P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502-0908
For the third year in a row, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC) has received statewide recognition for excellence from the Oklahoma Museums Association. CNMCC is a recipient of a 2011 OMA Award for “Best Newsletter” for their publication Isu Hini. The museum is the only tribal museum in the state of Oklahoma to be honored by OMA this year. Written and produced quarterly by CNMCC Education and Public Programs Manager Candy Morgan, Isu Hini, which means “What is this?” in Comanche, provides museum supporters with useful information about upcoming exhibits and events. All copy and photography is created in-house before being edited into newsletter form by DesignWorks Group in Wichita Falls, Tx. “Our mission here at the Comanche National Museum is to preserve and expand the knowledge of our communities about Indian arts and culture, especially Comanche history and culture,” said Executive Director, Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi. “Our newsletter supports that mission by keeping the public informed about the museum in hopes of drawing visitors back to learn more about the great Comanche Nation.” Wahahrockah-Tasi said. The awards were presented in Claremore as part of OMA’s 2011 Fall Conference. Presented annually, the OMA Awards recognize outstanding achievement by museums and individuals throughout the state during the past year. Award categories include exhibitions, promotional piece, publication, web site, newsletters, conservation projects and education programs. The competition is divided into four budget categories. In addition, certificates of recognition honor the contributions of an individual, group, or business to Oklahoma museums or a specific museum or community. In 2009, the museum took top honor for “Best Promotional Piece” for the television commercial “Celebrating Josephine Wapp”. The following year, CNMCC won the “Best Website” category. “We are the only tribal museum in Oklahoma to have our work recognized at the state level,” Wahahrockah-Tasi said. “We take a lot of pride in everything we do. We are extremely honored to be selected for this award.” WahahrockahTasi said.
By News Staff
be set up, and a schedule is underway to entertain the seniors of the Comanche Nation. Any church or organization who wants to participate in the schedule of events by singing songs or other presentations, call the Comanche Nation at (580) 492-3240.
Vendors who wish to set up need to call the Comanche Nation at (580) 492-3240. The spaces are limited, so the sign up for vendors is on a firstcome-first-serve basis.
Comanche Nation Chairman, Johnny Wauqua, is flanked by honored elders, from left, Videll Yackeschi, Rita Coosewoon, and Kenneth Coosewoon. The AARP honored 50 Oklahoma Native American Elders Representing 37 Tribes Oct. 4 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Yackeschi, Coosewoon Honored at AARP’s Indian Elder Honors
Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
The AARP honored three Comanche Nation Elders at the 2011 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors Oct. 4 at the Cowboy Yackeschi Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City. Vi d e l l Yackeschi, Kenn e t h Coosewoon, Kenneth and Rita and Rita Coosewoon Coosewoon were the honorees, along with 47 other tribal elders, who, in total, represented 37 tribes of Oklahoma. All three were honored because of their dedication to helping others through prayer and guidance. Here are their stories. Videll Yackeschi Videll Yackeschi was nominated for the AARP awards by Juanita Pahdopony-Mithlo. In her letter of nomination, Mithlo wrote, “Juanita Pahdopony and the Comanche Nation College proudly nominates Mr. Videll Yackeschi to the AARP Oklahoma Honoring Elders because of the important work he does to preserve the Comanche language, its culture, and his contribution to the greater community of Lawton,
Okla. Mr. Yackeschi comes from the Comanche culture where values and knowledge come from an ancient story-telling tradition.” Language Contribution Yackeschi is the Language Archivist at the Comanche Nation College in Lawton, Okla. He specializes in archiving various Comanche songs from powwow songs to Native American Church songs, assisting with the translation of words and phrases, and translates stories, poems, bible verses and church songs. He has been working on a project of translating children’s stories for the Comanche Nation Daycare facilities. In addition to the classic stories for children, Yackeschi is working on translating stories created by tribal members and illustrated by Comanche artist, Cynthia Clay. He uses equipment to transfer information and songs from a tape to compact discs. This has proved to be very useful in preserving the Comanche language. He also helps write tests and other curriculum for the Comanche Nation College’s Language class when the instructors need his help. He said he also helped the Indiahoma school with their Comanche Class, as well as the schools in Elgin and Cache. Helping win a NAMA Yackeschi had an opportunity to help a fellow tribal member, and former Miss Arizona, Apryl Allen, translate parts of her songs to the Co-
