April 2013 TCNN by Comanche Nation of Oklahoma

VOLUME 13 EDITION 4

Lawton, OK

April 2013

Roadway to Casino Breaks Ground

Comanche NAGPRA Board Responds to Ft. Sill Indian Agency Cemetery Hearing

Give Report and Recommendation to CBC at March Meeting Submitted by Comanche Nation NAGPRA Board

The Comanche Nation Election Board sends this Notice of Election to ensure that all eligible voters receive an opportunity to vote in the upcoming General Election scheduled for May 18, 2013. Prior to the Election, a General Council Meeting will be held on April 20, 2013 in Watchetaker Hall. At the General Council Meeting, nominations will be accepted for candidates for: Committeeman # 1 Committeeman #2 Two (2) Election Board Members for these Precincts (nominations must come from a Precinct resident): Apache Anadarko Oklahoma City One (1) Election Board Member for the Precinct of: Walters Also at the General Council meeting, Budget items to be placed on the Election ballot will be presented to the membership and a Tribal Administrator will be hired. Voting on Election Day Voters may cast their ballot on Election Day, between the hours of 8 a.m., and 6 p.m., at the polling location of the district in which they reside. Polling locations are: Anadarko Precinct – BIA Agency Courtroom, Hwy 281 N & Parker McKenzie Road Apache Precinct – Comanche Community Center,

Comanche Business Committee (“CBC”) Resolution No. 07-13, signed and adopted on the 5th day of January, 2013, established the Comanche Nation Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (“NAGPRA”) Board (hereinafter “Board”).1 The Board consists of Bernard Kahrahrah, Clorandia Tsatoke, George Tahdooahnippah, Sandra Karty, William Morgan Tosee, Fred Fodder, Thomas Blackstar Sr., Anthony Monoessy, Lloyd Heminokeky Jr., Sam Devinny, Eleanor McDaniel and Recording Secretary Verna Cable. The members of the Board were selected because of their unique positions as Comanche citizens, and further because they all are cultural participants and practitioners who have been tasked with protecting the traditions handed down by their Comanche ancestors, which is an essential attribute to the cultural sovereignty of the Comanche Nation.2 The CBC mandated that the Board act in an advisory capacity to the Comanche Nation to assist, advise, and provide necessary consultation to the CBC to assist in making sound policy decisions regarding culturally identifiable religious and sacred sites. The CBC further has asked that the Board take on the responsibility of ensuring the protection of the Comanche Nation’s cultural sovereignty. Consistent with these purposes, on January 29, 2013, the Board convened and held a hearing. The Board took sworn testimony on the issues surrounding the Indian Agency Cemetery, located on the east end of present day Henry Post Army Airfield on the Ft. Sill Army Post, where many Comanche ancestors lie in eternal rest. The hearing sought to determine whether the Comanche Nation should declare the Indian Agency Cemetery a “sacred site” as defined by Executive Order 13007(1)(b)(iii) and a “burial site” as defined by NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. § 3001(2)(i), and to consider the proposed unified Comanche Nation position on the management of the Indian Agency Cemetery. The following parties provided testimony and evi-

See ELECTION Page 3

See NAGPRA Page 13

Pictured above: Comanche Nation Business Committee members along with Chairman Wallace Coffey and Tribal Administrator Will Owens. Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

The ground breaking ceremony for the new access road leading from HWY 7 to the Comanche Nation Casino and the Comanche Nation Tourism Center was held March 11. The ceremony began at 10 a.m., with officials meeting at the Comanche Nation Tour-

ism Center. Officials attending the ceremony were Comanche Nation Chairman Wallace Coffey, members of the Comanche Business Committee (CBC), Tribal Administrator William Owens, Comanche Nation Transportation Director Adrian Tehauno along with members of the Oklahoma Department

of Transportation. Each official was given a shovel to break the ground for the new access road. The new paved road to be constructed will be a convenient access road for persons wishing to visit the casino and the tourism center from the Duncan/Lawton Highway 7. to

Comanche Nation Breaks Ground for Red River Hotel Expansion Project

Photo by Tomah Yeahquo/ PIO Staff

Comanche Nation Business Committee and Chairman Wallace Coffey break ground March 15 for the hotel at the Red River Casino. Submitted by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

The Comanche Nation broke ground to its upcoming hotel expansion at the Comanche Red River Casino March 15. The celebration is also in conjunction with the casino’s 10-year anniversary. The Hotel Expansion Project was a vision to the Comanche Business Committee (CBC) and after the members of the Comanche Nation voted to approve the expansion in December 2012, the CBC and the CEO of the Comanche Nation Gaming Board, Chas Robbins, began to work on its construction, design, and opening. The hotel will be a 90room, six-suite, three-star facility at the existing Red River Casino, located near the Texas border off of the I-44 highway.

The hotel will offer conference rooms, meeting space, dinning options, a fitness center and a swimming pool. Included is an expansion of the parking lot to have a well lit spacious parking area. Robbins, said during the ceremony that the beginning of the hotel is a sign of things to come. “It’s a happy day. It’s an exciting day,” he told an audience of more than 100 people. “We have been looking forward to this for years.” It is estimated the construction will be completed in nine to 10 months by Crossland Construction Company, who are based in Columbus, Kan. The rooms will vary in bed size and amenities, and the interior

of the hotel will be decorated with works by Comanche artists, a way the casino can share the heritage of the Comanche Nation according to the Comanche Nation Red River Casino Representatives. Wallace Coffey, Comanche Nation chairman, said the hotel was a long time coming for the casino and was a historic time for the Comanche Nation. He added the proximity to the town of Burkburnett is significant because of the Comanche Nation’s history with North Texas. Robbins said the casino provided 300 direct and indirect jobs and $17 million in salaries and benefits last year.

the south side of the Comanche Nation Tourism Center. Adrian Tehauno, said the new paved road is going to be good for the tribe and the city together. It’s going to be safer for everyone. If the tribe decides later on to expand, the road will be here.

Election Board Sends Out Notice Submitted by Comanche Nation Election Board

April 2013

THE COMANCHE NATION NEWS The award-winning Comanche Nation News, the official communication of the Comanche Nation, is available at no charge upon request. The deadline to submit information for the May edition is noon April 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 Email: comanche_news@yahoo.com •

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TCNN Staff Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter, Photographer-Email: tcnneditor@ yahoo.com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: kartynews@ yahoo.com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/ Photographer- email: heminokekynews@yahoo.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 Chairman Wallace Coffey Vice Chairman Mike Mack Mahsetky Secretary/Treasurer Gary Tahmahkera Committeeman No. 1 Charles Wells Committeeman No. 2 Sonya Nevaquaya Committeeman No. 3 Harry Mithlo Committeeman No. 4 Jack Codopony Sr.

The Comanche Nation News

Government

Child Support Services Main Resolution Topics at March CBC Meeting

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the March 2, 2013 Comanche Business Committee (CBC) monthly meeting, and not the official meeting minutes. To receive a copy of the official minutes, please contact the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 4923251. Chairman Wallace Coffey began by briefing the audience on upcoming events including the Road Expansion from Lee Blvd. to the Lawton Comanche Nation Casino. Each CBC had an opportunity to address the audience. Thomas Narcomey took the floor to discuss the Indian Agency Cemetery. Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order at 11:23 a.m. Secretary/Treasurer Gary Tahmahkera conducted Roll Call. All CBC were present and a quorum was established. Tahmahkera provided the invocation. Vice Chairman, Mack

Mahsetky, made a motion to approve the February 2, 2013 meeting minutes. CBC No. 2, Sonya Nevaquaya, seconded the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Resolutions 29-13 Enrollment List No. 923. Eligible for Comanche Nation membership. Tahmahkera made a motion to accept the resolution. CBC No. 4, Jack Codopony Sr., seconded the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 30-13 Bank Account for Child Support Services. The resolution will provide a separate account at Liberty National Bank for the Child Support Program’s support payments to clients. They will turn in a monthly bank statement. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolution. CBC No. 1, Charles Wells, seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 31-13 Per Capita for Child. The resolution will au-

thorize City National Bank to hold the per capita check of persons who are behind on their Child Support Payments. Codopony makes a motion to accept the resolution. Mithlo seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Motions Mahsetky makes a motion for Finely and Cook to carry over $294,677 from Land Acquisitions, and to carry over $53,984 to Charitable Funds. Tahmahkera seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Old/New Business The Comanche Nation NAGPRA Board Recording Secretary, Verna Cable, took the floor to read the NAGPRA Report/Recommendations of the Ft. Sill Indian Agency Cemetery. (See Pages 1&13) Wells makes a motion to go into Executive Session at 12:08 p.m. Nevaquaya seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION. Chairman Wallace Coffey was part of a special panel discussion concerning Economic Development in Indian Country March 13 at the National Reservation Economic Summit in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The panel invited Indian Country’s most inﬂuential Tribal Organizations as they discuss intertribal economic development opportunities and the benefits of cross cultural collaboration and teaming together to accomplish a brighter future for Indian Country. Co-Moderator for the event was Margo Gray-Proctor – President, Horizon Engineering and Chairwoman, Board of Directors, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, and the Co-Moderator: Jefferson Keel – President, National Congress of American Indian and Lt. Governor, Chickasaw Nation. Sitting on the panel with Chairman Coffey were George Thurman – Principal Chief, Sac and Fox Nation; Brian Patterson – President, United South and Eastern Tribes Inc.; Bear Clan Representative to the Oneida Indian Nation’s Men’s Council and Clan Mothers; and Fawn Sharp – Chairwoman, Quinault Tribe and Chair, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI).

Tribal Administrator Will 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

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE: ♦ Divorce ♦ Guardianship ♦ Juvenile ♦ Custody

Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001

TCNN Winner of Seven 2012 NAJA Media Awards Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010

Mission of the Comanche Nation The mission of the Comanche Nation is to promote and preserve the culture, history and traditions of the Comanche people, and to further promote and encourage pursuits relevant to an efficient governing body, a viable economic base and measures designated to enhance social and cultural activities which will reﬂect our heritage and assure the continued development and success of the Nation and its members.

♦ Administration of Estate ♦ Criminal ♦ Child Support ♦ Determination of Paternity ♦ Marriage ♦ Name Change ♦ Civil ♦ Protective Order ♦ Adoption

Judge Quanah Parker c. 1877

PHONE: (405)247-8511 or (877)787-4237 ♦ Fax: (405)247-7240 OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm ♦ Monday – Thursday (Closed Friday) MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 368, Anadarko, OK 73005 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Highway 281 North & Parker McKenzie Drive, Anadarko, OK 73005 (located inside the Anadarko Agency)

ELECTION BOARD Continued from page 1

Julia Mahseet Rd. & Hwy 281 Cache Precinct – Cahoma Building, 752 NW Quanah Rd. Lawton Precinct – Comanche Nation Complex, New Conference Room, 584 NW Bingo Rd. Oklahoma City Precinct – Oklahoma City Outreach, 7390 S. Walker, Suite G Walters Precinct – Comanche Community Center, 905 E. Missouri St. Absentee Voting If you are not a resident of one of the established polling districts listed above or you are a resident and will be away from your voting district on Election Day, you may vote by Absentee Ballot. Voters desiring to request an Absentee Ballot may complete and return the enclosed Request of Absentee Ballot using the preaddressed envelope provided. Voters may also receive a Request for Absentee Ballot: • At the Election Board office at the Comanche Nation Complex between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. • By calling the Election Board at (580) 492-3274 or toll free at 1-(877) 492-4988 to request a form be mailed. • By fax at (580) 4923702. • By writing to : Comanche Nation Election Board PO Box 1289 Lawton, OK 73502 • By going to www.comanchenation.com and clicking on “Government”, then “Comanche Nation Election” and then “Absentee Ballot” in the menu to download and print. Please follow instructions for completion of the form carefully and include all requested information. You must sign your name and give your full address, including zip code. Voters may only request a ballot for themselves. Request of Absentee Ballot forms must be received by U.S. Mail. Please return your Request for Absentee Ballot form by close of business May 6, 2013 to allow sufficient time for your ballot to be mailed to you and for its return by Election Day. Absentee Ballots must be received by mail in the Lawton Post Office no later than 12 Noon on Election Day. Absentee Ballots will not be accepted In-Person by the Election Board or at the polls on Election Day. Should a run-off election be required, you will automatically be issued an Absentee Ballot if you requested an Absentee Ballot for the General Election. In-Person Early Absentee Voting Eligible Voters may cast an Early Absentee Ballot in person at the Comanche Nation Headquarters, New Conference Room on Friday prior to the Election Day. Polling hours for In-Person Absentee voting are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Comanche Nation Election Board encourages you to exercise your right to vote.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Proposed FY 2014 Budget Ready for General Council Review April 20 Annual Meeting Expected to bring beyond minimum quorum requirements

Submitted by Comanche Nation Administration Staff

2014 Proposed Budget for the Comanche Nation

Disseminated to tribal members in accordance with the Comanche Nation Constitution Article VI, Section 7, Part d(1)

20% Funds Will Be Invested Tax Commission Contribution Bereavement Assistance CBC Salary Chairman's Salary Child Support Services Comanche Indian Veterans Association Comanche Tribal Princess Comanche JR. Princess Comanche Language & Cultural Preservation Comanche Fair Director Tombstone Project Total Tax Commission Contribution

$300,000 $18,000 $75,000 $106,000 $40,000 $3,000 $3,000 $30,000 $3,000 $20,000 $598,000

KCA Operating Budget

$270,000

Smoke Shop Contribution (Community & Education) Matching Grants $50,000 Church Donations $60,000 Emergency Management Direct Services $90,000 Total Smoke Shop Contribution $200,000 Comanche Nation Gaming Contribution Funds: Revenue Allocation - 40% Elder Payment Per Capita Distribution Total Revenue Allocation

1,000,000 16,731,280 17,731,280

Economic Development - 25% CONEI Capital Improvement Water Park Tourism Center Transit Program Transportation Fitness Center CN Fair Workforce Investment Agency Realty Management Land Acquisitions Museum & Cultural Center Optometry Clinic Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility Administration Early Childhood Development Center Total Economic Development

$1,000,000 $1,887,000 $200,000 $75,000 $775,000 $173,000 $275,000 $127,000 $1,250,050 $452,000 $1,000,000 $996,000 $322,000 $1,500,000 $750,000 $300,000 $11,082,050

Tribal Government - 10% Charitable Fund Children's Court Elections Emergency Management Office Info Technology - Complex Law Enforcement Legal Fees Burial Assistance Gravel-Tinhorns for Tribal Driveways Tribal Employment Rights Office

