P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502-0908
Third Meeting set in January for unified position Regarding Indian Agency Cemetery
Lawton, OK
January 2013
George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah Fights Delvin Rodriguez February 15 ESPN Friday Night Fights at Mohegan Sun Casino
See Cemetery, Page 5
Hotel Expansion Passes; 2014 Tentative Opening Scheduled By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The Comanche Nation will host a third meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at Watchetaker Hall to formally adopt a unified position to present to the Fort Sill Garrison Command. The Comanche Nation will request that Ft. Sill undertake immediate steps to improve and restore the Indian Agency Cemetery according to this unified position. A draft copy of the unified position the Comanche Nation plans to present to the Fort Sill Garrison Command can be viewed on the Comanche Nation's website at www.comanchenation.com. A prior meeting was held Dec. 18, at the Comanche Nation Complex’s Watchetaker Hall. The first meeting was held on October 30, 2012 the Comanche with the next of kin to those buried at the Indian Agency Cemetery located on the Fort Sill Army base. The families discussed certain proposed improvements and restorations for the Indian Agency Cemetery, and whether those improvements and restorations are consistent with Comanche cultural and historical beliefs. “I encourage anyone with an interest in the Indian Agency Cemetery to attend these gatherings to further discuss these issues, and to voice their thoughts or concerns so that the Comanche Nation can speak with one voice in its talks with the Fort Sill Garrison Command,” said Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey. The Comanche Nation has a vital interest in ensuring that cemeteries with Coman-
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VOLUME 13 EDITION 1
Tahdooahnippah
Courtesy Photos
Rodriguez
Undefeated boxing champion, and the Pride of Comanche Country, George Comanche Boy Tahdooahnippah will challenge Delvin Rodriguez, bottom right, Feb. 15 during an ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Tahdooahnippah has been waiting for the national opportunity to become a reality.
Star Boxing Media Press Release
Tickets are on sale, as popular, world ranked junior middleweight contender Delvin "EL Peligro" Rodriguez battles George "Comanche Boy" Tahdooahnippah on Friday, Feb. 15 in the 10-round main event of ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, it was announced today by Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. Priced at $75, $45 and $30 (with a $5 facility fee, and limited 1st row VIP seats at $150), tickets will be available through Ticketmaster, www.Ticketmaster.comphone (800) 745-3000, the Mohegan Sun Box Office, the Star Boxing website, www.StarBoxing. com or by calling the Star Boxing Office at (718) 823-2000. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. "We're absolutely thrilled to bring Delvin back
to the Mohegan Sun for the first time in three years. The fans in Connecticut have been extremely supportive of him throughout his career and he is very excited to return" said DeGuardia. " "For 'Comanche Boy' a fight against Rodriguez represents a terrific opportunity. This will be the first time he has fought on the East Coast and his first main event on ESPN so this is a chance for him to truly impress. He's an undefeated Native AmericanIndian and a very colorful and aggressive fighter." A native of nearby Danbury, CT, the Dominican born Rodriguez, 26-6-3 (14KO's), is among the most popular fighters on the East Coast having continuously drawn huge crowds to his all-action fights. In July 2011 on ESPN Friday Night Fights, perennial contender Rodriguez fought to a
draw with Pawel Wolak in a legendary battle that was voted "2011 Fight of the Year," returning in December 2011 to out box Wolak towards a dominant victory at Madison Square Garden. In June of this year, Rodriguez challenged WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin Trout, losing a hard fought decision in a nationally televised bout. Fighting out of Lawton, Okla. and a proud member of the Comanche Nation, Tahdooahnippah sports a record of 31-0-1 with 23 knockouts and is coming off a third round stoppage of Gundrick King on September28 in his hometown winning the NABA USA Middleweight Title. The Rodriguez/Tahdooahnippah bout will be contested at a catch weight of 157 pounds. An exciting undercard will be announced shortly.