manche language, which she won a NAMA (Native American Music Award) in 2009 for her CD Shape Shifter. She wanted to put her CD in the running for the NAMA award, but she was informed she had to put some “Native flare” or “Indian” in her songs. With this information, Allen contacted Yackeschi to help her translate parts of her song to the Comanche language. After agreeing to help her, Yackeschi was whisked away to New York City, NY to work in the studio of former Beach Boy in Long Island, NY. “We stayed in the studio for three days, putting the Comanche language in her music for her upcoming CD, “Shape Shifter,” recalls Yackeschi. “For the Black Moon and the Time for Peace song, I would read one verse and she would sing the song, and they put it in the song like that,” said Yackeschi. “The line of one of the songs took us more than one hour to complete,” he said. Due to the tedious schedule they were on to complete the translation of the songs, Yackeschi did not get to sight see much. But, he said on his way back to the airport, the driver took him down to see Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Ground Zero. He had a comical memory of when the limousine pulled over so Yackeschi could taste a genuine New York hot dog, which they See ELDERS, Page 2
PR SRT STD US POSTAGE
Submitted by Candy Morgan/ Comanche National Museum Staff
November 2011
Elders Day Set for Dec. 16 at Watchetaker Hall n Dec. 16, the Comanche Nation will honor tribal elders age 62 years and older at the annual Elder Day celebration at Watchetaker Hall. Doors will open at 10 a.m. An array of vendors will
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Comanche National Museum Wins Award from Oklahoma Museum Association
Lawton, OK
PERMIT NO 49 STIGLER, OK 74462
VOLUME 11 EDITION 11
Comanche Nation Partake in Making Ft. Worth a Sister City to Guiyang, China Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Remembering the history of Ft. Worth’s ties to the Comanche Nation, tribal representatives were invited to participate Oct. 17 at the Ft.Worth Stockyards in the naming of Guiyang, China the sister city of Ft. Worth, Texas. Eight delegates from China were present, representing the 1,338,612,968, respectively, who live in China, as well as the 4,324,561, respectively, who live in Guiyang, China. The representatives included the Guiyang Mayor, Li Zaiyong, and the directors of Foreign Affairs, Urban Planning, Commercial/Business Bureau, Industrial Investment, Traffic Police and an interpreter from the Foreign Affairs Office. Students from Guiyang were also present. Representing the Comanche Nation were Tribal Administrator, Will Owens, and The Comanche Nation Economic Development Committee Chairman, Ben Tahmahkera, who is a retired Captain for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department in Ft. Worth. The dance performers were: Carl Monoessy, singer; Joel Motah, singer; Dominic Walker, traditional dancer; Frank and Corbin Swift, fancy dancers; See CHINA, Page 14
Comanches on the Move Bus to Transport Guest by Paula Karty/News Staff
The “Comanches on the Move” Bus will transport Registered guest for the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. The bus will depart from the complex at 4 p.m. on Nov. 11, to the campus of Oklahoma Christian University, located at 2501 E. Memorial Road in Edmond, Okla. The dress code for the event is business suits for the men and “after 5” for the women or traditional Indian dress. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 6:30 p.m. Posting of the Colors, by the Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA), and dinner starts a 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony. CIVA Commander George Red Elk and the Comanche Code Talkers of World War II will be two of the 10 inductees into the hall. The ceremony should be over no later than 9:30 p.m., and the bus should be back at the complex between 11 p.m., and midnight. For more information please contact the Tribal Administrator, Will Owens at (580) 492-3253
November 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
ELDERS
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Courtesy Photo
Yackeschi recording in studio with Apryl Allen
are famous for. “We pulled up to the vendor, and when the driver opened the door of the limousine, flash bulbs started going off. People were taking my picture. I guess they thought I was some sort of celebrity. One lady even came up and started talking a foreign language and made her 10-year-old son shake my hand.” Allen had a CD Release Reception at the Comanche Nation Complex in 2009, which she acknowledges Yackeschi with a plaque of gratitude which included a CD of Shape Shifter. Ministry Having tuberculosis as a child, Yackeschi aunt and his mother would sit and read the bible to him everyday, while he lay in his bedroom. At the age of five, Yackeschi could recite the whole 23rd Psalm by memory. His family would take him to church, and after bible school, while the other children were playing, he would go to the podium and recite the psalm. “My uncle started calling me Preacher after that,” Yackeschi remembers with a smile. “I just grew up knowing I was going to be a minister.” At 16-years of age, he began preaching, taking his first pastorate at age 22 with the Emerson Nazarene Church in Walter, Okla. He next went to the First Nazarene Indian Church in Cache, Okla. where he stayed for a little over a year. He continued his education in Albuquerque, N.M., finishing his ministry school. He had completed a year of college at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, which is a southern Baptist school, as well as attending Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. While in Albuquerque, he was made chaplain and taught a class and was in charge of the boy’s dorm. After losing his mom that year, he wanted to move back to his home. “There was a church in Clinton that was questionable as to whether it was going to remain open. I asked if I could pastor there and they agreed but I was told a salary could not be guaranteed. I went to the church and ministered, and my salary was $125 a month,” said Yackeschi. Bringing a Church Back to Life through Miracles In 1969,Yackeschi’s aunt and three other women were members of the Independent Baptist