$200,000 $270,000 $277,820 $70,000 $500,000 $1,500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $200,000 $75,000

Tribal Court

Public Information Office Total Tribal Government

$40,000

$300,000 $4,432,820

Comanche Nation Gaming Contribution Cont'd Community & Education - 25% Firefighters Caregivers CN College/CNC Nursing/Language Archival Comanche Cemetery Improvement Community Center - Apache Community Center - Cache Community Center - Walters CHR Diabetes Child Care Subsidies Program/ Special Needs Elder Council Family Services (Formerly ICW) Higher Education Home Improvement Hope House/Family Violence Prevention Education- Elementary/ Secondary Program Grandparents raising Grandchildren Injury Prevention Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

New Pathways Outreach Anadarko, OK Outreach Center - OKC Outreach center -Dallas TX Prevention & Recovery Center (Formerly Substance Abus Reintegration Program Shoshone Reunion Hosted by Comanche Nation Social Services- Emergency Assistance Student Services (K-12) Tribal Historical Preservation Program Youth Program Youth Shelter CRYS Prescription Assistance Enrollment Elder center Environmental Protection Agency Total Community & Education

$200,000 $200,000 $2,250,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $100,000 $200,000 $150,000 $75,000 $240,000 $1,600,050 $1,322,000 $112,000 $100,000 $30,000 $120,000 $50,000 $90,000 $82,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 $100,000 $50,000 $700,000 $331,000 $210,000 $420,000 $490,000 $690,000 $230,000 $220,000 $300,000 $11,082,050

Revenue Allocation 40% Elder's Payment Per Capita Revenue Allocation 25%, 25%, 10% Total 2013 Budget

$1,000,000.00 $16,731,280.00 $26,596,920.00 $44,328,200.00

2014 Gaming Contributions Tax Supplement Smoke Shop Contribution Total 2013 Contributions

$598,000 $200,000 $798,000

KCA

$270,000

General Council April 20, 2013 Watchetaker Hall Comanche Nation Complex 584 N.W. Bingo Road Lawton,OK 73507 Agenda I. Call to Order II. Invocation III. Nomination of Officers a. Committeeperson No.1 b. Committeeperson No.2 IV. Tribal Administrator's Position V. Tribal Lawyers VI. Approval of Budget FY 2014 VII. New Business

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Line Item Justifications for FY 2014 Proposed Budget Submitted by Comanche Nation Administration Staff

Bereavement Assistance $300,000 Mission- Providing Bereavement to family members. Child Support Services $106,000 Mission- Promoting responsible parenting so that each child has the opportunity for selfsufficiency and self-respect that honors family, community and cultural traditions. Comanche Indian Veterans Association $ 40,000 Mission-Provide Military honors at various Comanche Nation Events such as Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Provide military honors for funeral services, maintenance of Honor Court and flags. Comanche Language and Cultural Preservation $30,000 Mission- To preserve and promote the Comanche Language through educational and developmental programs. Elder Center $220,000 MissionTo provide meals, information, and activities for the elders as well as to homebound elders. Tribal Employment Rights Office - $75,000 Mission- To help improve the quality of life for Comanche Nation members and other Native American families through the development and assertion of Native American Preference laws and the contracting rights of preferential employment, training, business and economic opportunities on or near the Comanche Nation jurisdictional service area. Tombstone Project- $20,000 Mission to identify unidentified Comanche tribal graves and place markers on the gravesite. CONEI $1,000,000 MissionInvest in and operate profitable businesses that will provide diversified economic returns to the Comanche Nation. Capital Improvements $1,887,000 Mission - Constructing new facilities and improving existing tribal properties to better serve Comanche tribal members. CN Fair $127,000 Mission- To enhance social and cultural activities that will reflect our heritage. Environmental Protection Agency $300,000 Mission- To preserve, protect, and maintain our tribal property and lands. Firefighters $200,000 MissionThe fire crew is to provide a work force available for fire protection and suppression, and assisting with natural disaster relief. Fitness Center $275,000 Mission- To enhance the quality of life for the Comanche Nation Members we serve through our fitness philosophy, facilities, pro-

grams and to instill in the lives of people everywhere the value of health, wellness, and fitness. Burial Assistance $500,000 Mission-To help defray burial costs associated with tribal members burial services. Gravel – Tinhorns for Tribal Driveways $200,000 MissionTo replace or repair tinhorns and supply gravel to tribal member’s residence. Land Acquisitions $1,000,000 Mission- To acquire lands and keep them in trust for tribal purposes. Museum and Cultural Center $996,000 Mission- To operate, for public benefit, a museum and cultural center focusing on history, culture, arts, and related subject areas concerning Comanche Indian people. Realty Management $452,000 Mission-To maintain tribal land documents, work to place trust free land into trust, assure land purchases are properly completed, and that tribal lands are properly managed. Tourism Center $75,000 Mission-To share, display, inform, and educate both native and nonnative people on the history of the Comanche people, as well as to share the vision of the future of the Comanche people. Transit Program $775,000 Mission-To provide bus or van transportation in our local service areas. Transportation $173,000 Mission- To improve roadways and bridges. Workforce Investment Agency $1,250,050 Mission- To provide Tribal members with the skills necessary for employment. Children’s Court $270,000 Mission- To protect and serve Comanche Tribal customs, preserve and strengthen the family unit, by acting in the best interest of our tribal children. Elections $277,820 MissionConduct elections and provide election materials and services to Comanche tribal members. Emergency Management Assistance $90,000 Emergency Management Office $70,000 Mission-Prepare for emergencies in the Tribal Nation for natural or man-made disasters such as fire, flood, or storm. Enrollment $230,000 Mission – Ensures that the tribal roll is current, updated, and adheres to the Comanche Nation Constitution. Info Technology- Complex $500,000 Mission- While keeping the highest level of confi-

dentiality, the Comanche Nation Information Technology department provides cost effective telecommunications and technology solutions to the Tribal Government. It is our goal to provide and maintain a reliable and secure network to assist the tribal departments in fulfillment of their mission. Law Enforcement $1,500,000 Mission- Protecting and patrolling tribal assets and Trust Lands. Legal Fees $500,000 MissionTo provide legal advice to the Nation and handle possible or active litigation. Matching Grants $50,000 Mission- Provide grant writing and dollar matches as grant opportunities arise. Public Information Office $300,000 Mission- We are dedicated to the belief that a strong tribal newspaper and media communications are essential to a strong tribe. By encouraging community service among our PIO staff, we recognize that the more we are involved with the community, the better we will be able to understand and serve it by utilizing the many ways of delivering information to the tribal members and public. Caregivers $200,000 MissionTo ensure that Comanche elders are taken care of by a family member. CN College includes Nursing Program and Language Archival $2,250,000 Mission-To provide educational opportunities to Comanche tribal members, and others to learn at a two year college the necessary knowledge and skills including technical to be successful. Comanche Cemetery Improvement $30,000 Mission-To maintain tribal cemeteries. Community Center- Apache $30,000 Mission- Provide a place for community activities. Community Center- Cache $30,000 Mission- Provide a place for community activities. Community Center Walters $30,000 Mission- Provide a place for community activities. Diabetes $200,000 Mission- To promote healthy lifestyles for the prevention and control of diabetes for tribal members through diet, exercise, and diabetes self care management. Early Childhood Development Center $300,000 Mission-The Comanche Nation Child Care Center and Numunu Turetu Early Childhood Development Center are here to provide quality services through partnerships

with families, providers, and the community while nurturing the development of the whole child and supporting cultural and family values. Child Care Subsistence Program/ Special Needs $150,000 Mission- The program is to encourage employment and education among our tribal members, provide a safe child care environment for our Comanche children, and to provide a rewarding program to families that wish to work and further their education. This program is designed to promote stronger family environments that will include requirements such as: Comanche language classes, relationship building classes, community service and more. The program will assist with child care expenses for ages newborn to Kindergarten, school age children that need before and after school care and child care during summer months. Program goals will be strengthening family relationship skills and youth development. Elder Council $75,000 MissionTo keep the elderly informed of tribal programs and services as well as supporting tribal culture, traditions, history, and language. Family Services (Formerly Indian Child Welfare) $240,000 Mission- To protect and maintain the integrity of Comanche families, provide crisis intervention services, court intervention, and promote family preservation through reunification when possible. To protect Indian children from losing their cultural identity and being separated from their tribe. Higher Education $1,600,050 Mission- Provide grants to eligible Comanche students to attend post-secondary institutions/colleges and universities to pursue a bachelors, two year or advanced degrees. Home Improvement $1,322,000 Mission- To assist tribal members with necessary home improvements such as making their homes handicap accessible. Hope House/ Family Violence Prevention $112,000 MissionTo educate, empower and advocate for American Indians to strive to protect their families and communities from crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to provide a safe haven to victims and their children in a culturally sensitive environment. Education-Elementary/ Secondary Program $100,000 Mission- to evaluate the establish-

ment of an elementary/secondary student program. Injury Prevention $120,000 Mission-To increase awareness of safety to the general public through modification of the environment by demonstration, educational awareness, presentations that promote behavioral changes and to reduce the unintentional injuries caused by falls, fires, traffic, and the environment. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act $50,000 Mission-To protect Native American graves from destruction by construction or other forces and to repatriate cultural items. New Pathways $90,000 Mission- To provide halfway house services for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism for the Native American population residing within the Lawton, Oklahoma service area. Nursing Home/ Assisted living Facility $1,500,000 MissionContinue efforts to establish an assisted living facility. Optometry Clinic $322,000 Mission- To provide the highest quality of life for our Comanche Nation Tribal members in the years to come through a better vision. We keep overall patient wellness and understanding as first priorities in everything we do. We strive to provide the best quality of vision and eye health care with friendly, compassionate, & helpful staff. Outreach Center Anadarko $82,000 Mission- To act as a liaison between tribal members and program directors. Outreach Center OK. City $80,000 Mission-To act as a liaison between tribal members and program directors. Prescription Assistance $690,000 Mission- to provide as available assistance with medications and certain medical supplies to help defer the costs for tribal members. Prevention and Recovery Center $120,000 Mission- To encourage and assist Native Americans of all ages to lead a life free from dependence of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs and/or any self-destructive behavior that is detrimental to one’s personal happiness and professional success. Reintegration Program $100,000 Mission- To reintegrate recently incarcerated individuals into mainstream society. Shoshone Reunion $50,000 Mission- To host the annual Shoshone Reunion at Comanche Nation Headquarters. Social Services Emergency Assistance $700,000 Mission- To assist and counsel tribal members with emergency needs. Student Services (K-12) $331,000 Mission- To assist with the basic school need of enrolled Comanche children in grades K-12 nationwide. Tribal Historic Preservation Program $210,000 MissionTo preserve historic and sacred landmarks of the Comanche Nation. Youth Program $420,000 Mission-Educating Comanche youth through multiple actions or activities to be accountable, responsible, taking pride in traditional Comanche culture and becoming successful in life. Youth Shelter $490,000 Mission-To provide a secure, stable environment for our children while they are in our care. Promote and encourage their hopes and dreams so that they will know that there is always a place that they can be safe from whatever brought them to us. Allow children to be who they are in their culture.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Election Board Releases Insufficient Addresses The following Comanche tribal members do not have current addresses with the Comanche Nation Election Board. Please contact the Election Board to update by telephone (580) 492-3273, by fax (580) 492-3702, or by email-- reginab@comanchenation.com. 1. Adams, Kelly Renee 2. Ahhaitty, Tracy William 3. Alcantar, Eric Glenn 4. Alcanter, Dawnie Toreca 5. Andersen, Jessica Christian 6. Anderson, Richard Wade 7. Andonian, Tina Marie 8. Arneecher, Ashley Lynn 9. Asenap, Korie Vanessa 10. Asepermy, Kimberly 11. Attocknie, Jeremy Jene 12. Ballenger, Mary Anna 13. Baskett,Caitlin Keikoeileen 14. Beasley, Vernie Van 15. Beeson, Jack Michael 16. Benefield, Amanda Pihe'vheta 17. Bennett, Anthony Wade 18. Bennett, Cynthia 19. Berg, Erica Renee 20. Blank, Colin Drew 21. Brinkley Jr., James Clinton 22. Brookshire, James Cleve 23. Burgess, Samantha Ray 24. Butler, Judy Ann 25. Cable, Bruner Micheal Fra 26. Cable, Christi Lynn 27. Cardenaz, Carla Sue PO 28. Carr, Sylvena Marie 29. Castro, Karlann Rae 30. Chaat III, Ted 31. Chasenah, Barbara Ann 32. Chasenah Jr., Gary 33. Chebahtah, Jennifer Mabel 34. Christian, Jr., Vernon Garth 35. Clanton, Derek Alan-don 36. Collins-Atwood, Katie Lynn 37. Concepcion, Jillian Lorraine 38. Connywerdy, Adriane 39. Coy, Jamie Sue 40. Coy, Linda Kay 41. Davis, Michael Craig 42. Davis, Toni Lee

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Deeter, Joshua Henry Deford, Virginia Diane Delaware, Phyllis Joann Delgado, Cheevers Hah Dowling, Christina Nicole Driskill, Dallas Frank Dunbar, Charleen Sue Dunbar, Sherea Ravone Dyer, Laura Early, Darby Lou Elaine Elam, Daniel Theodore Elm, Nadja Lee Esquer, Stacie Dale Fagan, Melvin Nicholas Felan, Jennifer Renee French, Crystal Rose Fuller, Linda Lou Galan, Ashley Danielle Gomez, Shannon GuerGooday Jr., Henry WalGordon, Eva Lois Grissom, Robert Dwight Grizzell, Amy Dawn Hadley, Geneva Fay Hamm, Sally Angelena Harris, De Angelo T. Hartman, Bryce Edward Hatcher, Reba Gail Heath-Mcintire, Brandon Heinze, Vernon Eugene Hood, Misti Kay Isbell, Linda Joe Jake, Brandon June Jones, Britany Elise Jones, Scott Edward Jorden, Jeanne Theresa Kahrahrah, Raymond Neil Kahrahrah, Ross Bernard Keller, Shelley Renee Kelley, William Kane Kennedy, Nomachee LouKillsfirst, Kelly Len Kopaddy, Michelle Krayeski, Rose Ann Landers, Jessica Dawn

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Lee, Herman Paul Leon, Anastasia Nicole Longoria, Arlene Lookingglass, Henriette Lopez, Janet MacIas, Marisa Florentina Madsen, Lynn Ann Mahseet, Lena Mahsetky Jr. Larry Wayne Mann, Adam Whitfield Mann, Diana Jean Martinez, Laurena Mae Martinez, Rosa Linda Maynahonah, Sabrina Maynahonah,