Over 1,400 tribal voters let exercised their right to vote in the December 15 decision to allow the Red River Casino to expand and build a 93 room hotel. The Comanche Business Committee, Tribal Administrator Will Owens, and CEO of the Comanche Nation Gaming Board of Directors Chas Robbins, conducted an eight city/town outreach initiative to bring tribal members up to date on the status of the four tribal casinos, and to answer any questions or concerns about the hotel expansion. “I believe the outreach was positive on several different levels,” said Robbins. “One, the meetings allowed us to speak specifically about the hotel project and present our projections for its impact to gaming revenue. However, I believe the meetings also allowed us to have some great dialogue about what all is going on Comanche Nation Gaming, and to provide a forum for Tribal Members to ask questions and learn more about their enterprises. “ He said it is difficult to explain all of the details behind financial projections in a twenty-minute presentation. However, the community meetings allowed him and the CBC to provide information that they hoped would help inform and educate tribal members about the project. In doing this, they hoped voters could feel more confident about their vote when the ballots went out. “There is still a lot of planning ahead of us before dirt gets moved for the project. We are still on track for See HOTEL, Page 4
Tribes in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas Unite to Tackle Tribal Issues at State Capitol By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
With the Tobacco Compacts and other issues concerning Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas tribes and their respected states being discussed at the Capitol, a meeting was hosted by the Comanche Nation Dec. 7 in Oklahoma City to unite the tribes can make unified decisions concerning issues that will impact all members of the tribal nations. A total of 13 tribal representatives were present to form the United Indian Nations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. The organizations by-laws and constitution were reviewed and modifications were made after discussion from the floor. Oklahoma State Governor, Mary Fallon, had set up
Round Talines. The Govble Discusernor’s Tribal sions with Liaison, Jacque the tribes in Hensley, job is Oklahoma to provide an alon the upternate informacoming Totional conduit the bacco Comgovernor on tribpacts, which al concerns about will expire compact issues. around June These topics 2013, cross were the heart of deputations discussion duragreements, ing the meeting. gaming, It was said by tribal lisome represencense tags, Chairman Wallace Coffey addresses the tri-state tribal representatives at tatives the comand land- the first meeting of UNIOKT in Oklahoma City. pacts violate the into-trust isrules of Indian for the Governor or any agreesues. Law. Specific court ruling dis Gov. Fallon’s General ments with tribes and the Sec- cussed the 1993 Potawatami vs Counsel, Steve Mullins, will retary of State, Glenn Coffey, Oklahoma State when the Suserve as the lead negotiator would provide policy guide- preme Court ruled the state of
Oklahoma cannot impose state cigarette/tobacco taxes, and the 1993 Chickasaw vs Oklahoma State cannot impose gas taxes on tribes. Other court rulings were also discussed that limits the interference of the state in Tribal ventures. “The state always wants a piece of the tribal pie,” said one representative. It was agreed that the tribes want the state to know that the Divide-and-Conquer concept that has been used effectively against tribes in the past will not work anymore. “Although we are all different sovereign nations here today, there are certain initiatives that tribes can stand See TRIBES, Page 3
January 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 February edition is noon January 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. 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
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.
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The Comanche Nation News
Government
Seven Resolutions Presented at December CBC Meeting Water Pipelines; Voter Statistics Discussed
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the December 1, 2012 Comanche Business Committee Meeting and not the official meeting minutes. To obtain the official minutes to the monthly meeting, please call the Office of the Comanche Nation Chairman, (580) 492-3251. Chairman Wallace Coffey called the meeting to order at 10:09 a.m. Changes to the agenda were made to add Thomas Narcomey in the Old/New Business and to add Willie Nelson in the Executive Session. Resolution 107-12 was added to Executive Session. Secretary/Treasurer, Gary Tahmahkera, conducted Roll call. A quorum was established with all Comanche Business Committee (CBC) being present. A motion was made by Vice Chairman, Mack Mike Mahsetky, to accept the Nov. 3 CBC meeting minutes. CBC No. 3, Harry Mithlo, seconded the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Resolutions 100-12 Enrollment list 913. Ineligible. Not a descendant of an original allottee. 101-13 Enrollment list 914. Ineligible. Not enough required blood quantum of 1/8. 102-14 Enrollment list 915. Eligible. New tribal members. CBC No. 2, Sonya Nevaquaya, made a motion to accept all three resolutions. Mahsetky seconded the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Chairman Coffey wanted recognize Gene Pekah and Juanita Mithlo and commend them for their dedication and hard work to help get the Comanche Nation College accredited. 103-12 Conoco Phillips. Conoco Phillips pipeline in Cotton County on the NW 4 Section 4, three acres. 1,704 feet. Renewal in 20 years- 2031, in agreement with the BIA. Tahmahkera
makes a motion to accept the resolution. Mahsetky seconds the motion. The motion carries. 104-12 1001 SE 36th Trust Application. Secure 10 acres of surface lands only. 931 ft. SW quarter township two. Mithlo makes a motion to accept the resolution. Tahmahkera seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 105-12 Approving use of trust land for constructional and operation of Travel Plaza. The resolution will approve water pipelines for the travel plaza. Tribal Administrator, Will Owens, requests an amendment to strike the amount of the bid. In the discussion Roland Mason questions CBC about the War Pony Casino. Chairman Coffey explained in 2008 the economy fell and if the CBC
had followed through with the project, the tribe would have been in debt with more than the General Council approved. CBC No. 4, Jack Codopony Sr., makes a motion to accept the resolution. Mithlo seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. 106-12 Amendment to resolution No. 97-12. Extension ending dates for project. The resolution is requesting a 365 day extension from Dec. 31, 2012 until Dec. 31, 2013 for the Lee Blvd. access road and parking lot. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolution. Tahmahkera seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Old/New Business Regina Brannock, Comanche Nation Election Board President, explains the upcom-
ing Dec. 15 voting of the Red River Expansion Project. The said there are 10,993 eligible voters in the tribe. She said the cost of printing, mailing, and counting of the ballots will be $35,000. Every eligible voter was mailed a ballot. Thomas Narcomey wanted to table the resolution he presented at the November meeting so the CBC could have the opportunity to read the Comanche Nation Employee Policy and Procedure Handbook. He wants to add a chapter on the Appeals Committee and to have the CBC be involved. CBC No. 1, Charles Wells, makes a motion to go into Executive Session. Tahmahkera seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1 at 11:39 a.m.