Church, but it died out. His aunt, whom used to read the bible to him as a child, had a dying wish of reviving her beloved church. “After she passed away, I could not get that out of my mind,” said Yackeschi. In 1969, he approached the three women who also shared his aunt’s aspiration of opening their church again, and they said they would love to see that happen, and they all began working to that goal. The building they had worshiped at was an old country school south of Walters. The first decision Yackeschi made was to move the church into the Walters town limits. They were donated an acre of land, and purchased a house. As they began worshiping in their new church and began renovating it, the church burned down. Keeping his faith despite the major setback, Yackeschi said he told his congregation to wait to see what the Lord wants him to do. The First Baptist Church in Walters contacted Yackeschi and said the Cotton Comanche Baptist Associational Missionaries wanted to help start their church. With the help of the association, they took a small loan out at the local bank, in which the bank agreed to have the church pay it back with no interest. With the money they were able to pour the concrete slab for their church. This was the first of many prayers that were answered for this congregation. A group of 12 men who were carpenters from Birmingham, Ala., was contacted by the Baptist Association to help Yackeschi build their church while on vacation from their regular jobs. The men came to the church and built the frame, put up the outside walls, and the roof of the church. About two weeks later, a group from Georgia put the sheet rock inside the church. With the church built, one last thing was needed; furniture. Keeping the faith, Yackeschi said he knew the Lord would provide their church with another miracle to complete their mission. And that miracle came in two parts. The Methodist Church in Walters called Yackeschi and invited his church to worship with him the following Sunday. At the end of the service, the preacher said they have tides that were collected, and they were going to send it to foreign missions, but one of the church members asked why were going to give it to foreign missions when there was a missionary effort going on in Walters. They gave Yackeschi and his church $2,000 to help with his church’s reconstruction. A short time after, members of the First Baptist Church were go-
erly Patchel, who is the coordinator for the Native American Branch of the University of Oklahoma Nursing Program in NorCourtesy Photo man, Okla. Yackeschi in New York City, NY They were given their ing through Eufaula, Okla. on vacation to Ar- award for helping not kansas. They came across only Native Americans, a church that was being but all nationalities by built that had some fur- their traditional spiritual niture that was for sale. guidance. They met Patchel Yackeschi called the minister of the Eufaula in the late 1980s, accordChurch and asked how ing to Coosewoon, and much the furniture cost. have worked with Patchel The minister said $2,000. since 1991, beginning “That was the ex- when she was the Diact amount the Methodist rector of the Jet Brown church gave us. My two Substance Abuse Center boys and my wife rented in Tahlequah, Okla. The a truck and loaded up the Coosewoons were Spiripews and other furniture. tual Advisors to the reWe still have them in covering patients at the our church today,” said center for four-and-a half years. Yackeschi. Since then, they Yackeschi said people from all around have been working out of helped build the church their home and administer and sometimes when he their spiritual guidance to would go by the church numerous prisoners withafter he got off of work in the correctional facilifrom his teaching job in ties through its drug and Duncan, there would be alcohol treatment centers. “We were doing people inside working on this while we were at Jet it. “I went in there Brown. We were going to one day and a man was prisons helping with the inside painting. He told inmates there,” said Rita me someone had paid Coosewoon. “We built him to come and paint sweat lodges in the pristhis church. He would not ons.” She added they tell me who it was,” said Yackeschi. “And another also build sweat lodges in time I went by there, a some prisons in Texas and man was putting up flo- even went as far as Verrescent lights. He said he mont to Green Mountain was a retired electrician Treatment Facility set up from Geronimo and he a sweat lodge for a youth heard about the church boot camp. Coosewoon and he had extra lights explained this treatment and wiring, so he came center was the “last resort” for the youth who and put them up for us.” Yackeschi added went there. If they did not the banker who initially improve, they would be loaned his church the headed to prison. “It has been very money to get it started took off of work and rewarding,” said Cooseworked on the church, woon. “We continue to get letters from inmates too. He said his mem- who want us to come and bership is over 80 people, help them.” Since she has acwith two deacons. He said he was
Courtesy Photo
Kenneth and Rita Coosewoon sit outside their sweatlodge at Norman, Okla.
