit to IAIA. Adele Mihesuah was the only alumni of the Institute of American Indian Arts on this Elder Trip. Brossy did a brief interview of her take on the new campus and life at IAIA in 1968-1969, versus today. After lunch, the elders were split into two groups, and taken on a tour of the beautiful campus, the work areas, and the virtual dome. They were taken to a room that housed all types of art from past students back to 1962 when the Institute of American Indian Arts was founded. The IAIA campus was large with numer-
ous buildings, specific to the type of art and/or major of each student. In the virtual dome they were given a choice of sitting in “gamer chairs” or regular chairs that were placed in the dome specifically for the group. The virtual dome was a 360 degree theatre that completely surrounded the audience with sights, sounds, colors, shooting stars, and the galaxy. It was an amazing experience, and the tour of the campus was fascinating. After the tour of IAIA the group traveled to their hotel to relax and reflect on the sights and sounds of both the Grand Del Norte National Monument and the Institute of American Indian Arts. The Elders traveled home on October 16.
November 2014
6
The Comanche Nation News
Military Submitted by: Lanny Asepermy/CIVA
KNOWN WAR ON TERROR VETERANS The War on Terror aka Global War on Terrorism began when the US military invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001 after the attack on September 11, 2001 of the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and the downing of Flight 93 near Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2011. A total of 2963 Americans died during these attacks – 2749 in the Twin Towers, 184 at the Pentagon and another 40 on Flight 93. The war in Afghanistan, known as Operation Enduring Freedom, is on going (13 years, 1 month and 4 days as of Veterans Day). The US invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003 and that campaign, known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, ended when the last US military forces withdrew on December 15, 2011 (after 8 years, 8 months and 25 days of hostilities). Consider World War II last 3 years, 8 months and 8 days. 90 known Comanches have served in the military from September 11, 2001 to present (217 Comanches served during World War II). 6,639 US military have died during the War on Terror including 1 Comanche, Cpl Joshua J. Ware on November 16, 2005. Two others have been wounded in action, SFC Charles Eatmon twice and SSG Joseph Gonzalez. Many have served in either Afghanistan or Iraq including some who have served in both campaigns. Here is a list of the known Comanches that have served in the military since September 11, 2001. 1. Ah Sam, Greg USAR in Iraq 2. Allen, Brandon USMC in Iraq 3 times 3. Arterberry, Ricky, USAF 4. Atauvich, Kenneth USAF in Afghanistan and Iraq 5. Beasley, Anthony USA in Iraq 6. Bedeker, Kyle USA Iraq 7. Blackstar, Jesse USA Iraq 8. Burgess Billy USA 9. Burns, Jenifer USA 10. Chebahtah, Joseph Adam USA Iraq 11. Chebahtah, Chris CAARNG Iraq 3 times 12. Chebahtah, Jacob USA Iraq and Afghanistan 13. Chebahtah, Russell USA Afghanistan 14. Choney, Carden USMC 15. Clark, Curtis USA 16. Codopony, Mariah OKARNG Afghanistan 17. Cole, Gregory USA Iraq and Afghanistan
18. Davis, Jeffery USN 19. Debouver-Mihecoby, Jennifer USA 20. Defilippo, Scott USA 21. Donald, Jannetta USA 22. Eatmon, Charles USA Iraq and Afghanistan 23. Eckiwaudah, Randall USMC Iraq 2 times and Afghanistan 24. Edge, Megan USAR 25. Elam, Daniel USMC 26. Elam, Joey USA 27. Frickie, Michael USA Iraq 2 times 28. George, Jonathon USAF Afghanistan 29. Gonzalez, Joseph OKARNG Iraq and Afghanistan 30. Grinder, Lindsay USMC Iraq 31. Heminokeky, Erin USCG 32. Heminokeky, Glenn Jr USMC Afghanistan 33. Herrera, Baliente USA Iraq 34. Hunter, John USN Iraq 35. Isaac, Mathew USA and USAR 36. Karty, Alexander USA Iraq 2 times 37. Kerchee, Marshall USMC 38. Kerchee, Tennyson USA Iraq 2 times and Afghanistan 39. Kerchee, William USN 40. Koassechony, Ferrell USMC Iraq 41. Maffaffy, Jessica USN 42. Mahseet, Eagles, USMC Afghanistan 43. McClung, John B OKARNG Iraq and Afghanistan 44. McClung John G USA Afghanistan 45. Motah, Timothy USAF Afghanistan 46. Mountain, James USA 47. Myers, Jackson USN Iraq 48. Newman, Anita USN 49. Otipoby, Joshua USA Afghanistan 50. Parker, Roy USMC Iraq 3 times and Afghanistan 51. Patterson, Frankie USA 52. Patterson, James Jr USN Afghanistan 53. Pawlowski, Dominic OKARNG Iraq 54. Plata, Wynne USN 55. Pohawpatchoko, Kevin USNR Iraq and Afghanistan 56. Pohdoco, James OKARNG 57. Portillo, Dave USMC 58. Robles, Arlene USN 59. Rodriguez, Rudy, USA Iraq and Afghanistan 60. Ruth, Robert USA 61. Saenz, Ricardo USA Afghanistan 62. Saryerwinnie, Dennis USAR Afghanistan 63. Saryerwinnie, James USN Iraq 64. Satepauhoodle, Tanner USA