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY. The Comanche Business Committee, above, and Chas Robbins, the CEO of the Comanche Nation Gaming Board of Directors, above left, ended their eight city/town outreach to meet the members of the Comanche Nation, and to talk to them about the status of the Comanche Nation Casinos, and the Red River Hotel Expansion Project. The group met hundreds of tribal members, answered their questions about various tribal topics, and listened to their concerns. The last Comanche Community visited was Dec. 8 in Wichita, Kan. Nearly 70 tribal members were present at the meeting and eager to meet and greet the Comanche leaders, above right. The CBC and several tribal programs who service the out-of-state tribal members will begin a series of outreaches in the surrounding states in 2013 to ensure all tribal members, have an opportunity to learn about services in which they qualify.
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The Comanche Nation News
Cobell Settlement Money on the Way; NCAI Launches Radio Ad Campaign to “Protect Native Money” Thom Wallace/NCAI Communications
On Dec. 17, the Indian Trust Settlement Administrator began issuing checks for the Cobell settlement to an estimated 400,000 American Indians who are Individual Indian Money (IIM) account holders. In an effort to raise awareness about the possibility of fraud and scams targeting these account holders the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has released a Public Service Announcements (PSA) for radio stations as part of the organization’s Protect Native Money initiative. “This settlement can benefit you, your family and your communities, but we must all be aware of the potential negative impacts. You or others may be a target for scams,” says NCAI’s Jefferson Keel in the radio PSA being distributed to Native American radio
stations throughout the United States (click here to download). “Dishonest people know about the settlement and are figuring ways to take money from you. Be aware and be watchful. If you suspect a scam, you can contact your State’s Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection or your tribe.” Keel and NCAI is also encouraging Native people to become educated and visit the organization’s site full of information on the issue at www. ncai.org/protectnativemoney. NCAI has also developed an “alert” with information for tribes to provide to their members (download here). Keel closes the PSA by saying, “Remember, it’s your money, it’s Native money. Let’s keep it that way for generations to come.” NCAI outlines spe-
cific ways in which recipients may be targeted. Individuals in these circumstances usually get mail, phone calls, and email with ideas for how to spend the money. For example, individuals or their family might get offers for new or used vehicles, credit card or loan offers, rentto-own “deals”, or an advance on the money. The organization is encouraging individuals to determine how to save or spend their money, and to be wary of scams that encourage people to “Act Now!”, make big promises, offer no risk, or tell people to “keep it secret” referring to the offer. NCAI says the best way to protect Native money is to make a plan, “take your time” when deciding how to spend the money”, ask questions, and talk to someone your trust. The Cobell settlement
nized by states. The discussion of restoring the tribal land base was very important to the tribal leaders present at the meeting. “It is our obligation to put land back into trust. We as tribes have lost enough land through the Dawes Act,” said one tribal representative. “If we don’t assert ourselves, we will be facing the same dilemma our ancestors face years ago.” It was agreed the tribes are in a position of strength politically, economically, and financially, to challenge the states on the topics highlighted by the governors of the states. Another meeting was
held Dec. 14 in Tulsa, Okla. Chairman Coffey, Nicole Dunlap, Crowe & Dunlevy, and Margo (Gray) Protor volunteered to serve on a committee to work on the next draft of the Constitution & By-Laws, and circulate the work-product to the attendees prior to the January 19 meeting.
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together on and advance,” said Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey. “We are going to stand up and represent our respected nations.” Also present at the meeting were tribal lawyers who have been reviewing current tobacco, gaming, and other compacts. The Muskogee Tobacco Compact was discussed and it was suggested that better negotiations are in order because it sets a bad prescient and not a good model to derive from. It was also agreed that although the tribes have given states hefty financial contributions, it has not been recog-
payments, being made by the Indian Trust Settlement Administrator, will be distributed in two payments with the first being the $1,000 to everyone in the class. These payments were mailed on December 17, 2012. The remaining payments will go out within six months of the first payment. $1.5 billion is slated for individuals in these initial payouts. $1.9 billion will go to repurchase fractionated interests over the next 10 years. A major number of the recipients are in Montana, North and South Dakota, Idaho, Washington, California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Minnesota. NCAI has also learned that the court will issue an order this week appointing a "special master" to oversee the distribution of the funds with a focus on efforts to locate all eligible
beneficiaries. Efforts will be made to reach out to tribes to help locate members who may be eligible but who may need to update their addresses. NCAI is directing individuals who have questions about payments for class members of the Cobell v. Salazar settlement, to contact the claims administrator, Garden City Group, Inc., directly. Call: 1-800-961-6109 toll free. Email: info@IndianTrust.com Mail: Indian Trust Settlement, P.O. Box 9577, Dublin, OH 43017-4877 Trust Beneficiary Call Center -- beneficiaries can contact the Trust Beneficiary Call Center for the Office of Special Trustee, toll-free, at 1-888678-6836.