surprised to be given the AARP Indian Elder Honor. “It is good that the AARP is recognizing the accomplishments of Indians in Oklahoma. I think others deserve it more than me. I was surprised I received it.” He has also been inducted into the Oklahoma Baptist Falls Creek Assembly Hall of Fame in Davis, Oklahoma for his devotion to the ministry. Kenneth and Rita Coosewoon Rita Coosewoon has been judge for the Comanche Nation Children’s Court for five years. She and her husband, Kenneth, were nominated for the AARP Award by Bev-
cepted the responsibility of being a Comanche tribal judge, she says she cannot go as much with her husband to visit inmates, but they work with local adolescent centers, so she continues to help the youth, despite her busy work schedule. Comanche Language Teacher Coosewoon was asked by an Elgin School District representative to help teach the Comanche language as a class to its high school students. She happily accepted, and helped several students learn the fundamentals of the Comanche language for eight-years before retiring. While teaching the language, she made her
own curriculum, tests, and research. She added she was the first Comanche language instructor for the Comanche Nation College, back when classes were held at the tribal complex. She said she was awe-inspired when she found out she was a recipient of the AARP Indian Honors Award. “I went to the AARP Award Ceremony two years ago when Barbara Goodin was nominated for the award,” recalls Coosewoon. “I was her guest, so I knew of what the AARP were doing as far as honoring Indians, but I didn’t think of me being a part of it.” She said she is pleased the AARP is acknowledging Indian Elders. “Any elder is a treasure. Think of their lives and the things that they do and the amount of resources they have to offer. There are a lot of elders who want to do things for people and help, but they are not asked,” said Coosewoon. “To me, that is a waste and a loss.” Coosewoon said a lot of the healing has to do with the person’s faith. “I say, the healing is there, but you have to believe that it is there,” said Coosewoon. “You have to have faith within yourself to be able to get the healing. I feel like I am an instrument for the Creator to use, and I walk in his path. When you do this for Him, you are not in charge, He is. I am here only to help and serve for His good.” She says she does not know who she will meet from day to day who will need her words of guidance and wisdom, but she knows they were sent her way for a reason. She adds she has met women in the grocery store and other places who, after visiting with her, asked for her help. “I feel humble and blessed,” she said. “Being raised by my grandparents, I am who I am because of them.” Kenneth Coosewoon said he began helping inmates in the prison system because no one would help them. He pays for his own gas to and from numerous correctional facilities, and at times it gets financially tough, but enjoys what he does because he knows he is helping those who need guidance and prayers. He recalls at first, some facilities did not allow sweat lodges on their grounds, but after some persuasion, and explaining what a sweat lodge is and what it is used for, he was able to put some of the first sweat lodges in Oklahoma State correctional facilities. A Korean War veteran, Coosewoon says he is the oldest AA member in the Lawton area. He went to his first AA meeting in 1964. He says it started him on a good road and the sweat lodge filled the gap of spirituality he was missing in his life. He thanks AA for
helping him with his sobriety and saving his life. He uses what AA taught him in his counseling sessions. He is a national speaker for AA, traveling to Boston, Mass., and other cities. He said he has been helping those in need for over 30 years. He ran an alcohol treatment center at the Ft. Sill Indian School in Lawton for 14-years. His clients were the ones who introduced him to the sweat lodge. “My clients were Cheyenne and Arapaho, and Kiowa. They said they had found a good spot for a sweat lodge, and I told them I would help them set it up. I really did not know what a sweat lodge was. My client ran the first one I went to, and it really made me feel good,” said Kenneth Coosewoon. Little did he know it would change his life. The second one he went to was run by Wallace Black Elk at a conference for the directors of alcohol and drug prevention centers. He volunteered to watch the fire during suppertime, so as the other men went to eat dinner, sitting alone in the woods near a creek, he received his “calling” to be an instrument of the Creator and to help those in need through the sweat lodge. He says he does not help people to make money; he does it from his heart to help his fellow people. He said he especially enjoys working with adolescents and with prisoners. Because of his faith and dedication, he has witness many miracles. “The strongest thing on earth is the power of