Afghanistan 65. Seaman, Matthew LAARNG Afghanistan 66. Smith, Kyle USA 67. Smith, Lisa USAF Iraq 3 times 68. Southard, Aaron USA Iraq 2 times 69. Southard, William Clark USA 70. Squire, Michael USA Afghanistan 71. Tahchawwickah, Lanette USAFR 72. Tahkofper, Vena USA Iraq 73. Tahmahkera, Benny Jr USMC Iraq 2 times and Afghanistan 74. Tate, Paul Jr OKARNG Iraq 75. Tenequer, Michael OKARNG Iraq 76. Toquothy, Thomas USMC 77. Torres, Terry USA Iraq 3 times 78. Wahkahquah, Karli OKARNG Afghanistan 79. Wermy, Aaron USAF Iraq and Afghanistan 80. Wermy, Kris USA and OKARNG Iraq and Afghanistan 81. Wichita, Richard USN 82. Williams, Rhonda USA Afghanistan 83. Woommavovah, Gerald Jr USAR Iraq 2 times 84. Woommavovah, Mark USAR Iraq 85. Woothtakewabbitty, Raymond USA Iraq and Afghanistan 2 times 86. Yackeschi, Glenda OKARNG Afghanistan 87. Yazzie, Lamoni USAF 88. Yazzie, Lawrence USAF 89. Zambraba, Randolph USA Afghanistan 90. Zavala, Manuel USA Iraq 2 times and Afghanistan
participated in well over 600+ commitments including 100+ military funeral honors, placement of 80+ military markers and numerous meetings, color guard, co-host, banquets, memorials, celebrations and guest speaker endeavors. He was instrumental with establishing the Patriot Room, upgrading the Code Talker monument, establishing Tahsequah Garden and adding over 440+ names to the CIVA Court of Honor dyes including the Numu Wounded Warrior and Numu Pukutsi dye. Perhaps his most significant accomplishment was placement of military markers at the gravesite of 21 of the 22 Comanche Code Talkers and representing a delegation of Code Talker descendents in France in June 2014. Red Elk served with the Army from 1967-73 and OK Army National Guard from 1982-91 – he is a Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars veteran. He was also a Federal Government employee and Contractor at Fort Sill from 1973 until his retirement in 2010. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Sliver Star.for Gallantry and the Purple Heart for combat wounds. Red Elk was also inducted into the OK Military Hall of Fame in 2011. His dedication, untiring service and leadership will be greatly missed.
RED ELK RESIGNS AS CIVA COMMANDER
George Red Elk resigned as Commander of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association effective October 14, 2014. Vice Commander and former Commander, Jack Codopony Sr, has assumed the duties as the Commander. Red Elk cited “it is time enjoy my retirement” stating he wanted to spend more time with his children and especially his grandchildren but couldn’t because most of his weekends are taken with various CIVA commitments. Red Elk has been an active member of the CIVA, as the Treasurer, from 1993-97 and again from June 2007. He was elected as the Vice Commander before being elected as the Commander (and Treasurer) in 2008. During his tenure he
George Red Elk being inducted into the OK Military Hall of Fame Jack Codopony Sr has been an active member of the CIVA since about 1994 and served first as the 1st Vice Commander before being appointed as the Commander from 1996-07. He is a former Marine, Marine Reserve, Army National Guardsman and Army Reservists serving from 1953-91. Codopony Sr. is a Korean War veteran and served on active duty at Fort Sill during the Persian Gulf War. He retired from Indian Health Service and was employed by the Comanche Housing Authority for a number of years. Codopony Sr. also served on the Comanche Business Committee and numerous boards
from 2013-14. He is currently on the Tobacco and Assisted Living Boards. Codopony Sr. also raises horses at his home place west of Apache. As the former Commander, Codopony Sr was instrumental with the design and placement of the Code Talker Memorial. He also secured funds for the organization in 2004, which has enabled the organization to recognize our veterans for their military service. Codopony Sr. is a proven leader and will continue to move the CIVA in a positive direction.
Jack Codopony Sr
VETERAN PHOTOS AND MILITARY SERVICE INFORMATION REQUESTED Former CIVA Historian, Lanny Asepermy, is updating the master listing of Comanche veterans. The listing currently contains 1,146 names and 502 photos of Comanche veterans. Information on about 60% of the veterans contains only the full name, rank, branch of service and the years served. Asepermy is requesting photos and any information from living veterans or family members of living or deceased veterans. Information and photos an be emailed to Asepermy at sgtmajase@yahoo.com or mailed to PO Box 247, Apache, OK 73006. For more information you can contact Asepermy at (580) 588-2377 or (580) 678-4629. Also if you are a veteran or know of veteran no longer on active duty whose name is not on the CIVA Court of Honor dyes in front of the Nation headquarters please provide the full name, rank, branch of service and years served and proof of military service so that veteran can have his name added to the dyes. Your assistance is greatly appreciated
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH SCHOOLS Dear TCNN,
Photo by Candace Todd/News Staff
The beginning of the school year, the Comanche Nation, though the Comanche Nation Casinos, were able to donate to a total of 14 schools in the surrounding areas. Lawton Public Schools; Riverside Indian School; Indiahoma Public Schools; Geronimo Public Schools; Walters Public Schools; Grandfield Public Schools; Big Pasture Public Schools; Cache Public Schools; Chattanooga Public Schools; Elgin Public Schools; Apache Public Schools(Boone-Apache); Central Public Schools; Fletcher Public Schools; Cyril Public Schools. The Comanche Nation Staff here enjoyed being able to be a part of this project to be able to give back to the surrounding communities.