Robert

McCarthy, Dylan Cordero McCarthy, Teanna Joann McCoy, Maria Charlotte McGuire, Dixie Lee McGuire, Steven Paul Mihecoby, Derrick ThomMiller, Clinton Mathew Moore-Brown, Johanna Moses, Paul Anthony Mott, Cheldon Skylar Mowatt, Stephen Ray Mowatt Jr., Evans Munoz, Delora Murphy, Patricia Ann Niedo, Darrel Nathan Niedo, Monica Sue Nunley, Melissa Ann Orme, Vernon Lloyd Oxley, Aaron Michael Paddyaker, Aaron Craig Pahcoddy, Cassie RhianPahdocony, Darrin Lee Palacios, Billie De Ann Parker Jr., Billy Jack Parker, James Kenric Parker, Jena Beth Parker, Mandy Lynn Pebeahsy III, Charles WilPekah, Candida Suezett

132. Perez, Clay Simon 133. Poafpybitty, Charles Lynn 134. Poafpybitty, Zackery 135. Poco, Carlos Craig 136. Pohawpatchoko, Chris 137. Pohocsucut, John Ray 138. Pollock, Ernest Lee 139. Portillo, Jermaine Lucas 140. Privitt Jr., Howard Lynn 141. Pueblo, Kevin Lee 142. Ramos, Eleanor Ruth 143. Ransom, Thomas Lee 144. Red Elk, Misty Dawn 145. Red Elk, Shawn Lee 146. Red Elk, Winrod Yackeschi 147. Rhodd, Althea Jeanne 148. Rhodd, Randy Carl 149. Rider, Branden Ronald 150. Rios, Alyssa Candice 151. Rivas, Meredith Kay 152. Roache, Harold Lee 153. Roer, Barbara 2615 154. Rogers Sr., Philip Keith 155. Sandoval, Mariana Luz 156. Sanford, Allison Gayle 157. Sankadota, Daniel 158. Sapcut, Kenneth Milton 159. Satepeahtaw, William John Otto 160. Sayerwinnie, Mario `z Yanez 161. Sayerwinnie, Raymond Allen 162. Sevier, Christopher Graha 163. Sevier, Donna Jeanne 164. Shelton, Kimberly Dawn 165. Singleton, Erin Raquel 166. Sosa, Amy Marie 167. Sovo, Justin Wayne 168. Spottedbird, Ida Cora 169. Steinmeyer, Zaine Poweshiek 170. Stewart, Ricky Lee 171. Stillwell, Carolyn Lucille 172. Suina, William Rory 173. Sullivan, Gail Marie 174. Tahmahkera, Victor Lawrence 175. Tahsahsanah, Taletha Dawn

176. Tahsequah, Sherrie Marie 177. Tarvin, Carol 178. Tarvin, Christopher Guy 179. Thode, Jonathan Christop 180. Thomas, Drake Allen 181. Tiddark, Christian Ross 182. Tieyah, Jordan George 183. Tippeconnie, Yvonne 184. Tomah, Ashley Nichole 185. Tomah, Korbi Grace 186. Tonips, Brian Allen 187. Tooahimpah-Tate, Dennis Frank 188. Toquothty, Joshua Logan 189. Toquothty, Thomas Lee 190. Torralba, Dean Allan 191. Trujillo, Christopher Paul 192. Ubbard, Betty Mae 193. Vance, Chris Leo 194. Varner, Allan David 195. Verdejo, Migdalia 196. Voeltz, Matthew Allen 197. Wahkahquah, Karlijo 198. Wahlenberg, Sean Bradley 199. Wallace, Jacquelyn Ruth 200. Watson, Amanda Conover 201. Wauqua, Wayla Jane 202. Weryavah, Alicia Dawn 203. Wheeler, Delores Ann 204. Whitecrow Jr., Sullivan Roger 205. Wickes, Christina Noel 206. Williams, Eva Teresa 207. Williams, Jimmy Marlow 208. Williams, Rebecca Leann 209. Woosypiti, Jeanine 210. Woosypiti, John Fitzgerald 211. Yackeschi, Ina 212. Yarbrough, Anthony Dean 213. Yates, Gordon Ray 214. Yellowfish, Jacqueline 215. Yellowfish, Lynnie Ronette

The Child Care Developmental Fund (CCDF) Programs will be setting up a booth at April 20 General Council The Child Care Developmental Fund (CCDF) Programs want to get information out to the CCDF participants about the CCDF Plan PrePrint. It will be having a series of Public Hearings in the different community areas at

the end of April and the beginning of May to address changes to our program over the next two years. Please check the Comanche Nation website for the upcoming dates. Some of the things they want to discuss are: • How to spend the pro-

All Candidates running for Comanche Nation Committee positions please contact the Wil Niedo IT Department for a video interview to place on the Comanche Nation You Tube Channel. Let tribal voters know your goals and platforms as a member of the Comanche Business Committee. IT--(580) 492-2335 Deadline is May 5 p.m. May 3.

gram money for quality activities. • How to ensure quality service at the Tribal Centers. • Eligibility requirements for tribal and non-tribal providers. • Income Eligibility requirements for participants.

• The sliding fee scales which determines the family’s co-payments. • Health and Safety requirements. • Collaboration and coordination with the other Programs and entities. For more informa-

tion, please contact Carolyn Codopony ~ Rhianna Nelson ~ Sunshine Warren at (580) 4923490 by telephone, by fax 580492-4399 or email: childcare@ comanchenation.com

VOTE

Daniel Robles

for Tribal Administrator • Management Experience • Bachelor’s Degree • Will monitor & keep programs within budget Paid Advertisement

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Updated Phone List of the Comanche Nation Programs and Services Please Cut Out and Save

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Programs

All Things Comanche A Numunuu Trilogy Part 3

Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center presented All Things Comanche A Numunuu Trilogy Part 3 on February 28th at 1:06 p.m. at the McMahon Auditorium. The exhibit displays many rarely seen Comanche items, including historic items on loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian and World War II relics from the personal collection of the late Charles Chibitty who was the last remaining Comanche Code Talker. The program was opened with a welcome and Introduction by Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi, CNMCC Executive Director. The posting of the colors was done by CIVA and the Comanche flag song was sung by the Wild Band of Comanches. A prayer was given by Rev. Videll Yackeshi. The prayer was then followed by the honoring of the Comanche Code Talkers. A moment of

A honor song was sung for Machel Monenerkit’ to welcome thank her for everything she has done.

The Wild Band of Comanches performed for the museum.

The crowd watching the Eagle and War dancers perform and listening intently to the songs sung by the group Wild Band of Comanches.

silence was then observed followed by the Comanche Code Talker song. The program also included eagle and war dance tributes.

The guest speaker for the event was Machel Monenerkit, a member of the Comanche Nation and the Deputy Director of the Smith-

sonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). Monenerkit’s position allows her to provide programmatic and administrative input for

the day to day operation of the museum’s three facilities. She directly oversees the NMAI’s financial planning office, the Office of Administration, as well as the Executive office support staff, During her career with the museum Machel Monenerkit has many accomplishments that has given her an extensive background. She has also been given the opportunity to travel almost all 50 states, including Puerto Rico. Special honors were given to Monenerkit as she was presented with a Comanche Pendleton blanket. The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center thanked all who made this event a success. The exhibit would not have been possible without the continued support of our tribal people, so a big thank you is extended. All Things Comanche: A Numunuu Trilogy will be on display through August 31, 2013 so all are encouraged to attend.-

Fire Extinguisher Training for Tribal Complex Employees Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

Tribal employees took turns extinguishing a small controlled fire to show them how to use a fire extinguisher.

The Comanche Nation CHR/EMS Department held a Fire Extinguisher training on March 1. The training was held at the parking lot west of Watchetaker Hall at the Comanche Nation Complex. Tom Myers of the Lawton Fire Department was the course instructor for the training. Myers explained the differences of fire extinguishers and what type of fires each extinguisher is used for. Myers also taught the proper way to use each of the extinguishers. Myers demonstrated the use of the fire extinguishers, assisting with the demon-

stration was Ed Ware from the Comanche Nation CHR program. A small contained fire was set and Myers show exactly how to put the fire out using the proper fire extinguisher. Each participant in every class had to demonstrate how to put out a fire using the fire extinguishers. The training was scheduled every hour on the hour from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with a lunch break held from 12 p.m.1 p.m. There were 20 participants per class. Each participant was given certificates upon completion of the class

The participants walked away with a little bit of knowledge on fire safety and the hazards of not knowing how to use a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher training was co-sponsored by the Comanche Nation CHREMS office, Lawton Fire Department, and the Meers Fire Department. The training was to promote fire safety. Since we are approaching the dry and windy season of the year, proper knowledge of how to extinguish a fire and how to use a fire extinguisher correctly is very important.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Alive at 25! Teaches Safety to Teen Drivers

Fire Training Field Day Prepares Participants for Fire Season

Officer Brian Wahnee explaining to the students about some safe driving practices. Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

The Comanche Nation Law Enforcement held a defensive driving course “Alive at 25” on March 18 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Comanche Nation Business center. The program is focused on young adults between the ages of 1524. Comanche Nation’s Cpl. Brian Wahnee was the instructor. “Alive at 25” is an early intervention program to help prevent traffic violations, collisions, and/or fatalities. The

course is only taught by trained police officers or drivers education instructors. Many of the topics discussed in the class deal with issues that teens may encounter which include: speeding, distractions, aggressive driving, seat belts, impaired driving, and other lifeor-death issues. The program educates young drivers to learn safer driving practices, take responsibility for their behavior in various driving situations, become aware of peer pres-

sure environmental distractions, State Graduated Drivers: License (GDL) requirements, and driving hazards in general. Harry Tahsequah, Director of Security at the Comanche Nation Casino, attended the class and shared some of his stories with the students. The 4-hour class included watching interactive videos, sharing driving experiences, and role playing.

A Evening Of Laughs

At 11 a.m., February 23, 2013 the Comanche Nation Fire Program; held a field day training for the Comanche Nation first year firefighters. This event took place behind the Comanche Nation Environmental Program Office (CNPEO.) The Comanche Nation in conjunction with the southern Plains Regional Fire Staff hosted a week long training session for first year firefighters at the Comanche Nation Complex on February 19-23,2013. The training courses consisted of S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Fire behavior, I-100 Introduction to the Incident Command system, and L-180 Hu-

man Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. These courses are required training for qualification as a Firefighter 2 (FFT2) under the wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1. The final day February consisted of field drills utilizing firefighting equipment introduced in the classroom. The students will be able to apply their skills learned during these drills to further enhance their knowledge by actually performing on the job training supervised by experienced knowledge able instructors. Upon completion of these exercises. They will be qualified to suppress wildland fires throughout the United States

Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center Extends Board Members Deadline

The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is seeking qualified people to sit on its Board of Directors. Applicants must have professional experience in one of the following disciplines:Finance, Fundraising, Education, Marketing, Organizational Management, the Arts, or museum work.The selected boardmem-

bers will serve a three-year term. Comanche preference preferred.Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2013. Send resumes to:Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, Attn: Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi, Executive Director, 701 NW Ferris Avenue, Lawton, OK, 73507.

Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

On March 6th the award-winning comedy show, 49 Laughs performed live at Watchetaker Hall. The crowd was treated to fun filled stories and jokes from each of the performers. The opening act was Adrianne Chalepah, right, from Colorado. The highlight of the night was James and Ernie. A Native American comedy duo from New Mexico and Arizona. Watchetaker Hall was filled with laughter. The comedy performance was a drug and alcohol free event and the tickets were $10 per ticket. The comedy show also featured Adrianne Chalepah. For more information visit www.JAMESANDERNIE.com.

Valentine’s Party at the Comanche Elder Center

Picture above from Left to Right: Vivian Holder, Henerieta Pohawpatchoko, Waka Edwards, Lebert Taunah, Laru Sikes, Professor Tracy Price, David Palmer, and Richard Perez

Beginning Computer Course for Comanche Elders Story and Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

Lloyd and Dorothy Demarries won the contest for the couple being married the longest which they have been married for 55 years. Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

A Valentine’s Party was held at the Comanche Nation Elder Center on February 14th, in Lawton, Okla. The day was filled with an extra lovely meal and various activities for the elderly. One of the topics presented was Behavioral Health. Jamie Swanson and Shirley Burris from the Lawton Indian Hospital Behavioral Center, demonstrated the hug and

touch method. Everyone in attendance had a great time while participating in the demonstration. Valentine goodies, and door prizes were available. There was a contest for the oldest couple that has been married for the longest years. The winners of the Valentine couple were Lloyd and Dorothy Demarries, who have been married for 55 years. Congratu-

lations to the lucky couple and may you continue to celebrate many more Valentine’s Day’s together. The whole day was a great and eventful success for all the elders to spend their Valentine’s Day with Comanche Nation Elder Center.