January 2013
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HOTEL
Continued from Page 1
ground breaking on the project sometime in March 2013,” added Robbins. “While there are many variables at play in these projects that can affect the schedule, we hope to see it completed around January 2014.” The hotel will be a three-star facility at the existing Red River Casino, located
near the Texas border off of the I-44 highway. The hotel will be a 90-room, six-suite facility that will offer conference rooms, meeting space, dining 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 the main
purpose of the hotel expansion is to use it as a marketing tool to increase the gaming revenue of the casino. This will be done, he added rewarding top players of the casino, and host group meeting and social events. He emphasized this will not jeopardize the annual per capita and elder checks that
are distributed. He elaborated ture of the Comanche Nation.” by saying the expansion will have a positive effect on the distributions by increasing the amount. “This will put many tribal members to work,” said Chairman Wallace Coffey. “What a wonderful way to begin 2013 with employing tribal members and building the fu-
Official Voting Results
January 2013
CEMETERY Continued from Page 1
che Ancestors interred therein on Tribal lands and elsewhere receive proper care and maintenance, and remain places where lineal descendants can observe and memorialize their ancestors in ways consistent with their religious beliefs and practices. In accordance with this vital interest, the Comanche Nation has conferred with the next-of-kin to those buried within the Indian Agency Cemetery to discuss certain improvements and restorations to the Indian Agency Cemetery burial grounds. The Indian Agency Cemetery has long been in a state of disrepair, and consistent with the concerns voiced by the next-of-kin with whom the Comanche Nation has conferred, the Comanche Nation adopts the following unified position on the Indian Agency Cemetery: 1. The historical record shows that the Indian Agency Cemetery at all times has been owned and operated by the United States or its agents, either as Indian trust property used by the federal government for Indian agency purposes or as military property. Accordingly, the Indian Agency Cemetery should properly be classified as a "post" cemetery under
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Reminder: Next Meeting of the Unified Position of the Indian Agency Cemetery 6 p.m. January 29 Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Complex applicable Army regulations to ensure high level standards for care and maintenance. 2. The Comanche Nation and Fort Still should enter into a Preservation Plan Agreement, which provides for the perpetual care and maintenance of the Indian Agency Cemetery consistent with the care and maintenance received by other post cemeteries on the Fort Sill Army Base. 3. As with other sites that are sacred to the Comanche Nation and its people, the Indian Agency Cemetery should properly be protected, and made available to the next-ofkin at all times. Accordingly, the Indian Agency Cemetery should be marked by appropriate fencing, and the current fencing which impedes access to the cemetery should be removed, so that the nextof-kin can observe and memorialize their ancestors in ways
consistent with their religious beliefs and practices, without interference and surveillance and without Fort Sill personnel impermissibly invading on private moments shared with Comanche ancestors. 4. The Indian Agency Cemetery should be treated as a proper cemetery, and as such there should be a transit lane to the Cemetery and appropriate parking made available to visitors. A permanent sign which marks the cemetery should also be placed at the cemetery proper. 5. Beginning in 1917, the Fort Sill Military Reservation Commanders 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, the 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 inches of dirt, hiding the last remaining monuments of remembrance from view, to further facilitate the landing of aircrafts. The Comanche Nation and the next-of-kin to those buried within the Indian Agency Cemetery take offense to these degradations. Accordingly, the existing in-ground grave markers should be exposed, and permanent Veterans' Affairs grave markers should be placed at the head of every burial site. 6. Although there are currently 109 marked graves at
The Comanche Nation News
the Indian Agency Cemetery, it is believed that the cemetery could contain upwards of 200 burial sites of Comanche ancestors. The identification of these burial sites is of the utmost importance to the Comanche Nation, and therefore a ground penetrating radar study should be completed within six months, and should include an area of one hundred fifty feet beyond what is currently believed to be the existing boundaries of the Indian Agency Cemetery. The Comanche Nation almost lost the Indian Agency Cemetery because of the lack of care and the concealment of the monuments to the Comanche ancestors buried within. Only through recent efforts undertaken by the Comanche Nation and its citizens to ensure that the Indian Agency Cemetery receives proper care and maintenance have brought attention to this historic wrong. The Comanche Nation respectfully urges that its ancestors buried within the Indian Agency Cemetery receive the same proper care, equal respect and maintenance as other similarly-situated cemeteries located on Ft. Sill.