prayer,” says Coosewoon. “It can go faster than the speed of light or sound, and can help someone 3,000 miles away in a second.” Coosewoon said he does not go to many public events, but prefers to be around nature to reflect and pray. He said Native Americans are the most incarcerated people in America, and many do not get paroled for years, if at all. Because of this, he stays very busy. He receives several letters from inmates asking for him to visit their facility. He says he had to slow down a little on traveling for health reasons, but he will continue to council and guide those who seek his help until, “Grandfather comes after me.” As the AARP honors the contributions of elders across the state, it is very important we also pay tribute to the value and contribution of all elders. They are truly irreplaceable.
November 2011 THE COMANCHE NATION NEWS The award-winning Comanche Nation News, the official communication of the Comanche Nation, is available at no charge upon request. The deadline to submit information for the December edition is noon November 14. 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, PhotographerEmail: tcnneditor@yahoo. com-Telephone Number-(580)492-3382 Paula Karty, Reporter, Photographer- Email: kartynews@yahoo. com Telephone Number-(580)492-3383 Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386 Tomah Yeahquo, Information Specialist/Comanche Nation Fair, Email: tomahy@comanchenation. com- Telephone Number (580)492-3384 Candace Wilson-Reporter, Photographer-Email: wilson.candace70@yahoo.comTelephone Number: (580) 492-3385 News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome. Letters to the editor must be signed by a name. 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. The letters to the editor or articles contained in the The Comanche Nation
Comanche Nation Officials Chairman Johnny Wauqua Vice Chairman Ed Eschiti Secretary/Treasurer Robert Tippeconnie Committeeman No. 1 Ronald Red Elk Committeeman No. 2 Yonevea Terry Committeeman No. 3 Darrell Kosechequetah Committeeman No. 4 Robert Komahcheet Jr. Tribal Administrator William Owens To contact officials: Comanche Nation P.O. Box 908 Lawton, Okla. 73502 Toll Free: (877) 492-4988 Physical Address 584 Bingo Rd. Lawton, OK 73505
Member of the Native American Journalist Association since 2001 Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010
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The Comanche Nation News
Department of Justice Requesting Tribal Input Policy Regarding Eagle Feathers; Federal/ Tribal Training Program on Enforcement of Wildlife and Other Environmental Laws Submitted by the American Indian Advocacy Council
In meetings that the Departments of Justice and the Interior have had with federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations, tribal representatives have raised questions and concerns about federal enforcement of wildlife laws protecting eagles and other birds. Among other things, tribes have expressed concern that federal enforcement efforts are having a chilling effect on tribal members who wish to engage in religious and cultural practices that involve eagle feathers. Both Departments look forward to continuing a productive dialogue with tribes and tribal organizations on these issues. In furtherance of this dialogue, the Department of Justice welcomes tribal input on two specific proposals. First, the Department of Justice is considering adopting a formal policy that would memorialize and clarify its practice of enforcing federal wildlife laws in a manner that facilitates the ability of members of federally recognized tribes to use eagle feathers and other bird feathers and parts for cultural and religious purposes. Second, in response to the expressed desire of tribal representatives that tribes become more involved in the enforcement of laws related to eagle feathers, the Department of Justice has begun to develop a joint federal and tribal training program on enforcement of such laws, as well as other environmental laws. Tribal views and recommendations on all aspects of these two pro-
posals are welcome. I. Should the Department of Justice Formalize Its Policy Regarding Possession of Eagle Feathers by Tribal Members? The Department of Justice recognizes that members of federally recognized tribes have a significant interest in practicing and preserving their cultures and religions. Eagle feathers, and other bird feathers or parts, play a unique and important role in the religious and cultural life of many Indian tribes and their members. In light of the important government-togovernment relationship that the United States shares with federally recognized tribes, the United States has a strong interest in accommodating the interests of tribes in protecting the ability of their members to meaningfully practice their religion and preserve their culture. The Department of Justice is considering whether to adopt a formal policy that would memorialize and clarify its practice of enforcing federal wildlife laws in a manner that respects and protects the ability of members of federally recognized tribes to use eagle feathers and other bird feathers and parts for cultural and religious purposes. In particular, the Department is considering formally issuing a prosecution policy consistent with the Department of the Interior’s long-standing “Morton Policy.” (The Morton Policy, which was issued in 1975 as a policy statement by then-Secretary of