dent
On behalf of Boone-Apache Schools, we are so appreciative of the school supplies that were donated to our school. Our students and teachers were very excited to receive theses supplies. The excitement that a child shows when receiving a gift of school supplies is a great sight to see when their eyes light up. This generous donation will benefit many of our students and teachers in our school system. I also wanted to say that the two men that delivered our supplies, Freddie Banderas and Adrian Koassechony, were very polite and did a great job of unloading and stacking all the wonderful supplies. A g a i n , thank you very much for the donation to our students at Boone-Apache. Your involvement in the education of our students is an important partnership and we truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sincere Appreciation, Don Schneberger, Boone-Apache Schools Superinten-
Dear TCNN Thank you so much for all the wonderful school supplies. We appreciate the time and effort it took to gather and deliver the supplies to Cache Schools. The staff has thoroughly enjoyed going through the boxes and finding much needed learning tools for students. At Cache Schools, we believe, “to teach is to touch a life forever.” Your gift will help us continue touching the lives of our students. Thank you Randy Batt, Superintendent Cache Schools
November 2014
7
The Comanche Nation News
Sports Tribal Youth is a Big Hitter
Sovo becomes All American Cheerleader
Sovo
Villalobos Comanche tribal youth Luis Villalobos has become a very important player for his baseball team, the Shawnee Scissortails. Villalobos was one of the key players, helping his team win the 2014 OK Kids State Midget Tournament, which was held in Blanchard, Okla. Villalobos is on the Honor Roll and on the National Junior Honor Society. He is nine years old and has been playing baseball since the
age of three. Villalobos plays First base and has a batting average of 440 clean up (4th batter). He has hit at least 10 over the fence homeruns. Villalobos is the only kid known to hit over 300 ft. plus, clearing a 12 ft. fence in the Oklahoma State Tournament. As a 7th grader, Villalobos was voted the 2013 Baseball MVP, competing against 8th graders. He also made the USA Baseball NTIS
Jordan Sovo is 16 yrs. old and attends Vian High School in Vian Oklahoma and is a proud member of the Comanche Nation. While attending the 2014 NCA summer home camp she was awarded the All American Cheerleader by the NCA (National Cheerleading Association). She was recognized by displaying superior qualities in certain aspects of cheerleading including motions, jumps, dance, stunts, tumbling and leadership. For her outstanding accomplishments she will be the first known
Comanche tribal member to have and exclusive performance opportunity to be in the Walt Disney World Christmas parade in Orlando Florida that will be televised on ABC Christmas day. Sovo's proud parents are T.D. and Kathy Sovo. She is the granddaughter of Luis (Marty) Martinez and the late Dorothy Martinez of Indiahoma. Grandparents are the late Thomas Sovo Sr. and Geneva Sunagoowie Sovo. Her great grandmothers are the late Edith Kassanavoid Gordan and Ernestine Sovo.
tal Unbudgeted Revenues for the appropriate years. Approval of this Carryover Resolution will make certain that the Comanche Nation will no longer have any Unbudgeted Gaming Revenue in the future. However, the TRUTH is that we have over $157 Million Dollars in Unbudgeted Gaming Revenue for the years from FY-03 to FY014. Only the Council can authorize the expenditure of funds by approval of our Annual Budget. The CBC does not have the authority to approve any budget. A Special Council Requirements of the National Indian Gaming Act. Every Comanche is entitled to an increased Per Capita Payment. A Health Budget will provide a facility for improved health services.
ing Authority, Revolving Loan Program, WIA, Etc. The Profitability and Financial Status Report, including the cost of each building and improvement cost of each building, of these economic investments is required by RAP. Thus, all expenditures of Unbudgeted Gaming Revenue, not approved by RAP, VIOLATES Federal Law. Every Penny of the Unbudgeted Gaming Revenue has to be accounted for. In addition, Article I of the RAP needs to be amended to add or include the Truck Plaza Gaming Machines to the list of gaming operations to assure this Revenue is included in future RAPs.
Oklahoma Team. Villalobos is the son of Jacy Grant Villalobos, he is the grandson of the late Carol Martinez Grant and the great grandson of the late Barbara Yackeschi.