January 2013
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Programs
The Comanche Nation News
DONATION of APPRECIATION
Daughter of Dawn Shown at Watchetaker Hall
Musical Composer for the film, David Yeagley and commentator of film wardrobe,Vanessa Jennings attend the Dec 6 screening. Photo and Story by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The vintage film, Daughter of Dawn, was shown Dec. 6 at Watchetaker Hall of the Comanche Nation Complex. Over 50 movie enthusiasts screened the movie, and enjoyed the free refreshments and popcorn. Prior to the screening of the movie, filmed interviews of some of the actors that were conducted by former OU student, Deron Twohatchet, were shown. They told stories about making the movie. The movie is about a love triangle between two warriors and the chief’s daughter. One of the lead characters in the movie is portrayed by Quanah Parker’s son, White Parker. The movie was made in 1920. A total of 300 all American Indian actors and actresses were cast for the movie. Some of the actor and actresses in the film were young men and women when the tribes were still on the plains living in their traditional way of life. All the cast were all from the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes (KCA). In the movie, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the traditional way of horsemanship is demonstrated. The tipis were personally owned by the actors and extras in the movie. The buckskins and other attire were owned by the actors and extras as well. The actors were paid $5 per day, and the children were paid 75¢ per day. The film took six months to complete and it was filmed in Craterville Park at the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. One distinction the Oklahoma Historical Society points out is only two percent of independently made silent films still exist. The film was rediscovered and restored by the Oklahoma State Historical Society, Dr. Bob Blackburn, Executive Director. Although it had some damage to it, all six reels of
them movie were recovered. The members of the Oklahoma Historical Society knew this film was more than just a silent movie; it was a unique piece of documented history at a distinctive time in the lives of the local American tribes in Southwest Oklahoma. Composing the score for the music was Comanche composer, David Yeagley. It took him around seven months to compose the score. Yeagley said the different persona and status of the characters were very important to him, and he wanted to make sure he used the music to draw excitement, sadness, and other emotions that the viewer would have while watching the movie. From the opening scene when the sun is coming up with a rattle of a gourd that “awakens” the sun, to the exciting battle of the two chiefs, the musical score was done with the upmost thought and consideration of the scenes that it makes the movie come alive with the rhythmic details it reflects. “There is no art we Comanches cannot master,” said Yeagley. “I used as much rational emotion as I could, and I was wondering what kind of response I would get from Indian Country.” The instruments he chose to portray the characters were well thought out, such as using the traditional flute for the daughter of Dawn and the regular flute for the character of Red Wing. The first public preview of the film and music was at the Dead Center Film Festival, in Oklahoma City, June 10, 2012. It was also screened at the Santa Fe Native Cinema Showcase, August 18, 2012, during the annual Indian Market.
Sergeant Major Yates of Sheppard Air Force Base presented a $160 Check to Chairman Wallace Coffey and the Comanche Residential Youth Shelter (CRYS) on behalf of the Comanche Nation PIO Department. The Native American Indian Heritage Committee from the base raised the money to donate. The PIO did a one-hour presentation about the Comanche Nation Nov. 19 to elementary children at the Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX .Instead of giving the department a plaque of appreciation, Schonchin asked if they would make a monetary donation to the CRYS. Following the presentation, Yates was given a tour of the youth shelter facility. Yates said he looks forward working with the Comanche Nation on future culture-sharing projects.
Workout Warriors 2013!
Make Your New Year’s Resolution to be a Workout Warrior!! 8 Week Workout Challenge!! 3 X 50 Minute Sessions a Week
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People with Diabetes Encouraged to Sign Up and all people from all fitness levels Pre screening Sign Ups: January 7- 8, 2013 at the Comanche Nation Diabetes Building 8 Week Program will begin January 14 , 2013 and end March 9th, 2013.
Workout Warrior 2013 T-shirts ONLY to participants who complete 3 x 50 minute sessions a week for 8 Weeks Incentives for Most Weight Loss and Most BMI Loss!! For Diabetics: Most A1C Loss Must Have Proof of Tribal Enrollment to Qualify for Incentives For Details Contact the Diabetes Program: (580) 492-3320
Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
January 2013
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche National Museum Hosts Christmas Open House Submitted by Comanche National Museum
The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center held its annual Christmas Open House on the afternoon December 6, Christmas treats and light hors d’oeuvres, including traditional corn soup and meat pies, were served. The event was free and open to the public. Many visitors dropped in to partake of the holiday festivities, and tour the current three part exhibit “All Things Comanche, A Numunuu Trilogy.” The Comanche National Museum in Cultural Center is located at 701 NW Ferris Ave, directly behind Lawton Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/New Staff McMahon Auditorium. For more information go to www. Guests enjoyed the tradional foods offered and stood in line to view the current exhibit “All comanchemuseum.com or call Things Comanche.” (580) 353-0404.
Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/New Staff
FREE WILL CLINIC. The Oklahoma Legal Indian Services (OILS) held a free will preparation clinic at the Comanche Nation Business Center at 1913 East Gore Blvd., on December 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Clinic was for all tribal members who owned interest and Indian Trust Land. The Will Clinic gave tribal members the opportunity to have their wills prepared free of charge. The services provided a one on one clinical that assured confidential and legal advice that some tribal members may not have had access to previously. OILS is one of two Civil Legal Service Program operating in Oklahoma funded principally by the Legal Services and Corp. For additional information regarding other legal services, please call Oklahoma Legal Services, Inc. at 1(800) 658-1497.