the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton, is attached to this document.) The Department is interested in soliciting tribal input on this proposal. The Department of Justice works closely with the Department of the Interior to enforce federal laws protecting eagles and other birds, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Department of the Interior has a long-standing policy, the Morton Policy, which recognizes tribal interests in the use of eagle feathers for cultural and religious purposes. In general, the Morton Policy permits members of federally recognized tribes to possess and use eagle feathers and other bird feathers and parts, and to engage in other specified activities, for religious and cultural purposes. The Morton Policy has guided the Department of Justice’s prosecution efforts in this area for more than three decades, but the Department of Justice has not formally adopted guidance or a policy to memorialize its practice of following the Morton Policy. The Department is now considering whether to formalize a policy that
memorializes its approach in applying federal birdprotection laws to tribal religious and cultural activities. In particular, the Department is considering whether to issue a policy that would inform tribal members that, consistent with the Morton Policy and the Department’s traditional exercise of its discretion, they will not be subject to prosecution merely for possessing or using eagle feathers or other bird feathers or parts. The policy would therefore need to make clear that the Department will continue to prosecute tribal members and nonmembers alike for violations of federal law that involve killing eagles or other birds, or that involve the buying or selling of, or other commercial activities involving, eagle feathers or other bird feathers or parts. Request for Tribal Views In formulating a policy in this area, the Department would seek to reflect its commitment to balance enforcement of the Nation’s wildlife laws with acknowledgment of the religious and cultural needs of members of federally recognized tribes. The goals of the policy would be to clarify how
federal enforcement policy affects use and possession of feathers and other bird parts, and to assure tribal members that they may practice their religion without fear of prosecution. To that end, the Department invites tribal input on the following: Should the Department of Justice formally adopt a policy, consistent with the Morton Policy, addressing tribal use of eagle feathers and other bird feathers and parts? In particular: They are seeking input from tribal leaders and organizations to ensure that the training meets the needs of tribal prosecutors, tribal law enforcement, and other tribal personnel. For further inquiry or to submit comments, please contact the Department of Justice Office of Tribal Justice at (202) 514-8812. U.S. Department of Justice address: Office of Tribal Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530-0001
Comanche Nation Helps Walters With Water
Story and Photo by Candace Wilson/News Staff
homes. 55 home’s was delivered water and 197 cases was given to elders. Each case contained 32, 24, or 15 bottles of water. Emergency Management let every family know that if they ran out of water to come back and they would help them out.
On Oct. 18, the water was turned off for under 24 hours, due to air in the main pipes, according to John Sheppard, CEO of Walters, Okla. There was water donated to help from many different organizations including the Comanche Nation, and then given to the public at Center Point Warehouse. One-fourth of the water pallets were given to Walters school for the children. It was announced that the water was going to be turned off by Channel 7 news and was posted on Facebook by Carla Eschiti along with sounding the warning sirens twice. Then water was delivered to the homes handicapped by the water department, since it is such a small community everyone received a pallet of water. Later on, it was reported tribal members did not receive water. The Comanche Nation stepped in to help. Comanche Nation Emergency Management set up at the Walters Community Center with Information Technology (IT), Environmental Pro-
Maintenance Staff unloads from a truck that has brought in donated water to the Walters Community Center. tection Agency (EPA), Maintenance, the Youth Program, Walters Community Committee and Volunteers.
volved helping Donna Wahnee make phone calls.