Dear TCNN Letters to the Editor Dear TCNN, PROPOSED APRIL 18,2014 COUNCIL RESOLUTION REQUIRED REVENUE ALLOCATION PLAN RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Tradition of Sovereignty of the Comanche Nation, since time immemorial, which long predates the existence of the United States, establishes the Inherent Sovereign Powers and Right of Comanche self-governance; and WHEREAS, the Authority of the Tribal Council is to authorize the expenditure of funds by approval of the Annual Budget pursuant to Comanche Constitution article VI Section 7(d)(3). All expenditures over the annual budget violate the Constitution and are not authorized and invalid; and WHEREAS, the Revenue Allocation Plan (RAP) requires the distribution of the net gaming revenue pursuant to 25 CFR 290. The annual budget is based on the expected net gaming revenue not the actual gaming revenue, each fiscal year there is a Carryover of unbudgeted actual gaming revenue and this difference is required to be budgeted; and WHEREAS, the enforcement of the RAP to budget the actual net revenue, is provided
by the CFR Court of Indian Offenses, which has judicial jurisdiction pursuant to Comanche Nation General Resolution No. 07-16-01, and is required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tribal Council directs the Comanche Business Committee to add the following item to the Referendum Vote for the FY-16 Annual Budget to meet the requirement that the RAP is based on the actual gaming revenue. Future Carryovers shall be added to each proposed Annual Budget, which shall be approved by a Council Resolution to be placed on the Referendum Vote. : Any actual net gaming revenues as of the last date of the fiscal year (FY-15), which may exceed the annual (RAP) budget for FY-15, shall be approved and shall be added to the annual RAP for FY-16. This Carryover, or additional per capita payments and additional services, shall be allocated according to the currently approved Bureau of Indian Affairs Allocation Rates. This additional services amount shall be budgeted for a Hospital or Health Clinic. NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Tribal Council directs the Comanche Business Committee to the print in the Comanche Newspaper, the actual audited gaming revenue ending on September 30, 2015 and the actual gaming revenues of the past twelve (12)
years from the year 2003 to 2014. These amounts, minus the annual RAP budgets, will determine the unbudgeted gaming revenues for the past twelve (12) years. The above Proposed Carryover Resolution was presented on October 4, 2014 at a CBC Meeting. This Resolution was not approved. The FY-15 Annual Budget is $50,382,150 or about $50.4 Million Dollars. A very conservative figure estimated at $62.4 Million Dollars will provide a Carryover amount of $12 Million Dollars ($62.4 - $50.4). Thus, this Proposed Carryover Resolution is very important to all Comanche Members because 40% of the $12Million Dollars is $4.8 Million Dollars, which is an Additional Per Capita Payment of over $320 for each Comanche Member ($4.8/15,191 Members). Secondly, 60% of the $12 Million Dollars is equal to a $7.2 Million Budget for a Health Facility. A Federal Act provides for the federal government to match or contribute the same amount that a tribe puts into a health building and equipment project. This $7.2 Million Budget could be increased to $14.4 Million. Please note that the Gaming Revenue figures for the years from 2011 to 2014 not exact. The Revenue are the un-audited figures of the CEO for the years 2011 and 2012 and are very conservative estimated figures for the years 2013 and 2014. The exact audited figures will certainly show a higher amount for the To-
IMPORTANT RAP REQUIREMENTS
The Revenue Allocation Plan (RAP) was approved on December 5, 2005 by the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary. Article V, Section 7 of the Plan states that the Business Committee, or their appointee, shall report on annual basis to the Tribal Council on the status of all expenditures and investments authorized pursuant to the Plan. Every year we are suppose to receive a report of all expenditures of programs funded by Gaming, including the Gaming Commission and Board, and the status of all investments of our economic budgets. These economic budgets include Land Acquisitions, CONEI, Capital Improvement, Museum, Hous-
Thomas Narcomey Comanche Member
November 2014
8
The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday
Kilah Parker, October 5 Harley Pennington, October 6 T.J. Moore Jr., October 6 Betty Chasenah, October 13 Jackie Codynah, October 14 Karen Kaniatobe, October 14 Kimberly Codynah, October 17 Marilyn Guerrero, October 9 Rodrick Parker, October 19 Yawnna Arkeketa, October 31 Nancy Codynah, October 26 Kelly Slancy Quoyah, October 29 Fred Codynah Sr, October 24 Maggie Jane Poahway, October 24
Happy Belated Birthday Harley Pennington October 6
Happy Belated Birthday TJ Moore Jr October 6
Happy Belated Birthday Marisela Camacho October 13
Happy Belated Birthday Jacobi Tenequer October 18
Happy Belated Birthday Kelly Glancy Quoyah October 29
Happy Birthday Nolan Tahdooahnippah November 4
Happy Birthday Mark A Hotella November 7
Happy Birthday Sharon Myhre November 13
Happy Birthday Cayden Tyler Travis November 14
Happy Birthday Lorene Pennington November 18
Happy Birthday Cecilee Moore November 20
Happy Birthday Gracie Trogden November 21
Happy Birthday Melvin Kerchee Jr November 25
Happy Birthday Josh Pennington November 26
Happy Birthday Don Jamison Poafpybitty November 27
Happy Birthday Angela Rochelle Knox, November 4 Rosalind Asetamy, November 4 Vincent Lewis, November 5 Mark Hotella, November 7 Kevin Geimausaddle, November 8 Darris Smith, November 10 Betty Crocker, November 13 Mona Daukei Davis, November 13 Sharon Myhre, November 13 Anthony Ray Brinkman, November 16 Mary Francis Rutledge, November 16 Ronald Monoessy Jr., November 16 Mary Pohocsucut, November 17 Lorene Pennington, November 18 Nancy Jenkins, November 19 Cecilee Moore, November 20 Josh Pennington, November 26 Cricket Karty, November 29
Anniversaries Edward & Bertha Tahhahwah Jr. November 10, Married 36 years Passing
Deadline for December Edition of The Comanche Nation News: November 17, before 5 p.m. email to: candacet@ comanchenation.com
Happy Birthday Royce Edwin Satepauhoodle Angel Rainheart Redbird September 19, 1930-September 11, 2011 November 28
Happy Birthday
Happy Anniversary
November 29
Kevin & Lou Geimausaddle November 8, 2014
Shannon EagleDay Hunter
The Comanche Nation News /TheComancheNationNews
Married 20 years
In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory
Richard Terry Bread
Teresa Barrett
6/10/1941-11/1/2013 Love is Forever ~Mrs.Richard T.