Guests registered and received gift bags that included; Note pads, Oranges, Apples, and Pecans.
Guests were seated outdoors were they all laughed, visited and enjoyed each others company.
We’re here for you with the money you need Advance America Cash Advance provides a quick and easy way to get the money you need when you need it. Advance America #3558 5334 NW Cache Rd., Ste. A Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 591-0333 Items to Bring • Two Forms of ID (Valid State or Federal photo ID and one additional ID) • Bank Statement (Most recent checking account statement) • Paycheck Stub (Most recent paycheck stub or verification of other income) • Personal Check (Held until due date) • Verification of Social Security Number
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The Comanche Nation News
Comanche Nation College GED Commencement Members of the Walters Service Club along with Morgan Tossee and tribal Chairman Wallace Coffey at the drum blessings ceremony.
Walters Service Club Holds Drum Blessing Ceremony
Story and phot by Stacy Heminokeky /News Staff
The 2012 Comanche Nation College GED Graduation Ceremony was held Dec. 15 at the James Cox Auditorium.
Family and Friends went through a line to Congratulate the Graduates. Story and photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
The Comanche Nation College held it’s Class of 2012 Winter GED Commencement on December 15, 2012. The program began with an Invocation and Cedaring Ceremony, followed by the Comanche Nation College Song being sung by LaNeal Pewewardy. Introduction and Commence-
ment address was given by Dr. Consuelo Lopez and Juanita Pahdopony gave the Comanche Nation College History. The Ceremony was then followed by the introduction of Students by Gene Pekah, Presentation of Degree and Gold Cord by Dr. Consuelo Lopez, Presentation of Portfolio by Dr. Lotsee Patterson, and
the Presentation of Comanche Nation College Pin by Juanita Pahdopony. The GED Graduates were Donald Chapabitty, Audrey Craig, Felicia Hernandez, Elizabeth Howell, Clint Pipe, Ah-takee Sovo Potts, Samantha Rodriguez, Anthony Valdez, and Keith Wetselline.
The Walters Service Club held a Drum Blessing Ceremony on December 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the New Conference Room at the Comanche Nation Complex. The Walters Service Club held the Drum Blessing Ceremony to extend it’s appreciation for the dream being donated to the organization by Hammond Motah. The Introduction was given by Mari WahahrockahLavatai. The Invocation was given by Hammond Motah,
followed by a dinner sponsored by the organization. Morgan Tosee, a member of the Comanche Native Church, conducted the Drum Blessing Ceremony and provided cedaring for all those in attendance. Among those attending the Ceremony were Chairman Wallace Coffey and the Walters Service Club Princesses, Amiya Devine and Chelsey Fodder. The Walters Service Club wishes to thank all of those attending the Ceremony.
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Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
SCOOTER SURPRISE. The Prescription Assistance Program received an unforeseen blessing in the month of November and was able to purchase 10 electric scooters for tribal members in need of them. The program is hoping to be able to purchase more in the future. A class was held to teach the tribal members how to operate and care for the scooters.
January 2013
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The Comanche Nation News
Military CIVA FULFILL 81 COMMITMENTS IN 2012
ton Pewewardy and Lanny Asepermy has assisted on a few occasions (Asepermy and his wife, Shelley, installed the The Comanche Indian first 27 markers). Since 2004 Veterans Association (CIVA) over 100+ markers have been fulfilled 81 commitments dur- installed, 142 military funeral ing 2012 including 14 Color honors have been presented to Guard commitments, 15 Mili- our veterans and 56+ committary Funeral Honors, Guest for ments have been fulfilled. six events, six Flag Raising Ceremonies, six Flag Lowering Ceremonies, six Presentations, Host for five events, CoHost for four events and other commitments to include Meetings, Dedications, Prayer Services, Hospital Visits, Set-up, Pallbearers, Memorial Services, Induction and Promotion 2011 Veterans Day Celebration Ceremonies. Honorees and CIVA and Auxiliary members
CIVA Color Guard
CIVA assisted the active military during many funeral honors.
Honors and Special Recognition have become one of the CIVA’s way of giving back to our veterans. At one of it’s honoring ceremonies an 83 year old Comanche Korean War veteran echoed what many others have said “I returned from Korea 60 years ago, there was no parade, bands or welcoming committee when I got home. This is the first time since my return that anyone has taken the time to honor my service. This day has been very special for me and members of my family.” The once forgotten veteran was SGT Johnny Brown at the CCC-Apache on Veterans Day, 2012. About a dozen and a half of his family members and friends were in attendance.
Dedication Ceremony in Roland, Okla.
Korean War veteran SGT Johnny Brown in 1952 Princess Chelsea Sapcut performing at the Medicine Park Flute Festival where the CIVA were guest.
Historian Lanny Asepermy and Commander George Red Elk presenting Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Citation to the late Johnny Wauqua at the Comanche Nation Museum.