The Comanche Nation Office of Higher Education held a “Beginning Computer Course for Elders” from January 7- February 1. The objective of the Beginning computer course was to provide individuals with basic computer skills. The class was held MondayFriday from 9a.m. to 12p.m. in the Comanche Nation Education building, Adult Education room. The course was offered to Comanche tribal members, 50 years and older, who had little or no experience with computers and equipment. Each student was required to

have a high school diploma or GED and a completed a program application. The course not only provided experience and knowledge of computers, but each student also received $5.00 per hour for seat time. The computer course was a great opportunity to learn new skills. The students were able to recognize and identify all computer literacy, know basic operations of a computer, compose a Microsoft word document, create a Power Point Slide presentation (5-10 slides), complete a Microsoft Excel mini-project, and learn internet and E-mail basics.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

People,Places and Things Happening New Law Allows Tribes Authority Over nonIndians FLAGSTAFF Ariz.American Indian tribes have tried everything from banishment to charging criminal acts as civil offenses to deal with non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations. Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1978 that tribal courts lack criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians, tribes have had to get creative in trying to hold that population accountable. They acknowledge, though, that those approaches aren’t much of deterrent, and say most crimes committed by non-Indians on tribal land go unpunished. Tribal leaders are hoping that will change, at least in part, with a federal bill signed into law. The measure gives tribes the authority to prosecute non-Indians for a set of crimes limited to domestic violence and violations of protecting orders. Implementation of the Violence Against Women Act will take time as tribes amend their legal codes and ensure defendants receive the same rights offered in state and federal courts. But proponents say it’s a huge step forward in the face of high rates of domestic violence with no prosecution. “For a tribal nation, it’s just absurd that (authority) doesn’t exist,” said Sheri Freemont, director of the Family Advocacy Center on the Salt River Pima Maricopa reservation in Arizona. “People choose to either work, live or play in Indian Country. I think they should be subject to Indian Country rules.” Native American women suffer incidents of domestic violence at rates more than double national averages. But more than half of cases involving non-Indians go unprotected because Indian courts have lacked jurisdiction and because federal prosecutors often have too few resources to try cases on isolated reservations. Still, the tribal courts provision was a major point of contention in Congress, with some Republicans arguing that subjection non-Indians to Indian courts was unconstitutional. Rep. Doc Hastings, RWash., said after its passage that the bill denies basic protections and will be tied up in court challenges for years. “It violates constitutional rights of individuals and would, for the first time ever, proclaim Indian tribes’ ‘inherent’ authority to exercise criminal jurisdiction over nonIndian citizens,” Hastings said in a statement. “The Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that tribes do not have this authority.” The U.S. Department of Justice met with tribal leaders to discuss implementing the provisions, which will take effect two years after the law is enacted. A pilot project would allow any tribe that believes it has met the requirements to request an earlier start day. To ease concerns that the new authority would violate the constitutional rights of a non-Indian or that jurors

in tribal court would be unfair, the bill allows defendants to petition a federal court for review. A tribe would have jurisdiction over non-Indians when that person lives or works on the reservation, and is married to or in a partnership with a tribal member. About 77 percent of people living in American Indian and Alaska Native areas are non-Indian, according to a recent Census report. Roughly half of Native American women are married to non-Indians, the Justice Department has said. Although tribes have civil jurisdiction over non-Indians, they often are reluctant to go forward with a case when the penalty amounts to a fine and offenders have little incentive to pay it. The hope in taking on criminal cases is that incidents of domestic violence will be quelled before they lead to serious injury or death, and that victims won’t be afraid to report them. “Having the ability to do it local and have the prosecution start soon after the offense, that’s just going to be great for our victims,” said Fred Urbina, chief prosecutor for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in southern Arizona. Officers there are certified under state and federal law, which allows them to arrest non-Indians, but the cases aren’t handled at the tribal level. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe also has banished some nonIndians from the reservation for criminal activity. “It’s almost like a patchwork of things we’ve been able to employ to fix that jurisdictional void.” Urbina said. “It’s not satisfactory in all cases.” Under the new law, a non-Indian defendant would have the right to a jury trial that is drawn from a cross-section of the community and doesn’t systematically exclude nonIndians or other distinctive groups. The protections would equal those in state or federal court, including the right to a public defender, a judge who is licensed to practice law, a recording of the proceedings and published laws and rules of criminal procedure. “This is not scary. It’s not radical,” said Tony Eid, former U.S. attorney in Colorado. “It’s very much in keeping with what we have as local governments.” The safeguards are similar to those in the federal Tribal Law and Order Act, passed in 2010 to improve public safety on tribal lands. About 30 tribes across the country are working toward a provision that allows them to increase sentencing from one year to three years, leaving them well-positioned to take authority over non-Indians in criminal matters, Eid said.

Hart Receives Medals Tribal member Tavia Lee Hart, 14, has won medals in races such as 5K, mile, 800 meter, 4 X 400 relays, 10K, 4 mile, as well as Scholars Bowl and Mathlete Meets. Hart is currently in the eighth grade at Udall Junior

17th Allie Reynolds Red Earth Golf Tournament

Hart sitting surrounded by some of her medals she won during the past two and a half years.

High, Udall Kan. She maintains a 4.0 grade point while participating in Track, Volleyball, Basketball, Scholars Bowl, Mathlete, and Leadership. She is the captain of her Scholar Bowl, Volleyball, and Basketball Teams. During the summer she races in the mile, 5K, Cross Country Runs and Marathons. She is currently training for the track season at her school, for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 28, and the Jim Thorpe Native American Games on June 9-15, and a variety of other races throughout Kansas and Oklahoma. Hart is the daughter of Travis and Emily Hart, granddaughter of John and Laura Hart, great-granddaughter of Lizzie (Pohocsucut) Hart and Melvin Hart, and great-greatgranddaughter of Kate (Heakama) Tahdooahnippah and Mike Tahdooahnippah.

Tribal Member Competes in Special Olympics

Williams

Tribal youth Audrianna Williams participated in this year’s Special Olympics basketball tournament. Her team came in fourth place and she received a white ribbon. Williams is 12 years old, in the 6th grade at MacArthur Middle School. She is the daughter of Juan Pohocsucut and the granddaughter of Opal Gore. Williams suffers from a rare genetic syndrome, PraderWilli Syndrome.

Rose State College Pow-wow

The Rose State College Pow-wow will be April 13 in Midwest City, Okla. For more information call (405) 736-0347.

The 17th Annual Allie Reynolds Red Earth Golf Tournament is scheduled for 11 a.m., April 15, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, Oklahoma City, Okla. The tournament is a four-man scramble. There are a limited number of team sponsorships, tee sponsorships and individual player slots available. For additional information call (405) 427-5228 or http://www.redearth.org.

Billy Mills Awarded Presidential Citizens Medal NARF National Support Committee member Billy Mills was awarded the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal on February 15 by President Barak Obama. Mills is a co-founder and the National Spokesperson of Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization that strives to build the capacity of communities, grassroots Indian organizations, families, and individuals to leverage their strengths and solve problems. “I am humbled and honored to be recognized by the President in this extraordinary way,” said Mills. “The most powerful thing you can give to a child is a dream. I hope every child in Indian Country knows what is possible if you follow your dream.” Mills, who is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 10,000 meters. He remains the only American to ever win the event. Mills’ win in the 10,000 meters is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history. Running Strong and NARF are two of seven national Native non profits that have formed the Native Ways Federation, a workplace giving and charity accountability organization serving tribes and Native peoples around the country, leveraging national strength for local impact. Mills was one of 18 people who received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian award in the United States, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Cooperstown Schools Drop “Redskin” Name Cooperstown, N.Y.- An Otsego County school is now looking for a new mascot following a vote that nixed the

name “Redskins” for future use. The issue was first brought to the district’s attention by a group of concerned students. “The questions where you go to school, and what’s your mascot nickname come up and they found themselves to be a bit uncomfortable in the conversation,” said David Borgstrom, president of the Cooperstown Board of Education. Inside the Cooperstown High School auditorium, red and black banners with the Redskin mascot still hang, showing pride in a longtime tradition. Their trophy cases have old football memorabilia of the Redskins that date to 1967. “The (student) concerns are with the insensitivity that they perceived in the name “Redskins” and how it pertained to Native peoples,” said Superintendent C.J. Herbert. The potential change had been getting a lot attention in the community. “I think the students, just like the community at large, have a mixed response to it,” Herbert said. “I think that many of them are very pleased to see the possibility of change within their school community. Others have some level of anxiety about losing something they have connected with for their high school years.” With the vote to change the mascot nickname, the school district now has to replace team uniforms. “A couple people have raised the question of where that money would come from, but the issue isn’t really money, I think it’s tradition,” Borgstrom said. Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter heard about the possible name change. In a letter to students, Halbritter said Oneida Nation would help pay for any new uniforms if they got rid of the Redskins name. “Their offer is certainly greatly appreciated and we have been in contact with them and we feel that it is very generous,” Herbert said. An offer from Oneida Nation shows Cooperstown a school mascot means more than just school spirit. The major concern the school has received from the public thus far is a loss in tradition. “Really, just kind of realization that time’s changed and perceptions changed and if there was anyone who was offended by the then we need to take a hard look at it,” Herbert said. Despite the vote, Borgstrom said the board will continue to recognize the Redskins name and the history it holds with the Cooperstown community.

TEXT the word CNWEB to the numbers 90210 to get updates on tribal events

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Local Fitness Center in Cache is Anticipated by Community

The workout stations offer a variety of exercises to help keep the members healthy and in shape. Fitness classes are in the future plans of the fitness center.

Carmen Niedo Glenn paints the walls of Hi-C Fitness Center. The building was a former storage center, and with the help of family and friends, it is in its final stages of completion. Story and photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Carmen Niedo Glenn and her husband, Mason, have always had a habit of exercising. Opening a fitness center that was local in their community in Cache, Okla. was a thought to both of them as they would travel to the closest fitness facility in Lawton. With faith and determination of the Glenn family and close friends, the thought of Cache having a fitness center is now a reality. Hi-C Fitness Center, located at 513 C Street in Cache, is in its final stages of opening, and the community is looking forward to it. The anticipated workout facility is a nice addition to the recently upgraded walking track not far from its door. “People want to be active, and if we can provide a place for them to exercise we are successful,” said Carmen. A friend in Prague, who runs a workout center, helped them get the ball rolling, added

Carmen. From moving to painting and carpentry, Carmen, who works in the Cache Public School system, and her family worked long hours from January 18 to get the facility transformed to a professional and welcoming fitness center They purchased every treadmill, weight set, television set, and nautilus station with their saved earnings. “The biggest obstacle was cleaning, and refurbishing the walls of the former storage unit that her and her husband staked out. Carmen and her husband understands the business will not be profitable, and fully accept that. “We did not do this to make money,” she explained. “We went into this knowing that we will be providing a place the for the community to be healthy through exercising.” With other communi-

ties, such as Snyder, Chattanooga, and Indiahoma, looking for a local workout center, Hi-C Fitness has a very good chance of succeeding. The tight security center will be open 24-hours, with no contact to sign, just a monthly fee. Individuals can use the facility for $33/month; couples $45/month, and a family of four $70/month. Senior citizens can use the facility for $25 a month, and a discount is given to fire personnel, EMT, Police officers, and teachers. Free tanning with membership is an incentive of joining the center. “ We have been getting nothing but positive comments and support of the community, which helps,” she said. She added they will be looking for their members to help them by following the rules of membership and not allow anyone to enter who is not a paid associate of the gym. Her future goals are to have fitness classes available, such as Zumba, and nutrition experts visit to help members with eating right. Hi-C Fitness Center is named after their children, Hunter, Isabel, and herself, Carmen.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Comanche Nation Students Compete for Mr. LHS Title Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

Lawton High School held the Mr. LHS competition, Friday, March 8th at 9:30 a.m. in the LHS Gym. There were nine candidates vying for the title, each one being sponsored by either Lawton High clubs, LHS organizations, or LHS athletic coaches. Two of the candidates were members of the Comanche Nation. Eduardo Soto, an LHS senior, and an active member of the Native American Club enjoyed participating in the Mr. LHS competition. Soto stated he wanted to take part in ev- The 2013 Mr. LHS candidates from Left to Right; Kendull Anderson, Tevin Foster, Darius Jones, Emmanuel Llanos, Eduardo Soto, Daniel Pae, Lee erything at school to show his Kantowski, Morgan Fletcher, and Will Hight. support during his senior year. Soto’s escort was LHS senior, Kimberly DeJesus. Eduardo Soto is the son of Tasha Gallegos and grandson of Jose and Sandra Gallegos. Tevin Foster, and LHS senior, and an all around LHS athlete was the winning candidate for the Mr. LHS title. Foster is the son of Darone and Lisa Dawsey, and grandson of Joyce Tahah-Burruss and Dirl Burruss. The candidates were all Tevin Foster being crowned for Mr. LHS. Eduardo Soto and his escort Kimberly DeJesus. supported by parents, friends, Eduardo Soto during the Jail performance. and community members.

Reception held for NICOA Board member Anita Johnson

Story and Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

The Advisory Board Committee along with newly elected board member Anita Johnson.

TASHINA Angeline OTOTIVO. . Will be graduating April 19th 7pm. FROM USAO UNIVERSITY. in Chickasha Okla....at college auditorium. Congratulations from Crystal Ototivo, Christopher Ototivo, Randy Stillwell, Grandma Rebecca. Wendy Ototivo, Auntie Hayley, Brooke and Jadon Ototivo, Channing, Emma..& Uncle Jerome...All Family and many friends.

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A reception was held on February 5th at the Comanche Elderly Center in honor of Anita Johnson, newly elected NICOA Board member for the SW Plains Area (Kansas, SW Oklahoma, Texas) at the Comanche Nation Elder Center. Johnson is a resident of Lawton and has lived within the Comanche Indian community, since 1961. “The mission of NICOA is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services, and economic well-being for American In-

dian and Alaska Native Elders. NICOA serves as a central access point for information on employment, healthcare, conferences, and more for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders..” As a member of the NICOA Board, Johnson’s responsibility is to represent our people as an advocate for concerns that affect our elderly. The concerns of NICOA in health care, economic well being, and social service are what is discussed about in everday lives. In the SW Plains caucus,

one of the main issues deals with health care for diabetic elder patients. The meals provided at elderly centers or delivered to homes of the elderly is one of the areas that NICOA advocates for in the reauthorization of the older Americans Act. The reception provided useful information to our elderly and was enjoyed by Mrs. Anita Johnson. Congratulations on being newly elected and may this year bring much success to the NICOA board.