November 10
November 2014 9
Obituaries Terry Wayne Blair, Jr.
Blair Terry Wayne Blair, Jr. 29 went to be with the Lord on October 4, in Lawton. Funeral Service was October 11, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Leonard Presley officiating, Memorial Indian Church.. Burial followed at Temple Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Prayer Service was October 10, 2014 at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Blair was born to Terry and Pamela Blair on December 2, 1984 in Lawton Oklahoma. He was a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. He worked as a backhoe operator for 10 years at DJ’s Construction. He enjoyed working on cars and there wasn’t a vehicle he couldn’t fix or repair. He enjoyed riding his 01 Honda Shadow with his “Brothers”, he called it “his baby.” He loved races at the Lawton Speedway and followed in Big Terry’s footsteps taking his job after his passing. He enjoyed deer hunting with his father, Big Terry and brother Dusty in the fall. He was a wonderful father. He loved his three little girls dearly. He is survived by his children: Austin Nicole Blair, Hope Ann Blair, and Terri Alice Blair all of Hobart; sister: Brandi Lee Locklear and husband Brandon of Cache; brother: Dusty Dale Norman and wife Shawn of Chattanooga; grandmother: Nancy Pangus of Cache; aunt: Donna Yackeschi of Altus; uncle: Rocky and wife Christy Red Elk of Indiahoma, David Red Elk of Lawton, Tim and Alayna Pangus of Dallas, Markus Pangus of Cache; Nieces and nephews: Tatum and Autumn Shirley, Vada, Buddy, and Caitlyn Worden, Jeffery, Raeanna, Regina and Steven Guth; numerous other family members and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Pamela and Terry Blair; sister: Tiffany Wynette Blair; grandparents: Arthur and Sylvia Blair and Arnold Lee and Bonnie Leeann Red Elk. Memorial contributions may be made to Red River Credit union in the name of Terry Blair, Jr.
Lena Jeanice “Jeanie” Johnson
Johnson Lena Jeanice “Jeanie” Johnson 55 of Cache passed away on October 9, at her home with her family by her side. She was born at Reynolds Army Hospital on March 1,1957 in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. She grew up in
Cache/Lawton areas. Johnson attended Ft. Sill Indian School from 19741976. She was enrolled Comanche Nation and she was also Arapaho and Seminole tribes. She loved to be outdoors where she spent most of her time. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. Funeral Service was October 14, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chuck Bowers and Lay Speaker Tommy Johnson officiating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Intertribal Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer Service was October 13, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. She is survived by her husband Don Apauty of the home; father: James Milton and wife Geraldine Johnson of Okmulgee; uncle; Roderick Youngman and wife Nina of Chattanooga and Tommy Johnson and wife Anita; aunt: Erma Youngman of Cushing, OK and JoAnna Lambert of Lawton; children: Jessica Lynn Williams of Lawton, OK, Alisha Rose Cable, Roderick Thomas Cable of Cache, OK; brothers: James Johnson Jr. of Vernon, TX, Donald Youngman of Lawton, OK, Merrick Lee Youngman of College Station, TX, Brent and LaVonda Youngman of Cushing, OK, Kenneth Tahpay of Cache, OK; sisters: Jody Youngman of Lawton, OK, Kendrith Johnson and Johnna Tahpay, both of Cache, OK; Grandchildren: Kristin and Morgan Apauty, and Gavin Williams, Hayden Cable, Rylei and William Suina, and Thomas and Izabella Cable. She is also survived by other family members: Dianna and Vernon Butler, Donna Apauty, Daisy and Johnny Cunningham, all of Lawton, Dustin Apauty of Cache, OK. Vernon, Andre, and Deon Butler, Daniel and Samantha Morrow, Synthia and Selena Cunningham, Sarah Apauty, and Sheldon Bennett. She is preceded in death by: Her mother: Lisa Rose Youngman; brothers: Edward Len Johnson and Randy Johnson; uncles: Merrick C. Youngman and Harold Johnson Jr; aunts: Carlene Shuffield, Naomi Lyles, Betty Elrod and Edith Reyes; Grandparents: Bert and Lena Hoahwah Youngman, Harold Johnson Sr. and Bernice Whitewolf Johnson; also preceded by her best friend Georgia Waites.