In addition, honors were presented to 13 veterans and Special Recognition, consisting of Veterans Gift Bags, Honorable and Combat Service Medallions and Challenge Coins were presented to 210 veterans for their military service (including a dozen mail-outs to Texas, California, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri). Since 2004 the CIVA has presented honors to 160 veterans and recognized 245 others. 18 military markers were also installed, most all by CBC member and US Navy/US Army veteran, Harry Mithlo and his grandson - George Red Elk, Stan-
merous events and his wife, Lisa, has provided the meals for our major events (Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day). Eddie Mahseet has been the Master of Ceremonies for the past few years for the annual Veterans Day Celebration.
In the December, 2012 edition of TCNN Welcome Home Global War On Terror Veterans, a couple of GWOT veterans sent information about their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Military Funeral Honors Due to funding and manpower restrictions the Department of Defense has limited Military Funeral Honors for veterans, except active duty personnel killed while on active duty, to a 2-3 person funeral detail who play taps and fold and present the casket flag to the next of kin of the deceased service member. Active duty personnel who die while on active duty are still entitled to pallbearers, a firing squad, a bugler and a flag presentation detail - these honors that were once provided to retired military has been taken away. The Comanche Indian Veterans Association provides funeral honors to all deceased veterans if requested by the family of the deceased. These honors include display of the US, Comanche Nation, Oklahoma, CIVA and branch of service flag of the deceased at the funeral home - a wreath is also provided. They also read the deceased military narrative, conduct a roll call and present final honors during the funeral. The family is provided with booklet with the deceased military history, photos (if provided by the family) and any other information deemed appropriate about the veteran. At the grave site the flags are usually displayed again and when asked by the family, the CIVA will provide pallbearers, play taps and provide the flag presentation detail. The Comanche Nation Police Department provides a firing squad - we are extremely thankful to the Police Department for providing this invaluable service. If you want the CIVA to conduct Military Funeral honors, the family can tell the funeral directors at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home and they will contact the CIVA Commander, George Red Elk at (580) 512-2225 or the CIVA Historian Lanny Asepermy at (580) 678-4629. The CIVA will make arrangements for the Firing Squad, research and fabricate the presentation booklet, set up the flags and prepare the wreath. As of December 1, 2012 the CIVA has presented military funeral honors to 138 veterans, two Auxiliary members, the son of a CIVA member and a family who didn’t have pallbearers.
The Commander is George Red Elk, the Vice Commander is Jack Codopony (also a member of the CBC), the Secretary/Color Guard Coordinator/Quartermaster/ Historian is Lanny Asepermy, the Chaplain is Jimmy Caddo and the Auxiliary Coordinator is Shelley Asepermy, Richard Bread is the 2nd Vice Commander for Life. Active members and Auxiliary include Barbara Asepermy, Patricia Bread, Beverly Chasenah, Arvillia Craig, Sharon Enriquez, Jose and Sandra Gallegos, Talbert Gooday, Lonnie Henderson, Baliente Herrera, Jewell Laurenzana, Ronnie and Phyllis Mahsetky, Leland Parker, Stanton Pewewardy, Georgia, Vanessa, Yonevea and Wilbur Sapcut, Richard, Fran and JanMaria Sapcutt, Benny, Anna and Garrison Tahmahkera, “Beaver” and Cheryl Takawana, Sissy Terry, Ed Yates and Marla Nauni. John McClung, Paul Tate Jr., and Dominic CIVA and Comanche Nation Police Department funeral detail and firing Pawlowski have assisted with squad at Little Washita Cemetery Color Guard commitments despite being on Active Reserve Duty. The Princess is Chelsea Sapcut. Kenny Looking Glass has provided the drum for nu-
Sergeant Gregory Ah Sam, US Army Reserve, is currently serving in Afghanistan with the 160th Military Police Company.
Sergeant Gregory Cole, US Army, served two tours in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division in 2005 and 82nd Airborne Division in 2008 as a Combat Medic - he is the great grandson of World War I combat wounded veteran Mikey Tahdooahnippah.
Specialist Keesa Tahdooahnippah Church’s photo was unavailable in last month’s issue.