April 2013

NAGPRA

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dence: Robert Atchavit George Karty Kenneth Karty Cornelia Karty Cynthia Ann Clay Albert Clark, Jr. Wahnne Clark Towana Spivey Thomas Narcomey Ed Heminokey In addition to the sworn testimony given by the individuals identified above, tribal member Wahnne Clark read the sworn affidavit of Gaylyn Sue Hubbard into the record. The Board also took under consideration 123 letters from parties who are either next-ofkin to those interred at the Indian Agency Cemetery, or others that had relevant and helpful views supporting the Board’s hearing and deliberations.3 As the below report indicates, the Board finds that (1) the Indian Agency Cemetery is a “sacred site” under Executive Order 13007(1)(b)(iii) by virtue of its established religious and cultural significance to the Comanche Nation, its citizens past and present and other Indian nations whose ancestors are interred therein; (2) the Indian Agency Cemetery is also a burial site within the meaning of NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. § 3001(2)(i), and the general laws and social policies governing cemeteries and places of burial;4 (3) the Board additionally recognizes that the Comanche Nation’s Unified Position Statement addressing the conditions of the Indian Agency Cemetery, which the Comanche Nation has distributed to Comanche Nation citizens and has made available to the public at large, received near unanimous support by the parties who appeared at the January 29, 2013 hearing, and best reflects the express wishes of the next-of-kin, and therefore recommends that the CBC formally adopt and take steps to implement the Unified Position Statement.5 Background of the Indian Agency Cemetery In 1867, the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Tribes of Indians acquired treaty recognized property rights to 2,991,993 acres of land situated generally in the southwestern part of Oklahoma (hereinafter “KCA Reservation”). Under the Treaty, the United States set apart the 2,991,993 acres of land for the absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the Kiowa, Apache and Comanche. The Treaty also provided that the United States would establish an agency within the KCA Reservation, and that authorized agents of the Government would have authority to enter onto the reservation to conduct Government affairs. In accordance with this provision, the United States established the Kiowa-Comanche Indian Agency in 1869. As a matter of normal procedure after the establishment of an Indian Agency, that Agency would soon thereafter establish a cemetery for Agency use. The Government did this to accommodate those individuals who had become wards of the Government or converts to Christianity since many of

the civilian Agents were of the Christian faith. The Indian Agency Cemetery located on the east end of present day Henry Post Army Airfield was the only cemetery located near the Kiowa-Comanche Indian Agency, or the sub agency, and would therefore have been the only cemetery suitable for Agency use. The Indian Agency Cemetery predates the Ft. Sill Army reservation. Burials began on the Indian Agency Cemetery sometime between 1892 and 1900. During that time, the Department of Interior transferred operation and control of the Indian Agency Cemetery to the Ft. Sill Sub-Agency Reservation. In 1907, the Government formally transferred the cemetery from the Agency to the Ft. Sill Military Reservation. Sometime during that year, the United States ceased burials on the Indian Agency Cemetery. In 1892, the Jerome Agreement ceded the property rights granted by the 1867 Treaty back to the Government, excepting certain allotments to each man, woman and child of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Tribes. Controversy, however, marred the Jerome Agreement because of allegations that United States Government officials bribed tribal leaders and engaged in fraud to secure the Tribes’ acquiescence to the Agreement; the investigation of this controversy prolonged Congressional ratification until June 6, 1900. The United States Department of Interior specifically excluded the Indian Agency Cemetery land from the lands made available either as allotments to tribal citizens or the lotteries for the KCA land opening to non-Indian settlers in 1901. Beginning in 1917, the Ft. Sill Military Reservation commanders unilaterally converted the Indian Agency Cemetery from a sacred burial site into an active airfield. To achieve this conversion, Army workers removed the head stones marking the grave sites of those buried within to prevent damage to aircrafts during landings. In their place, Ft. Sill Army workers placed concrete slabs over the grave sites. As of 1954, those concrete slabs constituted the only remaining visible markers to memorialize the final resting place of each Comanche citizen buried within the Indian Agency Cemetery. That year, Ft. Sill Army workers covered the slab markers with three or more inches of dirt, hiding the last remaining monuments of remembrance from view, to further facilitate the landing of aircrafts. The Army effectively hid the Indian Agency Cemetery, until a project in 1984 began to uncover the previously concealed graves. Since that time, the Comanche Nation has had ongoing negotiations with Ft. Sill to attempt to provide restoration and protection to the Indian Agency Cemetery. Currently, a majority of the gravesites remain covered by dirt and grass, and therefore the next-of-kin cannot locate with certainty where their relatives that lie in eternal repose. In 1984, the Fort Sill Museum prepared a plat of the gravesites which revealed and documented the location of 109 gravesites, some of which are marked with known identities, and many of which are marked as “unknown.”7 Experts estimate that as many as 200 gravesites may contain Comanche ancestors at the Indian Agency Cemetery. Today,

there are at least 96 number of known Comanche next-of-kin to those buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery.

loved ones – lay a wreath, rose, or other memorial item at his ancestor’s burial site. Id. at 5:20-6:3.

The Indian Agency Cemetery also is currently eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, all “federal undertakings” which could impact the cemetery are subject to the protections and procedures provided by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. In addition, the Comanche Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Office formally submitted a nomination packet to the Keeper of the Registry on March 19, 2012, in order to have the Indian Agency Cemetery listed on the Register. On August 15, 2012, the Comanche Nation requested that the Keeper postpone consideration of the nomination until the Comanche Nation could resolve certain factual and legal issues. The Comanche Nation thereafter withdrew its request, and the decision to list the Indian Agency Cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places remains pending with the Keeper’s office.

Tribal member George Karty testified on behalf of his brother, Kenneth Karty, who was present but unable to give testimony at the hearing because of a health condition. Id. at 6:14-18. Karty is the next-of-kin to at least seven Comanche buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery, including his great grandmother, his great grandmother’s sister and brother, and four of his great grandmother’s children. Karty has visited the Indian Agency Cemetery at least five times, and was denied access at least once. Id. at 8:4-19. Karty, who is approaching 84 years of age, was able to identify the burial sites of his ancestors only by digging through the grass and dirt: Ms. McDaniel:9 So you saw where they were laid and it had a marker? Mr. Kenneth Karty: Yeah. I was able to dig down – dig down and I was able to see their markers.

Legal Standards

Ms. Karty: He was Executive Order 13007 able to dig down and see the issued on May 24, 1996, by markers. President Bill Clinton, defines Ms. McDaniel: Was it a “sacred site” as follows: overgrown? Could you clearly “Sacred site” means see it or was it covered with any specific, discrete, nar- grass? Could you see it clearly rowly delineated location on when you got there? Federal land that is identified Mr. Kenneth Karty: by an Indian tribe, or Indian No, it was covered with grass. individual determined to be an appropriately authoritative Ms. Karty: It was representative of an Indian covered with grass. Not all the religion, as sacred by virtue same amount, but the ones that of its established religious he saw were found were covsignificance to, or ceremonial ered with grass. use by, an Indian religion; Mr. Kenneth Karty: I provided that the tribe or ap- had to dig down. Yeah. propriate authoritative representative of an Indian religion has informed the agency of Id. at 9:7-24. Karty additionally testified that he wanted the existence of such a site. it to be made known that he See Ex. 6, Executive Order fully supports the Unified Po13007(1)(b)(iii), May 24, sition Statement requesting 1993. The Order further man- certain restorations to the Indates that federal agencies dian Agency Cemetery. Id. at managing federal lands “(1) 11:5-10. accommodate access to and Tribal member Cynceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious thia Ann Clay testified at the practitioners and (2) avoid ad- hearing. Clay is the next-of-kin versely affecting the physical to two twins who are buried at integrity of such sacred sites.” the Indian Agency Cemetery. Id. at 12:19-21. Clay also Id. at § (1)(a).8 expressed her support for the NAGPRA defines a Unified Position Statement re“burial site” as any natural or questing certain restorations to prepared physical location, the Indian Agency Cemetery, whether originally below, on, and requested that a Ground or above the surface of the Penetrating Radar study be earth, into which as a part of conducted to locate additional the death rite or ceremony of gravesites. Id. at 12:21-25. a culture, individual human Tribal member Alremains are deposited. See 25 bert Clark, Jr. testified at the U.S.C. § 3001(2)(i). hearing. He is the next-of-kin to his aunt, uncle, and great Evidence at the Hearing grandparents who are buried at During the hearing, ten the Indian Agency Cemetery. people gave sworn testimony Id. at 14:2-6. He testified that including Robert Atchavit, he agreed with the decision to George Karty, Kenneth Karty, have the Indian Agency CemCornelia Karty, Cynthia Ann etery restored, but was unClay, Albert Clark, Jr., Wahnne able to testify further because Clark, Towana Spivey, Thomas of a health condition and Narcomey, and Ed Heminokey. his advanced age. Id. at A summary of their testimony 13:23-14:21. is provided below: Tribal member Robert Atchavit testified at the January 29, 2013 hearing. Atchavit is the next-of-kin to two Comanche buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery at site no.’s 94 and 95, Nokeke and Popeiky. See Ex. 7, January 29, 2013 Transcript, 4:11-15. Atchavit testified that he is concerned about the Indian Agency Cemetery, and that he would like to be able to do at the Indian Agency Cemetery what Comanche normally do for their

The Comanche Nation News

interference with peaceful and undisturbed visits of next of kin with their interred relatives. Clark has been the catalyst for many of the restorations the Comanche Nation now seeks to have implemented by Ft. Sill at the Indian Agency Cemetery. Towana Spivey testified at the hearing. Spivey has no relation to any of the Comanche ancestors buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery, but was the Director and Curator of the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark Museum in 1982, and frequently addressed cultural issues between Indian Tribes and Ft. Sill as a part of his official duties at Ft. Sill. Id. at 31:1-16. Spivey testified, among other things, about the difficulties in gaining access to the Indian Agency Cemetery because it is kept behind a locked gate, and Ft. Sill grants access only by an individual making a phone call to the control tower at the airfield and requesting that airfield personnel unlock the gate. Airfield personnel monitor the visitor at all times while inside the gate. Id. at 39:6-40:1. Tribal member Thomas Narcomey testified at the hearing. Narcomey’s testimony concerned the nomination of the Indian Agency Cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places. Narcomey expressed concern that any effort by the Comanche Nation or the CBC to postpone the nomination would violate a Comanche Nation General Council Resolution from April of 2007. Id. at 45:20-46:2. Upon request, Narcomey would not produce and submit to the Board a signed copy of the Resolution to which he referred.10 Narcomey further testified that he believed any of the proposed restorations to the Indian Agency Cemetery could have a detrimental effect to it being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and therefore any changes to the conditions at the Indian Agency Cemetery should take place only after the listing has occurred. Id. at 49:4-19. Narcomey also testified that he is concerned about additional gravesites at Ft. Sill which contain Comanche victims of the smallpox epidemic. Id. at 43:20-44:4. The Board is of the view that those gravesites are not located at the Indian Agency Cemetery, and therefore are a matter to be considered separate and apart from the burial site that was the subject of this hearing. Tribal member Eddie Heminokey testified at the hearing. Heminokey testified about the difficulties in gaining access to the Indian Agency Cemetery, which requires an individual to go through a chain of command to have the fence surrounding the area unlocked. Id. at 54:3-13. He also testified that he and his family felt very uncomfortable while visiting their interred relatives within the Indian Agency Cemetery, because the visits required an escort and surveillance from Ft. Sill personnel, and the escort “would be looking at you and waiting for you to finish up doing what you were supposed to be doing … and [t]hen they would follow behind you when you [were] leaving and lock the gate…. Id. The lack of privacy when paying respects and commemorating the dead hinders those Comanche religious practices by the next-of-kin.

Tribal member Wahnne Clark testified at the hearing. The Board understands and believes that Clark is the next-of-kin to the Clark Twins, who are buried at site no.’s 13 and 14 at the Indian Agency Cemetery. The Board further understands and believes that Clark views the Indian Agency Cemetery to be a place of religious signifiWahnne Clark read cance, and is deeply offended by the current state of the In- in into the record the Affidadian Agency Cemetery and the Continued on page 14

April 2013 Continued from page 13

vit of tribal member Gaylyn Sue Hubbard. Hubbard is the next-of-kin to Sarah Tissywahwoonard, who is buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery. See Ex. 8, Affidavit of Gaylyn Sue Hubbard. Hubbard, along with her husband, daughter, and aunt, visited the Indian Agency Cemetery for the purpose of laying a memorial wreath at the gravesite of Tissywahwoonard. Id. at ¶ 4. They traveled great distances. At the time of her visit, Hubbard’s aunt was barely ambulatory, and 84 years of age. Id. at ¶ 6. She had never before been to the Indian Agency Cemetery, and did not know where Tissywahwoonard was buried. Id. Through Clark’s personal assistance, significant efforts, advance phone calls and appointments, Hubbard and her family finally gained access to the Indian Agency Cemetery through Ft. Sill officials. Id. at ¶ 8. Ft. Sill’s airfield personnel closely monitored Hubbard and her family’s visit to their interred loved ones at all times. Id. Five to eight inches of soil covers the actual site of Tissywahwoonard’s grave and was located only with the aid of the 1984 plat prepared by Spivey. Id. at ¶ 9. Hubbard had to assume that she had located Tissywahwoonard’s gravesite, but could not be certain because she was not able to see the actual concrete slab. Id. Hubbard’s belief is that uncovering the concrete slabs is the only way family members will actually know that they are paying homage to their own ancestors and exercising their religious practices. Id. Hubbard also supports the Unified Position Statement requesting certain restorations to the Indian Agency Cemetery. Id. at ¶ 10.

families’ cultural and religious observances. Evidence taken at the hearing revealed that Ft. Sill airfield personnel do not always answer these phone calls requesting access, and that access has been denied on multiple occasions. The comments also demonstrate that Ft. Sill officials currently make no accommodations for the elderly and disabled to access the Indian Agency Cemetery. There is no paved road, no parking close by, and an individual can only visit the cemetery by walking a substantial distance through a grassy field. The comments further reveal that once Ft. Sill officials grant access, Ft. Sill airfield personnel closely monitor and guard an individual’s visit to the burial site of an ancestor at all times. Such surveillance intrudes significantly into the private moments ordinarily shared between nextof-kin and their deceased at a cemetery, and also impedes the willingness of next-of-kin to perform traditional Comanche religious and cultural ceremonies. (2) The Indian Agency Cemetery’s restricted proximity to the airfield and current physical conditions prevent next-of-kin from identifying the burial sites of their ancestors. Only a handful of the burial sites are uncovered, while the rest remain concealed by several inches or more of dirt and grass. Elderly Comanche next-of-kin can positively identify the burial sites of their ancestors only by digging down into the dirt and grass, until the concrete slabs become visible. However, it appears that Ft. Sill is no longer willing to allow Comanche citizens to remove the dirt and grass in order to verify that their ancestors lie beneath. At least one Comanche citizen received a letter from Ft. Sill, advising him that removing the dirt and grass from the burial site of a family member could lead to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Almost all of the 123 letters and written responses that the Board received and entered into the record held the Indian Agency Cemetery out as a place of religious and cultural significance. The letters At Ft. Sill there are and written responses addition- (3) three Apache prisoner-of-war ally expressed the following cemeteries, and a Post cemgeneral concerns: etery, that are all meticulously (1) The current access to maintained by Ft. Sill officials. the Indian Agency Cemetery There also is a cemetery at Ft. is unsatisfactory and substan- Sill that contains the remains tially inhibits the ability of of four donkeys and two goats next-of-kin to commemorate that receives substantially betthe deaths of their ancestors, ter care and protection than remember them and observe the Indian Agency Cemetery traditional Comanche religious receives. The comments excustoms and beliefs. Specifi- pressed outrage at this example cally, access to the cemetery of disparate treatment, and genis granted only upon making eral disbelief that a cemetery a phone call to Ft. Sill airfield set aside for animals receives personnel, who will come superior care and maintenance down and unlock the gate to the than a cemetery that is the fiIndian Agency Cemetery, and nal resting place for as many as then monitor and surveil the 200 Comanche Indians.