Sammy L. Kopaddy Sammy L. Kopaddy, 62 of Cache went to his heavenly home on October 25, in Lawton with his family by his side. Funeral Services was October 29, Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Nick Tahchaw-wickah and Pastor John Clipp officiating. Burial followed at Cache KCA Intertribal Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was October 28, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Kopaddy was born on October 5, 1952 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Lilly (Yokesuite) and Decker Kopaddy, Sr. He enjoyed telling stories, jokes, watching football, boxing and playing bingo with all of his friends. He loved to dance, martial arts, and really enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He graduated with honors from Ft. Sill Indian School. He went to Washington DC and worked at UN and United States Pentagon for the President. He graduated from Vo-Tech and worked as a machinist and was a member of the Cisco Group. He was a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. He is survived by Children: Mycah Kopaddy and Bruce Kopaddy of the home, Darrin Bark of Cherokee, North Carolina, Robert Bark of Cherokee, NC; brothers; Carlton Kopaddy of Cordell, Kenneth Tahpay of Carnegie; sister: Adaline Horn of Cache, Ernestine Kopaddy, Eva Mae Antunez, Janelle Mowatt all of
Cache, Brenda Ashington of Orange County, California, Winifred Sovo of Lawton and Louella Lumbert of Lawton; grandchildren: Rori Bark, special granddaughter: Roxi Celeste Bark; other grandchildren; uncle: Woodrow Kopaddy of Oklahoma City; aunt: Katherine Klinekole of Anadarko; great-grandchildren: Step mom: Momma Kopaddy; Ernest Brewer, Byron Apauty. He is preceded in death by his parents: Decker and Lilly Kopaddy; wife: Charlotte Kopaddy; sister: Sandra Davis, Lillian Simmons; brother: Donny Yokesuite, Raymond Lee Kopaddy; niece: Dianna Poemoceah; nephews: Oliver Poemoceah, William Horn, Zachery Peyton Christian; aunts: Eva Pautchee, Virginia Saupitty, Mae Cable, Sally Kopaddy, Mary Kopaddy; uncles: Clifford Kopaddy, Roland Kopaddy and Sam Kopaddy; grandparents: Old Man Kopaddy and Ella Connywerdy, Baldwin Yokesuite and Ella Poafpybiity
Josephine Myer Wapp
lished the Comanche National Museum, serving on its board for several years. She was the featured artist for the opening exhibit of the Comanche National Museum, exhibiting her collection of blankets and finger weavings. She was a featured artist at the Red Earth Festival and at the Oklahoma State Capital. As well, her artistic work has been exhibited in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. In 2013, she was the recipient of the Santa Fe Indian Art Market’s Povi’ka Award, which is only awarded to outstanding individuals who have influenced, contributed to and promoted American Indian Art. At age 102, she lived in Lawton, and has been recognized as the oldest living Comanche, outstanding accomplishment in itself. She is survived by: a son, Ed Wapp Jr. of Lawton; grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by: husband, Ed Wapp Sr., a son, Edward Joseph Wapp; a daughter and son in law, Barbara (Wapp) and Joseph Lambert; parents: James and Heva Lena (Fischer) Myers; sisters: Nima Hailman and Kathryn Waddle; brothers: Randlette, Ike, Vincent, Walker and Jack Myers; granddaughter: Richelle Lambert.
Asaan James Fife
Wapp Josephine Myers Wapp, 102 of Lawton went to her heavenly home on, October 26, in Lawton. Funeral service was October 30, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Phillip Seeton officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Apache under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Prayer service was October 29, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Wapp was born on her grandparent’s allotment, south of Apache to James and Heva Lena (Fischer) Myers on February 10, 1912. She attended St. Patrick’s Mission in Anadarko, then continued her high school education at Haskell in Lawrence, Kansas. The turning point in her life came when the Bureau of Indian Affairs established an art education program at the Santa Fe Indian School, Santa Fe, New Mexico in the late 1930s. Under the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act, the curriculum was designed to educate Indians as art teachers and to eventually place them as art teachers in American Indian Boarding Schools. She chose fiber and traditional arts as her major area of study. After completing her art education, she taught American Indian arts and crafts at Chilocco Indian School. In 1963, she was invited to join the faculty at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. Josephine retired in the mid 1970s, and eventually moved back to Oklahoma. During her time as a teacher and professional traditional artist, she influenced and inspired a large number of American Indian Artists. Besides teaching, she also promoted American Indian Culture, especially music and dance. For her students, she was that link from traditional life ways to the present. As an artist, she specialized in finger weaving, an art form among many Woodland tribes. Wapp has received many awards and has served on a number of committees and boards. As selected examples, she was a member of the committee that help to formulate the Museum of the American Indian in New York City and was a founding member of the committee that estab-