Mahseet Delivers
Eddie Mahseet
In a program started, in 2002, by the Southwest Chapter of Vietnam Veterans, US Marine Corp and Vietnam War hero, Eddie Mahseet and his sons have delivered both Thanksgiving and Christmas staples 14-18 other veteran families for families in the Apache area. The staples include a turkey, cans of pump-
kin, corn, green beans, cranberries, bag of dark and light grapes, sweet potatoes, bananas, oranges, pears, sugar snap peas, apples, carrots, strawberries and boxes of dressing. This service provides enough food to feed “an Army,” Mahseet and his sons drive to Oklahoma City and load his pick-up and trailer with the staples, break them down for delivery and deliver to the families. For this gesture I and many other families thank Mahseet and his sons for their kindness and thoughtfulness ensuring his brothers and sisters in arms and others enjoy a holiday meal at no expense to them. Lanny Asepermy also would like to recognize Mahseet (and Carla Whiteman) for hosting the long-running Indian for Indians program every Saturday from 9-12 a.m. Indians for Indians has been around for many, many, years and became doormat until Mahseet, more or less revived the program by finding sponsorship in about 2000. He provides news from Indian Country, traditional, live and sometimes non-traditional music and interviews various organizations, artists and individuals. His current sponsor is the Comanche Nation Casino and the program can be heard on KACO, FM 98.5. Volunteering in today’s society has almost become a thing of the past as Mahseet uses a lot of his own “pocket money” to provide these two services. As most of us know Mahseet served US Marine Corps from 1964-68 including two tours in Vietnam. He has been recognized as a Numu Pukutsi for his heroic combat service in Vietnam. Mahseet was also a twice elected member of the Comanche Business Committee serving the Nation from 2004-10. He has also been selected as the Master of Ceremonies for numerous pow-wows both locally and throughout the United States, including both the Comanche Nation Fair and Comanche Homecoming. After years of dialysis Mahseet was given a new lease on life when he received a kidney transplant this past late summer. Individuals of Mahseet’s caliber are often sought but seldom found now days. It’s ironic, that in high school, Mahseet’s nickname was “buffalo” - in the past the Buffalo (and horse) provided our means of survival. Our modern day “Buffalo” continues to provide services to the Nation in his own way.
January 2013
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones
Happy Belated Birthday Bobby-Lewis, December 12 Kaleb Plata, December 20 Alexander Charles Akoneto, December 28
Happy Birthday
Teresa Renee Fagan, January 1 Betty Hargis, January 6 Blake Heminokeky Gayton, January 8 Johnetta Silverhorn, January 8 Anita Yackeyonny, January 11 Cali Alderman, January 11 Marilyn Hendrix, January 11 Terry Glasscock Daukei Torres, January 11 Stephanie Akoneto, January 15 Billy Clark Daukei, January 16 Mark Allen Thoman Jr., January 17 Sandra Karty, January 17 Angel Attocknie, January 20 Clifford Quoyah, January 22 Kendric Parker, January 22 Darius D. Asepermy, January 24 Sierra Silverhorn, January 24 Jana Sue Evans, January 26 Spike Hutchens, January 29 Bubba Mason, January 31 Paula Karty, January 31
Happy Belated Birthday Kaleb Plata December 20
Happy Birthday Stephanie Akoneto January 15
Edwin and Mattie Akoneto, January 22 Ray Ray and Chris Wilmeth, January 31
Happy Birthday Sierra Silverhorn January 24
Obituaries
Verdejo
Funeral for Mary Louise Pekah Verdejo, 72, Lawton was December 6, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Nick Tahchawwickah officiating. Verdejo went to be with the Lord on December 3. Prayer service was December 5 at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel Burial was at Deyo Mission Cemetery in Lawton under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Verdejo was born on February 27, 1940 in Lawton, the beloved daughter of Albert Levi Wermy Pekah and Mary Aguirre. She lived in New York City for about 12 years before moving her family back to Lawton, Okla., in 1974.
Happy Birthday Blake Heminokeky Gayton January 8
Happy Birthday Johnetta Silverhorn January 8
Happy Birthday Clifford Quoyah January 22
Anniversaries
Mary Louise Pekah Verdejo
Happy Belated Birthday Alexander Charles Akoneto December 28
She worked in food service industry and in home health care. She received Salvation and accepted Jesus Christ as her savior in October. Due to her health issues she resided at Willow Park Health Care Center for the last six years. She loved being around her family and grandchildren. She always had a smile on her face and was always there to help you out if you needed help. She was a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. She is survived by children: Raymond Pekah, Pearl Pekah, both of Lawton, Victor Pekah of Montana, Johnny W. Hasley of Duncan, Mary Urquhart, Nico Rosario, both of Lawton, Leah Verdejo of New York, Migdalia Verdejo of Dallas, Texas, Darrell Niedo, Albert Comacho both of Lawton; sisters: Wanda Pekah Leon-Guerrero and Evelyn Bonilla both of Lawton; brothers: Floyd Pekah of Cyril, Cruz Pekah of Kansas; 25 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; special grandson: Harley Pewewardy. Verdejo was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents: one daughter; two grandkids; and three great grandkids.
Happy Birthday Sandra Karty January 17
Happy Birthday Darius Asepermy January 24
January 2013
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The Comanche Nation News
“Twas the Night Before Chirstmas Story Telling” at the Comanche Complex Higher Education Hosted Annual Event
Kids receive a helping hand in making Christmas ornaments.
Lynn Tosee tells the kids the true meaning of Christmas.
Kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
Tribal youth give their undivided attention as they are being told Christmas stories at Watchetaker Hall.
Tribal member Gene Sovo shares his Christmas traditions with tribal youth.
Mojo and Arlene Schonchin attempt to make antler headbands.
Children enjoy holiday activities during the Christmas story telling.
Santa is greeted by all the good boys and girls.
Kids show their dance skills while doing the popular “Gang-um Style” dance.
January 2013
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The Comanche Nation News
Annual ELDER DAY Extravaganza
Photos by Paula Karty/Jolene Schonchin/News Staff