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The remaining comments address Ft. Sill’s lack of respect for the Indian Agency Cemetery, and condemn Ft. Sill’s failure to act. An excerpt from a letter written by retired Master Sergeant Douglas E. Powell, United States Air Force, who is next-of-kin to Comanche ancestors buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery, writes as follows: I have attended the open meeting re the Indian Agency Cemetery at Fort Sill, with great interest, high hopes, and an open mind. I remember being told when I was much, much, younger that I had relatives buried there, but I no longer remember the names of those relatives. It would be my hope that once unfettered access to the cemetery is restored, and the soil that was put over the grave markers is removed, that the names of all buried there will become known for certain. Only then can I positively trace the lineage of those buried there, with any full certainty, to their places on my family tree.

than the inherent religious significance afforded to the burial grounds of any people, culture, or country. It marks a time in history when the Comanche adopted traditional Christian burial practices. It also serves as a reminder of the hardships the Comanche Nation has endured, and the adversity it has overcome. Findings and Recommendations We, the undersigned members of the Comanche NAGPRA Board, having been recognized as cultural participants and practitioners, and having been tasked with protecting the Comanche Nation’s cultural sovereignty, and being knowledgeable of the Comanche Nation’s religious and spiritual practices, hereby make the following findings and recommendations to the CBC:

(1) The Board finds that the Indian Agency Cemetery is a “Sacred Site” of the Comanche Nation by virtue of its established religious and cultural significance to Comanche CitiI consider the know- zens. ingly and deliberate desecra(2) The Board further finds tion, defacing, and obscuring, that the Indian Agency Cemof the grave sites, markers, etery is also a burial site within and the cemetery itself by the the meaning of NAGPRA, 25 United States Army to be nothU.S.C. § 3001(2)(i), and the ing short of a crime against hugeneral laws and social polimanity, and a genuine source cies governing cemeteries and of outrage. I feel that the deﬁplaces of burial. In accordance nition of Desecration pretty with this finding, the Board well sums up what the United recommends that considerStates Army has done to the ation be given by the Ft. Sill Indian Agency Cemetery. DesGarrison Command to opening ecration (also called desacrala dialogue with the next-of-kin ization or desanctiﬁcation) is to those buried at the Indian the act of depriving something Agency Cemetery who may of its sacred character, or the also wish to lie in eternal rest disrespectful or contemptuous with their ancestors in accortreatment of that which is held dance with Comanche cultural to be sacred or holy by a group practices. or individual. (3) The Board further finds This Board agrees. As that the Unified Position Statethe record evidence shows, the ment addressing the conditions Indian Agency Cemetery is a of the Indian Agency Cemetery, burial ground of great religious which the Comanche Nation and cultural significance not has developed over a period of only to the Comanche next-ofmeetings amongst tribal memkin who are buried there, but bers and next-of-kin, and has to all citizens of the Comandistributed well in advance to che Nation. This religious sigComanche Nation citizens and nificance is derived from more made available to the public at

large, received near unanimous support by the parties who appeared at the January 29, 2013 hearing. The Unified Position Statement comports with the expressed wishes of the next-of-kin as well as the general laws and policies pertaining the care and maintenance of places of burial including “Post” cemeteries as defined by Army Regulation 210-190. (4) The Board further finds that Ft. Sill has been negligent in its care and maintenance of the Indian Agency Cemetery, and this fails to meet the fiduciary standards as trustee, with stewardship over a place of burial and sacred site of the Comanche Nation. The Board does not lay blame at the feet of Ft. Sill or its Garrison Command, but instead declares that this historic wrong must be corrected, and that the above mentioned Unified Position Statement is the means by which to achieve this correction. (5) The Board recommends that the CBC pass a resolution which adopts the findings of this Board, and declare the Indian Agency Cemetery to be a Sacred Site of the Comanche Nation, and communicate that finding to the Ft. Sill Garrison Command. (6) The Board further recommends that the CBC pass a resolution formally adopting the Unified Position Statement addressing the conditions of the Indian Agency Cemetery, and take steps to implement the restorations and improvements contained therein with the United States through its Departments, Agencies, officials and courts forthwith. These findings and recommendations are important to the protection and integrity of the political sovereignty of the Comanche Nation because they serve to preserve and protect the Comanche culture, its religious practices, and its ancestral burial grounds which are essential to its cultural sovereignty.

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April 2013

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Comanche Nation Police Promotes Officers Submitted by CN Law Enforcement Staff

February 26, may be remembered as the day after the snowstorm to some but to two police officers it marked the announcement of promotion to Police Sergeant. Officer Kayle Kastner and K-9 Officer Chris Kennedy received notification from Chief Griffin of the selection upon arrival to work. Most of the time officers dread the call to the Chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office but not so in this case. Each officer demonstrated what the testing and recommendations suggested: these officers were ready for advancement and a new challenge. This process began last year with the addition of a pro-

motion section to the departmental policy and procedure. With the process identified the department then had to wait funding for the positions and then began the selection process. The management staff reviewed all eligible candidates and made recommendation based on performance, experience, and trainability to the new position. The Chief used Standard and Associates to perform the knowledge testing of all candidates in the areas of Management and Supervision, Investigation, Patrol, Community Policing, and Case Law. Officers Kennedy and Kastner excelled all areas of the selec-

tion process and were clear choices after the Chiefs interview held on February 26. As an accredited agency, we strive to go the extra measure to be fair and provide opportunities for all who work for the Police Department. While the Chief of Police made the final decision, the officers actually had the input on who earned the promotion by their performance, testing ability, and trainability. Officer Kastner was born in Lawton and attended Eisenhower High School and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He began his career with GEO Group in Lawton

and then worked as contracted security at Fort Sill for the Chenega Tribe of Alaska. He returned to Oklahoma working as an officer with the Medicine Park PD and joined the Comanche Nation Police Department in August 2008. Since his arrival, he has completed the CLEET Police Academy, Oklahoma Criminal Investigation Academy and Narcotics Investigation along with more than 250 hours of continuation education to include Backcountry Tracking and Clan Laboratory Responder certification. In his free time, you can find him hunting or fishing. Officer Kennedy is a

graduate of Geronimo High School and served as a Hulen volunteer Firefighter where he was certified as a Firefighter 1, Hazmat, and Ropes 1. Prior to coming to the Comanche Nation Police, he worked at Lawton Correctional Facility. Since his arrival to the department in December 2005, he has completed the CLEET Police Academy, K-9 Academy, FLETC Firearms Instructor, Clandestine Laboratory Responder, Narcotics Investigation, and Backcountry Tracking. He enjoys shooting and archery in his free time.

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April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

HONOR THE TREATY POWWOW May 4, 2013 2082 West Live Oak, Fredericksburg, Texas History of the Chappybitty/Quassycheeky family powwow In May 1996 Larry and Charlotte (Niyah) McCurttain were invited along with many Comanche tribal members to attend and participate in the 150th celebration and re-enactment of the 1847 Treaty between the German settlers of Fredericksburg and the Comanches. It was a particular pleasure to go to Fredericksburg because according to family history, the family’s great grandmother, Takey-yetchy (Stands and Speaks) was born outside the German town. During the celebration it was announced that the town was the birthplace of Takey-yetchy. Some year and a half later, one of the organizers of the 150th celebration, Larry Liles, contacted the McCurtains and informed them that the city officials of Fredericksburg wanted someone from the Comanche Tribe to put on another powwow. It was at the invitation from the city that the family was asked to bring their annual family powwow to Fredericksburg. After long and careful thought it was decided

to move their annual powwow some 400 miles from home to Texas. For years, the family held their powwow in Fredericksburg. The first powwow in Fredericksburg that was held in 1999 was the eleventh family powwow. For these many years, the family received no financial help from the city. Even recently in February 2013 the city council turned down a request for funding thru the city hotel tax revenue to help get the powwow started back up. This request was made by the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association. So, like in the past the family have to fund raise to meet their own personal expense and the travel expense and stipend of those Comanche tribal members and Native Americans invited to participate in the powwow. After the tenth powwow in Fredericksburg in 2008, there was an effort by a non-Indian powwow volunteer to take over the powwow. This was in retaliation when the family asked for a financial ac-

counting from this non-Indian, since this individual kept all the funds following the powwows. Mayor Hoover disrespected the family when he was asked to support the family and their effort of supporting the Treaty. This individual claimed the support of Mayor Hoover in a malicious letter mailed to the family disinviting them from their own powwow. Mayor Hoover promised to look into the matter and get back with the family. He failed to keep his promise. His “getting back” to the family was only to call and hang up on a family spokesperson. In 2010 it took the effort of a supporter of the powwow, Randy Rupley of the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association to contact the new Mayor, Tom Musselman to recognize the wrongfulness of this action. The result was that the family was invited back. It was the feeling of the family and Chairman Burgess that there needed to be a traditional reaffirmation ceremony on the 1847 Treaty. In November 2010 a ceremony

on the treaty was held and attended by Mayor Musselman, a German consulate representative, Chairman Burgess and two CBC representatives, the Chappybitty/Quassycheeky family and other Native Americans. Following the re-affirmation ceremony the family held their eleventh powwow in Fredericksburg in May 2011. In 2008, unbeknownst to most Frederickburg citizens, Mayor Hoover initiated a tentative agreement with a group known as the Former Texas Rangers to lease a location (the old powwow grounds) on Fort Martin Scott. This group is not associated with the official Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, Texas. It wasn’t until 2010 that this arrangement became known by some of the citizens of Fredericksburg. When the family went to hold their eleventh powwow in 2011, they were forced to move their powwow to an adjacent pasture. The former CBC were informed about the matter and chose to show their support through an officially signed letter of support to the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association’s effort to preserve the Fort Martin Scott historical site and to get the city to fulfill their promise to develop and memorialize a powwow grounds for all Comanches to use. This document was signed by Chairman Wauqua and the entire CBC on Feb. 16, 2012. There are many Fredericksburg citizens who remain opposed to the proposed museum the Former Texas Rangers were to build. The construction would mean bulldozing on the Fort Martin Scott historical site. Most recently the Former Texas Rangers announced during a city council meeting that they do not have enough funds to build their museum. There are many that believe that they have violated their lease agreement because they are no longer going to build a museum. However, this group still want to use the designated piece of property for other unknown activities. The Chappybitty/ Quassycheeky family believe that the real reason is to keep the family from holding their dance on the old powwow grounds. This is an prime example of Texas Ranger mentality at an attempt, once again, to stop the Comanches. Randy Rupley of the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association has been very active in supporting the 1847 Treaty, the powwow and the preservation of the Fort Martin Scott historical site. He and other

supporters have created a special website called Honor the Treaty. Org. The website gives individuals as well as Comanche tribal members and Native Americans the opportunity to show their support by electronically signing a petition in support of the treaty, the powwow and the Fort. There are those Comanche tribal members who ask the family why they keep fighting over this matter. Their opinion is that the city of Fredericksburg doesn’t want the Comanches to return. Many are concerned about the hardship it’s been having on the family, which is true. The Chappybitty/Quassycheeky family respond that is has been difficult financially and spiritually during the tough times, but traditionally Comanche people don’t give up. Our Comanche ancestors, particularly the chiefs that signed the treaty were strong and were thinking about the safety of their people. Today, as Comanches we need to honor their strength and wisdom. The 1847 Treaty provided safety in the travel for our ancestors when going to Mexico in earlier days. When one thinks about the meaning of a treaty, one must remember a quote of an Indian activist who said, “To not honor a treaty is not to honor one’s ancestors who made it.” It was the intention of the family to work at planning a powwow for 2014. However, through the encouragement of the Fort Martin Scott Museum Association and many Fredericksburg citizens there is going to be a one day intertribal powwow on May 4, 2013. The powwow is called Honor the Treaty Powwow. It will be held at 2082 West Live Oak. This location was donated by a supporter. Beside having a powwow another purpose of the powwow is to get out information to the citizens of Fredericksburg about the future of the powwow and the Fort. The Chappybitty/Quassycheeky family is asking for the support of Comanche tribal members, Native Americans and concerned individuals. All tribal organizations, princesses, singers, dancers and volunteers are invited. You may call Charlotte Niyah McCurtain at (580) 483-1221 for more information. The family will appreciate any monetary donation or donation of items for raffles. Attention Comanche tribal members. Please log on the website, Honor the Treaty. org and sign the petition!

Text the words PIO to the text number 90210 to get the latest Information about tribal events and Reminders

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Military Submitted by Lanny Asepermy

THE FORGOTTEN WAR – KOREA, 1950-53 The United States military participation in the Korean War began on June 25, 1950 and lasted until a cease-fire armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. Documentation indicates 142 Comanches served in the military during the Korean War including two Comanches who died as a result of the war – one was CPL Dennis King Karty who was captured on May 18, 1951 and died in captivity on March 30, 1952. The other was LtCol Meech Tahsequah who was reported missing in action on December 6, 1950 after the aircraft he was traveling in, crashed. He was Declared Dead on February 28, 1954. His body has never been recovered. CPL Karty’s body was returned, in 1955, and is buried at Highland Cemetery, in Lawton.

Dennis King Karty

Meech Tahsequah

The United States military had 36,940 dead, 92,134 wounded, 4,439 prisoners of war and 8,176 missing in action. It is estimated that 178,700 United Nations military died and 367,000 North Korean, Chinese and Russian military died. Over 2.5 million civilians also died as a result the war. That’s a total of 545,700 military deaths on both sides and 3,295,700 total deaths as a result of the war. To put that in some sort of perspective more people died in Korean than the state of Iowa which is the 31st largest state with a population of 3,074,000 people.

Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.