Fife Asaan James Fife, 45 of Lawton passed away on October 26, 2014. Funeral Service was November 1, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Sharon Jones officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Prayer Service wasOctober 31, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Born on December 6, 1968 in Lawton, Ok. He graduated from Geronimo High School in1987. Then attended college at Florida College of Natural Health. He was a personal Fitness Trainer at The Comanche Nation Fitness Center and an advocate for diabetes prevention. He was the sole owner and founder of Native Strong. His hobbies include spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed being outdoors, riding motorcycles, hiking, and running. He loved to travel abroad. He enjoyed writing music, singing and playing guitar. He is survived by his Daughter: Raven Bennett of Lawton; Father: Rodger Fife and wife Judy of Indiahoma; Mother: Ruby (Bubbles) Hickey and husband Charles of Lawton; three brothers: Tracy Fife and wife Teresa of Lawton, Joseph Fife and wife Casey of Elgin, and Troy Driskell of Missouri; two sisters: Ladonna Fife of Lawton, Jennifer and husband Jeff (Bubba) Justice of Lawton; aunts: Carol Specker from Missouri, Sandy and Mike Vincent of California, Terri Coppola of Dallas; uncle: Dale Fife of California; girlfriend: Michelle Blanchfield of Lawton; many nieces and nephews; best friend; Tim Johnson and many others. He is preceded in death by: grandmother: Ruby Tabbytosavit; grandfather: Nelson (Shorty) Tabbytososavit; aunt: Edith Dulaney; brother: Travis Driskell
The Comanche Nation News
Pallbearers: Timothy Johnson, Tyler Johnson, George Tahdooahnippah, Trenell Tahdooahnippah, Martin Flores, and Edward Tahahahwah Honorary Pall bears: Tracy Fife and Joseph Fife
Cheryl Lynne Connywerdy
Connywerdy Cheryl Lynne Connywerdy, 57, beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend to many went to her heavenly home on, October 30. Prayer service was at Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Funeral was at Mt. Scott Kiowa Church. Burial followed at KCA Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Connywerdy was born October 10, 1957 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Judy Quoetone Littleman, Oklahoma City and Truman Connywerdy, Apache. She lived for many years in New Mexico and Arizona. She graduated from Lawton High School in 1975 where she was member of the Lawton High Marching band and the Native American Club. She attended Cameron University and was employed as a Medical Records Clerk at the Anadarko Indian Health Service Clinic. She lived in Fort Cobb, OK with her favorite canine kids, Ginger and Cookie, who were known as her BFFs. Conneywerdy managed her own home business selling her world famous meat pies and Indian tacos. People came from all directions to enjoy her delicacys. She was an avid Oklahoma University football fan and an Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball fanatic She is survived by: her parents,daughter, Teresa Sumka of the home; brothers, David and Pat Connywerdy, Oklahoma City and Kevin and Kricket Connywerdy, Norman; Yancy Littleman, Oklahoma City; Special friends, Gina Keniutubbe, Tommy Palmer and Aaron Koomsa. She was preceded in death by; Grandparents, Bill and Lottie Quoetone, Cache, OK; and Julia and Charles Connywerdy, Lawton; Steve Littleman, Oklahoma City, OK
November 2014
10
The Comanche Nation News
2014 Comanche Nation Safehouse October 31 Gives Tricks and Treats
November 2014
11
Texas Star Continued from Page 1
Donna Wahnee gives Hub Baker of the Ft.Worth Stockyards a replica of the Congressional Medal to display in their museum. The Code Talkers Remington, and Quanah Parkand Tahmahkera are among er. the elite to receive a Star of “Its is very humFame in the Ft. Worth Stock- bling,” said honoree, Tahmahyards. Others are John Wayne, kera. “I don’t think I deserve Will Rogers, Zane Grey, Bose it, but I appreciate it.” Ikard, Tad Lucas, Roy Rogers, Tahmahkera, who is Dale Evans, Charles Good- retired from the Tarrant Counnight, Oliver Loving, C.C. ty Sheriff’ s Office, was one Slaughter, Juan Sequin, Bob of the first to begin the process Wills, Bill Pickett, Frederic of having the Comanche Code
RECYCLING TIPS Start Small
Sisters Mona Selph and Nona Reed reflect the time when they stood on Normandy Beach, where their father, Wellington Mihecoby and other Code Talkers, used the Comanche lanugage to help save lives. Talkers to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Families of the Code Talkers attended the event, some traveling as far as Albuquerque, NM, to witness the historical event. “I am so proud,” said Mona Selph, daughter of Code Talker, Wellington Mihecoby. “We all were raised out west and come home, to
Oklahoma, for Spring Break and summer vacations.” Lanora Parker, daughter of Code Talker, Simmons Parker, read the names of the Comanche Code Talkers of World War I and World War II. Lulus of Comanche Woman rang out at the conclusion of the names, showing respect to the men who so valiantly served during a time of tyran-
The Comanche Nation News ny, saving thousands of both American and allied lives. “This is wonderful, I am thrilled to be here,” said Parker’s sister, Mary Moon. “ I was not able to travel to Paris when my sister Lanora went, so this is my chance to share in the honoring of our dad.” Doug Harman of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Tourism Council and Texas Historical Commission of Texas, told a brief history of the Code Talkers to the crowd. “A total of 60 Comanche’s served in World War I, some as Code Talkers,” explained Harman. “They were not considered American Citizens during the time of World War I, not becoming citizens until 1924 through the Indian Citizenship Act.” He talked about the Code Talkers of World War II, and how instrumental Tahmahkera and Congresswoman, Kay Granger, were in introducing the Bill for the Comanche Code Talkers to receive the Congressional Med-
al back in 2002. Director of Special Projects, Donna Wahnee, presented Hub Baker, Executive Director at the Ft. Worth Stockyards, with a Comanche Flag, replica of the Congressional Medal, and a Proclamation thanking the Ft. Worth Stockyards for recognizing the Comanche war heroes and leaders, such as Tahmahkera and Quanah Parker. Nona Reed, daughter of Code Talker Mihecoby, along with her sister, Mona Selph, expressed their gratitude to the Stockyards National Historical Society for recognizing their father and other Code Talkers. “It wasn’t until that day when we visited Normandy Beach, standing where our dad was in the heat of battle, we fully understood what he went through.” The Comanche’s gathered following the ceremony to answer questions and take pictures with onlookers and international visitors.