Four military awards, the Korea Service Medal from

the United States, the United Nations Korea Medal from the United Nations, the Korean War Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation from the Republic of Korea, were awarded to military personnel who served in Korea or were in direct support of the war. Listed below are 141 known Comanches who served in the military from 1950-53 – not all served in Korea. Army (62), Asepermy, George Jr,; Atchavit, Robert; Bull, Frank; Burgess, Max; Cable, Vernon; Chandler, Woodrow; Clark, Bob; Coosewoon, Kenneth; Coosewoon, Raphie; Coosewoon, Randolph; Fawbush, Rie Jr; Galindo, Jake; Gooday, Bob; Gooday, Lupe; Hoahwah, Carlton; Hunt, George; Karty, Dennis; Karty, Kenneth; Kassanavoid, Stacey; Komah, Curvin; Komah, Kenneth; Mahsetky, Marcy; Mihecoby, Kelton; Mora, Raymond; Mowatt, Clifton; Niedo, Wilford; Ototivo, Rudy; Parker, Henry; Parker, Simmons; Pebeahsy, Milton; Pekah, Larry; Pennah, LaVerne; Permansu, Melvin; Pewewardy, Samuel; Poafpybitty, William; Pocowatchit, Virgil; Pohawpatchoko, Kevin G.; Red Elk, Roderick; Riddles, Stanley; Sapcut, Kenneth; Saupitty, Leo; Southard, William; Tahahwah, Edward J; Tahsequah, Strudwick; Tenequer, Bob; Tiddark, Nipper; Tieyah, Chester; Tieyah, Melford; Titchywy, Philip; Tomah, Bobby W; Tooahnippah, Kenneth; Topetchy, Byron; Toquothty, Lee; Trevino, Eddie; Vidana, Elbert; Wahahrochah, Louis; Wahkinney, Russell; Webb, William; Wermy, Billy; Wermy, Ralph; Woosypitty, Wilford and Yellowfish, Edward Sr. Marine Corps (11), Chasenah, Oris; Chockpoyah, Vernon; Clark, Edward; Codopony, Jack; Kassanavoid, Robert Sr; Laurenzana, Ramon; Nevaquaya, Bernard; Poahway, Matthew; Portillo, Raymond; Weryackwe, Wendell and Yackytooahnipah, Ken. Navy (31), Apauty, Curtis; Atauvich, Vandal; Bennett, Jerry; Caddo, Jimmy; Chemah, Clyde; Clark, Clifford,; Conneywerdy, Tyler Wahnee,; Davis, Charles; Davis, Curtis; Fawbush, Ernest; Hardin, James; Karty, Randolph; Kassanavoid, Lavell; Kopaddy, Woodrow; Kosechata, Lester; Mihecoby, Joyce; Otipoby, Clyde; Pewewardy, Garner; Poncey, Freddie; Sayerwinnie, Houston; Tahah, Carl; Tahahwah, Ray; Tippeconnie, Norman; Tippeconnie, Henry; Toahty, Benny; Tonips, Algernon; Tonips, Kenneth; Wermy, Glenn; Woommavovah, Ronald; Woothtakewahbitty, Hugh and Youngman, Roderick Air Force (23), Clark, Albert Jr; Clark, Alfred; Clark, Charles W; Eckiwaudah, Emerson; Evans, Gary; Health, Perry; Komah, Lester; Mahsetky, Travis; Medrono, Ardin; Parker, Harold; Pratt, John; Red Elk, Ervin Jr; Roach, Harley; Tahquechi, Gordon; Tahsequah, Meech; Topetchy, Gary; Torralba, William; Querdibitty, Jed; Vidana, Herbert; Wahnee, Myers; Wells, Arvin; Yackeschi, Winfred and Yellowfish, Lyman Sr OK Army National

Guard (11), Ellis, Wilbur; Goodin, Charles; Goodin, Theodore; Mihecoby, Wesley; Nahwooks, Reaves; Pebeahsy, Roland; Poemoceah, Kelly; Rivas, Louis; Tomah, Kent O. Sr; Tomah, Lawrence and Wahkinney, Raymond CA Army National Guard (1), Brown, Johnny Women Army Corps (WAC) – 2, Clark, Wanda and Moore, Wilma Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) – 1, Portillo, Edna

Lawrence Tomah Vernon Cable

Below are photos of some of the Comanches who served in Korea or in direct support of the Korean War.

Robert Atchavit Kent O. Tomah Sr.

LaVerne Pennah

Rie Fawbush

Jack Codopony Sr.

Edward Clark Reeves Nahwooks

Wesley Mihecoby

Johnny Brown Roderick Red Elk Edward Yellowfish

Louis Rivas

Tyler Conneywerdy Eddie Trevino

Continued on page 18

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Continued from page 17

FOUR GENERATIONS OF WARRIORS

Carl Tahah Oris Chasenah

Rusty Wahkinney

Chester Tieyah

Kenneth Tooahnippah

Henry Tippeconnie

Billy Wermy

Melford Tieyah

Winfred Yackeschi

Myers Wahnee

Vandal Atauvich

Nipper Tiddark

Bobby Tomah

Henry Tippeconnie

The USS Saint Paul was part of the Navy’s 7th Fleet during the Korea War. She saw intense combat service between Formosa and China and mostly in the Sea of Japan as she engaged enemy ground troops and artillery batteries with deadly fire from the 91 guns on board. Despite being fired upon hundreds of times she received only one direct hit – no one was killed as a result of the hit. Other missions included escort and evacuation, indirect gun strikes on railroads, convoys, bunker complexes and tunnels. She fired Jimmy Caddo the last round shot at sea on From a personal view- July 27, 1953, 2 hours before point: Having spent 31 month the truce went effect bringing in Korea (1967-68 and 1980) the war to a stalemate. including time on the Demilitarized Zone, I can say the men who served in Korea had to endure conditions that tested a man’s perseverance. Korea was the coldest place I’ve ever been with temperatures reaching a low as -20 degrees during the winter months and summer temperatures as high as 110+ degrees. The monsoon season ran from August through October with heavy rain most everyday. There are mountains and deep valleys everywhere with Tippeconnie standing behind some of his ship’s ordnance. a lot of large rivers. Terrible conditions to fight a war. Perhaps the greatest obstacle was fighting two different armies, the North Korean and Chinese. In addition the enemy had tanks, aircraft and ships. Most all of our Warriors came home as they endured and survived the many hardships of Korea. War doesn’t get nastier than Korea. The war is called the Forgotten War but to the Comanches who fought, supported, was wounded or died as a result of that war I salute you for your undying courage and bravery in the face of a deadly standing in enemy in a unforgiving land. Tippeconnie front of his ship’s big guns. It is said the enemy was more than willing to die for their Tippeconnie was born country while the American Soldier is more than willing to on September 2, 1934 at Lawton and grew up in Cache and live for our country. Lawton. He attended Fort Sill Indian School and was tagged with the nickname of “Tuffy” – he boxed at Fort Sill and in the Navy. His parents were Lewis DO YOU REMEMBER and Annabelle Lesitigh TippeHenry Lewis Tippe- connie (a Kiowa). His only connie – passed away on April brother was Donald Tippecon30,1966, and is only one of nie and his sisters were Rofour non-Navajos buried at wena Tselee, Louann Darby, Navajo Nation Veterans Cem- Marceline Bordeanx and Lucy etery near Fort Defiance, NM. “Bubbles” Flores all deceased. He served in the US Navy Henry married Louise Hogan from 1952-56 mostly aboard Begay and lived in Shiprock, the USS Saint Paul (CA-73), a NM until his death at the Baltimore-class cruiser, during young age of 32 years in 1966. the Korean War. His awards He worked as an X-ray Techniinclude the National Defense cian at the Shiprock PHS. His Service, United Nations Ser- children are Norman, Yvonne, vice, Korean War Service, Ko- Victoria, Cindy, Henry Sr and rean Service, Navy Occupation Marcilen (deceased). We thank Mr. Tippewith/Japan Clasp and the Chiconnie for his dedicated, faithna Service Medals. ful and honorable service to the US Navy, the Comanche Nation and the Republic.

Edward Hatch Clark

Clifford Clark

Benjamin Clark

Curtis Clark

On the Comanche Warrior Master Listing there are fourteen members of the Clark Family. They, along with the Chebahtah family, which also list 14 veterans, have the second most veterans that have served in the Armed Forces. The Parker family list 21 veterans. There are but few Comanche families that have had four generations serve in the military. Curtis Clark has followed in the footsteps of his father, Benjamin (US Marine Corps 1955-59 and US Army 1959-76), his grandfather, Clifford (US Navy 1943-52), and his great grandfather, Edward Hatch (US Army 191819) as he is currently serving with the 17th Military Police Detachment, as a Desk Sergeant/Operations Sergeant, at Fort Jackson, SC. After his Basic and Advanced Individual Training (as a Military Policeman) at Fort McClellan, AL Curtis has served as a Military Policeman (MP) with the 551st MP Company at Fort Campbell, KY; Unit Armorer with the 94th MP Battalion in Yongsan, Korea; Team Leader with the 551st MP Company at Fort Campbell and overseas in Djibouti, Africa and Iraq; MP Investigator with the Fort McPherson, GA Law Enforcement Agency; Squad Leader Continued on page 19

April 2013 Continued from front page 18

with the 55th MP Company at Camp Casey, Korea; MP Investigator, Evidence Custodian, Investigator NCOIC with the 35th MP Detachment and as a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant with the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Gordon, GA and as a Squad Leader and Admin NCOIC with the 978th and 591st MP Companies at Fort Bliss, TX. He is 1 of about 58 known Comanches to serve in either Iraq or Afghanistan as his combat tour was from September, 2002 to July, 2003. While in Africa he was based at Camp Lemonnier where his unit provided security for cargo ships coming into port. They also provided convoy security. His unit was the first MP Company to deploy into Iraq as they hit the ground 12 hours after the war started on March 19, 2003. They escorted V Corps from Kuwait into Baghdad in 21 days of major combat operations which concluded with the capture of Baghdad on May 1, 2013. His unit suffered no killed or wounded in action. Curtis is a graduate of Warrior, Advance and Senior Leader Courses and has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University. He is currently a Staff Sergeant and enlisted on December 29, 1997. His awards include the Meritorious Service, Army Commendation (4), Army Achievement (5), Good Conduct (5), National Defense Service, Korean Defense Service, Iraq Campaign with/2 Combat Stars and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, NCO Professional Development with/ Numeral 3, Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Air Assault, Drivers and 9mm Expert Badges. Curtis graduated from Cache High School in 1993. His wife is the former Janease Dodson, a Sterling native. They have 4 children and reside in Columbia, SC. Edward Hatch Clark was born on November 3, 1890 and died on December 8, 1958 (68 years old) and is buried at Highland Cemetery. He was drafted into the Army and served at Hoboken, NY and Newport News, VA. Edward’s birthplace was at the Indian Agency Abode House, near the current Indian Hospital, east of Cache Creek. He was raised in Faxon. His wife was Mary Patch Parker, daughter of Quanah Parker. After his military service he was a cemetery monument stone cutter in Lawton, was an outstanding baseball player for a number of local Indian baseball teams and also did carpentry and stone mason work. Clifford Edward August Clark was born on August 29, 1909 and died on March 27, 2005 (93 years old) and is buried at Highland Cemetery. He served as a Navy Seabee from 1943-52. Prior to enlisting in the Navy, at age thirty-four, Clifford worked with Civilian Conservation Corps in New Mexico. After his military service he was a heavy equipment operator for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the City of Lawton. He was raised at Yellow Mission and from what I gather was quite a comic. He and his first wife had eleven children. After a divorce Clifford lived in California and Oregon be-

fore returning to Oklahoma. Benjamin Clark currently resides in Indiahoma with his wife Sharon. He served in numerous positions while in the Marine Corps and Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 11th Light Infantry Brigade. Benjamin also served overseas in Japan, Germany, Korean and Hawaii. He is a retired Police Officer with the Comanche County Sheriff’s Department and also worked with the Lawton Police Department. Benjamin was a Licensed Private Investigator owning his own business. He also worked as a Security Guard at Cameron University and many local businesses. Honors, by he CIVA, will be presented to Benjamin and his brothers, Louis and Mark, at the Armed Forces Day Banquet, in Apache, on May 18th.

The Comanche Code Talkers of World War I and World War II Recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the US Congress. Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom it is the highest civilian award in the United States. It is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is most likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement” – President George W. Bush signed Pubic Law 110420 on October 15, 2008 authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal be awarded to the Comanche Code Talkers of both World War I and World War II. The medal was first awarded in 1776 by the Second Continental Congress to General George Washington. In addition to numerous military figures the medal has been presented to many former US Presidents, actors, authors, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in aeronautics and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in science and medicine, athletes, humanitarians, public servants, and foreign recipients. In its 237 year history only 148 medals have been presented. The World War I Code Talkers are Calvin Atchavit, George Clark, Gilbert Conwoop and Samuel Tabbytosevit. They were members of the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division and served in Europe during 1918-19.

March 6th. Kowena will be given Special Recognition during the CIVA’s Armed Forces Day Banquet in Apache on May 18th. Mr. Kowena turns 87 years young on March 31st.

ECKIWAUDAH PROMOTED TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT

graduated from Anadarko High School in 1988. He is the son of the late Gerald Eckiwaudah and former Sarah Silverhorn. MGS Eckiwaudah is currently the Academics Chief of the Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion at Camp Pendleton. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Oceanside, Cali., and have 4 boys.

Chibitty At Ft. Hood, TX

George Clark

Gilbert Conwoop

MGS Eckiwaudah

Jennifer Eckiwaudah pinning Master Gunnery Sergeant stripes on her husband.

Samuel Tabbytosevit

The World War II Code Talkers who served with the 4th Signal Company of the 4th Infantry Division, in Europe from 1944-45, are Charles Chibitty, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Forrest Kassanavoid, Wellington Mihecoby, Perry Noyobad, Clifford Ototivo, Simmons Parker, Melvin Permansu, Elgin Red Elk, Roderick Red Elk, Larry Saupitty, Morris Tabbyetchy (Sunrise) and Willis Yackeschi

WORLD WAR II PHOTO FOUND

Pvt Lewis Kowena

Calvin Atchavit

The Comanche Nation News

In the February edition of TCNN an article titled “OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY” listed the 11 living Comanches who served during World War II. Photos of ten of those veterans were published. Lewis Kowena’s photo was not shown. In a chance meeting at the Western Heights Indian Education pow-pow in Oklahoma City on March 2nd Mr. Kowena’s daughter, Rachel, spoke to the CIVA Commander, George Red Elk and CIVA Historian, Lanny Asepermy about her father. They requested his photo and DD214 (Discharge) which she provided to Asepermy on

Randall V. Eckiwaudah earned the US Marine Corps’ ninth and highest enlisted grade of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) during a promotion ceremony on February 1, 2013 at Camp Pendleton, CA. He is the fourth Comanche to earn the grade of E-9. MGS Eckiwaudah

Dana Chibitty and Col. Frytag

Tribal member Dana Chibitty would like to Thank the Comanche Nation Historic Preservation for letting her accompany them on a trip to Ft. Hood, Tx. Col. Frytag gave each of the group a shaw blanket. In the far North, the Army was honoring the Comanche Code Talkers during the Native Heritage month in November. She was invited to represent the Comanche Code Talkers. Her uncle Charles Chibitty and Larry Saupitty were Code Talkers. After the ceremony Col. Frytag approached Chibitty and presented her with the shaw blanket and told his soldiers about the Comanche Elders.

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April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Milestones Happy Belated Birthday

Sydney Rotert, March 1 Kiefer Kopaddy, March 2 T.C. Ototivo, March 2 Britney Ototivo, March 7 Jamie Loretta Long, March 9 Rance Hood, February 9 Mary Pollard, February 16 Cole Cook, February 25 Ellen Tahhahwah, March 7 Avery Joyce Austin, March 9 Janetta Gooday, March 11 Justin Wayt, March 11 Lety Murrow, March 18 Gerald Pewewardy, March 20 Mia Reyes, March 22 Margie Bowdie Wahkinney, March 24 Vicki Biazzo, March 24 Teta Thompson, March 26

Happy Belated Birthday Lety Murrow March 18

Happy Belated Birthday Mia Reyes March 22

Happy Belated Birthday Vicki Biazzo March 24

Happy Birthday Dino Gonzales April 2

Happy Birthday Carol Aitson April 3

Happy Birthday Jalisa Santiage April 5

Happy Birthday Brayden Halberg April 10

Happy Birthday Andrea Pebeahsy April 12

Happy Birthday Rylen Furr April 20

Happy Birthday Vylet Stonecalf April 22

Happy Birthday Michael Miller April 29

Don’t Forget to submit milestones for those special loved ones; Just married, Anniversaries, Birth Announcements, Birthdays Deadline for May 4/15/13 Call: Public Information Office (580) 492-3386 Email: candacet@comanchenation. com Or mail to: Comanche Nation/PIO P.O. Box Box 908

Happy Birthday

Harkold Wermy, April 1 Tyler Komahcheet, April 1 Dino Gonzales, April 2 Natasha Gooday, April 2 Virgie Kassanavoid, April 2 Bryse Russell, April 3 Jordan Shields, April 4 Nico Rosario, April 4 Brian Tonips, April 5 Jalisa Santiage, April 5 Chuck Pollard, Apri 6 Romelia Kassanavoid, April 6 Sophia Leone, April 6 Emilia Mae Chasenah, April 8 Gaylon Motah, April 10 Lesley Boyden, April 10 Lisa Yackeyonny, April 10 Andrea Pebeahsy, April 12 Shauna McCarthy, April 12 Corky Jacob, April 14 Ty Jacob Gallegos, April 15 Myra Medina, April 16 Sebastian Perea, April 16 Ivan Serna, April 17 Rylei Suina, April 17 Bethany Long, April 18 Martina Callahan, Apri 18 Tasha Poemoceah, April 19 Howard Todome Jr., April 20 Rylen Furr, April 20 Denise Todome Lawrence, April 21 Nicole Peeler, April 22 Vylet Stonecalf, April 22 Danielle McCarthy, April 23 Lloyd Heminokeky Jr., April 23 Alice Wermy, April 25 Charles Pollard, April 25 Keagan Perea, April 25 Dale Long, April 26 Kristen Ototivo, April 26 Lora Beltran, April 26 Taleliah Tahhahwah, April 26 Ciara Kaywaykla, April 27 Eli Tahhahwah Martinez, April 27 Michael Miller, April 29

Happy Birthday Lloyd Heminokeky Jr. April 23

Happy Birthday Eli Tahhahwah Martinez April 27

Happy Birthday Taleliah Tahhahwah April 26

In Loving Memory

Duskie Murrow 1979~1999 Happy Birthday Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother & Friend Gone but never forgotten!

Roderick Hoahwah Sr. 11/14/34~4/2/12 In Loving Memory From: wife, daughter & grandkids

Anniversary Happy Anniversary Jose & Sandra Gallegos April 19

Anniversaries

Married 44 years

Steven & Brittany Avery-Huggins March 8 John & Jeanine Tahhahwah Woosypiti April 4, 2012~Married 1 year

Leatrice Wermy 3/01/37~4/14/12 In Loving Memory

Jeanette Connahvichnah 5/24/30~4/17/12 In Loving Memeory You’ve been gone a year, We All miss you and love this year has been so long you very much Mom! We can’t believe its been a and lonely without you. year. Thank you for being Though you are in heaven our mom, aunty, grandma the love and memories you and great grandma. gave us are missed very, From all the Chasenah very much. We miss your children and families. loving smile and all the love that you gave each and every one of us. We miss your phone calls, your visits, and your thoughtfulness at holidays and birthdays and all our family get Don’t Forget to wish your Mom, togethers. Thank you mom Wife or Relative a for sharing your Christian values and your faithfulness Happy Mother’s Day, May 12th, in the Next edition of to the lord for that we were The Comanche Nation News... truly blessed. Message of 50 words or less Deadline April 15 ~Your Loving family

Lawton, OK 73502

Congratulations

Haddon Montgomery Jocko Born: 2:28 P.M. March 4, 2013 6lbs’ 10oz’ 19.25 in To: Derek & JoNeal Heminokeky Jocko

Carl J. & Tara Paddyaker Jr. April 13~Married 6 years

Happy Anniversary Meech and Bobbie Aitson April 3

Married 4 years

Happy Birthday Will Owens April 23

COMANCHE NATION CHILDREN’S COURT P. O. BOX 646 1921 E. GORE BLVD. LAWTON, OK 73502 PHONE: 580-492-3348 FAX: 580-595-9423 This change will affect the office of COMANCHE NATION CHILDREN’S COURT ONLY.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

Obituaries Devin Kory Harragarra

Devin Kory Harragarra, 34, Lawton went to his heavenly home on March 8, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Funeral service was March 18, at Mt. Scott Kiowa United Methodist Church (UMC) in Meers, Okla., with Rev. Bill Foote officiating.

Burial followed at Mt. Scott KCA Cemetery Lawton, under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Harragarra was born June 30, 1978 in Lawton to Susan (Harragarra) Campbell and Kaye Pohocsucut. He was raised by his maternal grandparents Wanda (Yeahquo) and John Campbell. Harragarra grew up in the Meers community and attended Cache Public Schools. He was of Kiowa, Otoe and Comanche descent. He was a member of Mt Scott Kiowa United Methodist Church and Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Growing up Harragarra was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, volleyball, fishing and golf. Summers he would spend his days roaming Jimmy Creek and exploring the Slick Hills. He is survived by his sister Myca (Campbell) and her husband Paul Wood, McKinney, TX, his father Kaye Pohocsucut, paternal grandmother Opal Gore Pohocsucut, Lawton and aunt Irene SpottedHorse, Meers and uncle Earl Yeahquo, Lawton.

Harragarra is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Harragarra Campbell Bearbow; sister Kelly Dee Vance, grandparents Wanda (Yeahquo) and John Campbell and maternal grandfather Earl Harragarra.

June Marie Riddles Harmon

June Marie Riddles Harmon, 87, Orem, passed away March 7 from pancreatic cancer. Riddles was a master teacher, whose work influenced children from the Ton-

gan Islands to Utah’s Jordan School District over a span of 35 years. She was born February 5, 1926 in Lawton, Okla., to William Wesley Riddles and Jane Nun-na-quan-nah Motherme. She married Rondo S. Harmon in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on January 18, 1945. They had six children: Lynda J. Philbrick, of Mesa Ariz; Rondo S. Harmon Jr.; Richard S. “Dick” Harmon of Orem; Leonard Kent Harmon of Provo; Debra J. Harmon of Orem, and Phillip R. Harmon of Orem. She also raised two foster Navajo children, Nora and Henry John Joe. She was an active member of LDS faith, she served in many callings including Primary teacher and Relief Society President. She attended boarding school at Fort Sill Indian School as a child. She was football queen at Temple High School in 1943 and earned her high school certificate from BYU after having given birth to three of her six children. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from BYU in 1969 and worked towards

a Master’s Degree in child development, also at BYU. She was a dedicated teacher, having retired from Jordan School District after 23 years where she taught first grade at Draper Elementary School. She also taught school in Vernal, Utah and at Liahona High School in the Tongan Islands. She loved the Utah Jazz, working with young people and spending time with her many grandchildren. Her hobbies included camping, reading, playing board games, travel, water aerobics, quilting, and compassionate service. She is survived by two sisters: Faye Winkler of Walters, Okla., and Esther Williams of Tula Rosa, N.M.; five of her six children, 30 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Rondo, son Rondo Jr., grandsons Jeffery J. Harmon and Kolby DeMarco, brothers Leonard and Stanley Riddles and sister Ada Hettich. Funeral services was March 12 at the Provo, Utah Stake Center.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

HOME RUN THE MOVIE Submitted by Sidney Mihecoby

Former longtime Andrews resident Sidney Mihecoby known to many as “Chief” currently of Lawton, Oklahoma always dreamed of making it to the “Big Leagues.” Even though his dream never came true he has done something equally as close to his heart as baseball can be that he never dreamed possible. Mihecoby will be portraying a Coach on the “Big Screen” in “Home Run, the Movie” to be released on April 19, 2013. So he’s actually getting to play the part of what so many people were to him growing up a “mentor”. When he was too young to be in any league his mother, Imogene Mihecoby would play catch with him while his dad, Wesley worked long hours in the oil field. Come game time they never missed one game no matter what kind of weather they had to sit through. It’s sad to say neither one of his parents are here today to see their star player make a movie of the one thing they all loved and enjoyed. For he knows his parents were sitting on the highest bleachers staring down at him and cheering him on as he was making the movie and all the other days of his life. He also had a brother-n-law, Eddie Trevino who pushed him into being the best pitcher he could possibly be. After he got old enough he started playing baseball at the lake side little league ballpark where he was coached by the likes of Chief Long when he was 9-years old. Followed by Joe Railey and Vic Brevard who coached him from the age of 10 to 12 years old and took his team to state where they placed 3rd. At the age of 13 he played on an All-Star team for Jorge Lopez where they would travel to surrounding cities and play those teams. During his Babe Ruth years at the age of 14 to 15 years old he was coached by Greg Morris whom was one of his favorite coaches (R.I.P..). From there he moved up to 16 to 18 year old summer league during 1986-1989 and was coached by Larry Martin. When he entered his freshman year at Andrews High he began playing for Joe Ray Halsey in 1986 till he graduated in 1989. Mihecoby is one of those rare Southpaw pitchers that shined on the mound. In the summer after he graduated he and fellow teammate David Emiliano got the honor of playing in the Red River World Series Shootout in Vernon, TX. Mihecoby never got to play for the “Big Leagues” but the love for the game still lives strong in his heart. He is always eager and willing to teach anybody about the game whether it be his own kids or someone elses. He coached his son, Shea’s team the “Indians” in Wichita, Kansas for 3 years ending with a record of 21-3 before making a move to Lawton. Shea will also be a fan in the movie. Mihecoby still likes to play a little ball himself when or where ever possible. What is ironic about the name of one of the teams Sindey coaches in the movie is they are none other than the “Mustangs”. His baseball number was always and still is #13, but one of his movie uniforms has #40 on it which is his age (they didn’t have #13)

Shea Mihecoby plays a fan in the movie.

Sidney Mihecoby (the coach) signs a baseball in one the scenes of the motion picture “Home Run.”

Sidney Mihecoby plays a coach in the motion picture “Home Run,” which is to be released in April 2013,

Director, David Boyd and Coach, Sidney Mihecoby pose for a quick picture during the filming of the motion picture “Home Run.”

Another home run for Sidney Mihecoby. Mihecoby and fellow actor practices for scenes in the movie.

Sidney and his son Shea Mihecoby both have parts in a motion picture about a major league baseball team.

Sidney Mihecoby and Scott Elrod pose for a picture on the set of the film “Home Run” in which Mihecoby plays a coach of major league baseball team.

ironic. Everyone always wondered why he would want that number since there is a stigma attached to such a number. Even though people thought it was a “bad luck” number Mihecoby never thought of it that way and why would he look at what he got to experience for loving something so much. Look for this movie in theaters baseball season 2013, it is a true life Christian based story for all the family to see that celebrates recovery. Directed by David Boyd who also directed “Friday Night

Lights”. Mihecoby would like to thank all of his teammates and everyone that inspired and gave him the drive to experience something that is one of the Greatest Sports of All Times including a very special woman, Lawannah Mihecoby even though she had no idea how much her choices matter in his life! Giving God All the Glory!

Sidney Mihecoby hits a home run in one the scenes in which plays the coach a major league baseball team, called the Grizzlies.

April 2013

The Comanche Nation News

A Night of blues and soul Rocks Watchetaker Hall

Gary F

armer

Blues Nation plays a Sam Cooke song to warm up the crowd March 9 at Watchetaker Hall.

plays a

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ica.

Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

A crowd of music lovers gathered in Watchetaker Hall March 9 to listen to the sounds of blues music from Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers and Blues Nation. The crowd felt the rhythms of the two live bands throughout their performances, which lasted most of the night. Gary Farmer, who is known primarily as an actor, has a first love, and its playing music. Not any music, but the blues. “The blues have had an impact on Native tribal people,” Farmer explained in an interview. “We as a race have experienced hardships and downfalls, both on small and large scales, and playing this type of music connects me to the Native audience. I think there is a story between Black American and Native America, and it has not been told yet.” Playing the harmonica is what he is known for, and Farmer, who is a member of the

Six Tribes (or Nations) of the Iroquois, and he is knowledgeable about his tribal history. He also plays the piano. When he went to college, he picked up the knack of playing the harmonica. “Half of my people fought against the British, so we have a track of land in that area. It would have been nine nations if it had not been for the revolutionary war,” explained Farmer. He grew up around Niagara Falls, he said, and he believed hearing the blues as a child influenced him to pursue it as an adult. He added he admires the people who write the lyrics for blues songs. He believes there is structure to blues music and he can play a diversity of Started the band Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers, in 2005 with old blues and added his own material. With a fifth CD in its final stages, he hopes to have it completed by

mid April.

Blues Nation

The Blues Nation Band was formed in 1990 by Tom Ware, and they have been making a name for themselves across the land. Playing a mixture of blues and soul music, they have a fan base that follows their musical tour faithfully. Terry Zotigh, the drummer, guitarist, and harmonica Farmer and Tom Ware of Blues Nation sing a duet as one of the last perplayer for the band, said in an formances of the night. interview, Blues Nation had the opportunity to play for Al Gore, the 1994 Olympics, and was named the Best Blues Album at the Native American Music Awards. “Blues relates to everyone,” said Zotigh. “We have traveled with our music all around the world.” They are planning another CD, and continue to give their fans and audience a feeling of good blues music they can relate to. g soulful with a t r e c n the co h opens rum set. ig t o Z y d Terr from his

son