Want to Start a Business? Need Money to Expand Your Business, Including Arts & Crafts Businesses ? Call (580) 351-9951 Comanche Nation Revolving Loan Program
November 2014
12
The Comanche Nation News
1608 SW 9th Street, Lawton, OK 73501 (580) 591-0203 (580) 353-7075 FAX www.cnc.cc.ok.us
Spring 2015 Class Schedule Open Enrollment at Comanche Nation College Tuition Waived for Comanche Tribal Members* Classes Begin January 7, 2015 1st 8 Weeks--January 7 - March 13 Dept. AGR AIS AIS AIS AIS AIS AIS AIS ART ART BIO BIO BIO BIO BIO BIO CHM CHM ECO EDU ENG ENG ENG ENG HIS HIS HIS LIN MTH MTH MTH MTH NLG NLG NLG NUR POL SCI SCI SOC SOC SOC
Course Number 1333 1413 1443 2513 2443 2473 2483 2493 1413 2433 1474 1474L 2134 2134L 2124 2124L 1361 1364 2013 1111 0113 0103 1213 2323 1493 2483 2493 2143 0103 1513 2203 2214 1133 1213 1223 1003 1113 1301 1303 1113 2023 2113
January 7 - May 8, 2015
2nd 8 Weeks--March 23 - May 8
* Waiver excludes books and fees. Waiver does not apply to students dually-enrolled in Bacone College. Course Description Intro to Agriculture Economics Contemporary American Indian Issues Tribal Governance American Indian Philosophy American Indian Oral Literature American Indian Stereotypes in Literature & Film Comanche History to 1875 Comanche History after 1875 American Indian Documentary History of Indigenous Women's Art Principles of Biology II Principles of Biology II--Lab Human Physiology Human Physiology--Lab Intro to Microbiology Intro to Microbiology--Lab General Chemistry Lab General Chemistry I Principles of Economics I Intro to CNC (1st 8 Weeks) Developmental Writing Basic Composition Skills (2nd 8 Weeks) English Composition II American Indian Literature U.S. History Since 1865 Comanche History to 1875 Comanche History after 1875 Languages of Native North America Beginning Algebra College Algebra Elementary Statistics Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Kiowa Language I Comanche Language II Kiowa Language II Medical Terminology American Federal Government Native Science Laboratory Native Science Intro to Sociology Social Problems Sociological Perspectives of Indigenous Education
*Classes are subject to change.
Days
Start
End
MW MW MW TR MW MW TR TR R MW TR W MW R TR T F TR W MW MW MWF TR TR MW TR TR MW MW MW MW TR MW MW MW MW MW F TR MW TR TR
5:15 PM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 3:30 PM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 2:00 PM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 12:00 PM 2:00 PM 10:00 AM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM 3:30 PM 9:30 AM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 3:30 PM
6:30 PM 12:15 PM 6:45 PM 12:15 PM 12:15 PM 4:45 PM 12:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:00 PM 3:15 PM 10:45 AM 3:50 PM 10:45 AM 3:50 PM 1:15 PM 3:50 PM 11:50 AM 7:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:20 AM 3:15 PM 10:30 AM 10:45 PM 3:15 PM 3:15 PM 12:15 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM 10:45 AM 1:45 PM 3:15 PM 1:45 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 12:15 PM 2:20 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM
Instructor Hubbard/Koll Hegwood Hegwood Hegwood Riding In Hegwood Arterberry Arterberry Arkeketa Hegwood Koll Koll Koll Koll Koll Koll Koll Dorrell Mosesman Riding In Riding In Riding In Riding In Riding In Pe単uelas Arterberry Arterberry Neely Stillsmoking Stillsmoking Stillsmoking Stillsmoking Neely Narcomey Neely Citizen Pe単uelas Koll Munoz Berry Berry Hegwood
Weeks 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 8 16 8 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
**Cancellations may be contingent upon enrollment numbers.
Come Study With Us! For More Information: Contact Student Services at (580) 591-0203 Ext. 109 RELATIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITY RECIPROCITY REDISTRIBUTION TION