The Liaison Officer for the tribes EmerManagement, There was a total gency of 19 people working at Wahnee said “It was the Community Center, very heartwarming to see 14 where employees the Comanche Nation from the tribe and five working with the Walwhere volunteers. Water ters community to show was donated from the that we are a vital part of Comanche Casino, Red the community and willRiver Casino, Coman- ing to help out in time of che Housing, Coman- need and also would like che Nation, Comanche to thank all the people Museum, and the City of that helped out.” Duncan. Eschiti said, “NoEdward Eschiti body was turned away we Comanche Nation Vice helped out tribal memChairman, became in- bers and non-tribal.”
Each family or individual that came out was given palettes depending on the family size and amount of water available. The size of the family was then taken by how much one person would need to drink in order to survive for 24 hours to determine how much the family would then receive a total of 465 cases where given to the residents in Walters. No one went unchecked. The Maintenance and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delivered water to the elders and people that could not leave their
According to Christina Daly, Director of Emergency Managements, main goal was to make sure the elderly and the ones that have medical disabilities where cared for. By the end of day one, at the public had received eight pallets. Also contributing to help was Bonita Paddyaker, Safety Officer for Emergency Management. Paddyaker went to each home with the maintenance staff to deliver water. While there, she also checked their smoke alarms and extinguishers. Paddyaker also checked to see if any individuals needed medication refills.
November 2011
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Environmental Offices Tour Plastic Recycling Facility
The Comanche Nation News
Campaign focused on Native Youth launches for American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in November Submitted by Thom Wallace/NCAI
The guide of the Greenstar Recycling Center shows Gaylon Pahdocony and Donnita Sovo of the CNOEP Dept. the chipper that breaks down plastics.
The CNOEP collects plastics from tribal members for recycling.
Submitted by Lynn Schonchin/CNOEP Staff
On August 11, staff from the Comanche Nation’s Office of Environmental Programs (CNOEP) was invited to tour Greenstar Recycling located in Sandsprings, Okla., where plastics collected by the CNOEP are taken. The staff was given a guided tour of the entire facility and shown how plastics, after being off-loaded from the truck, were sorted and placed into various holding bins. From there, it is loaded into a hoper which would then chip all the plastics and fall onto a conveyor which would take the chipped plastics to
an area where they would be dumped into cardboard containers or fabric bags. The chipped plastics are shipped to a facility to be used in the manufacture of hard plastic pallets, saving valuable timber from being used to make pallets. The plastic pallets are more durable, cost effective, and environmentally friendly. The Comanche Nation Office of Environmental Programs, with the help of Comanche Nation Staff, departments, and Tribal members collected and weighed in over
26,000 pounds of plastics. These plastics would have been hauled to the Lawton landfill and taken nearly 450 years to decompose. We thank all those departments, staff and tribal members whom did make the effort to recycle their plastics and please ask you to continue recycling, said Schonchin. There are recycling barrels located throughout the Tribal complex and if they need to be picked up please call (580) 492-3754 for assistance.
The future of the almost 1.7 million American Indian and Alaska Native youth will be the main focus of this year’s American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, celebrated every year during the month of November. The announcement of this year’s theme was made by a group of leading national American Indian and Alaska Native organizations in collaboration with a number of tribal and federal government offices. The group also announced the launch of AIANHeritageMonth.org which serves as a resource for youth, the general public, and organizers of Heritage month events. “November is an important time for everyone to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. The next generation of tribal leaders and citizens have held and will always hold a revered place in Native culture and society,” said Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians, one of the organizations leading Heritage Month efforts. Keel, the Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, also serves as a member of the board of advisors at the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, a Heritage Month organizing partner. Native youth are a growing population with almost 1.7 million Native youth under the age of 18, representing 31.6 percent of the 5.2 million American Indian and Alaska Natives counted in the 2010 Census*. These numbers indicate a growing Native youth population that will be more active in society, including voting in elections, participating in the work force, and seeking higher education. Though many statistics related to Native youth underscore various challenges, Heritage Month will highlight the positive stories and opportunities that are inspiring the youth based resurgence of tribal cultures and economic opportunity. The viral online video, “That’s My People (watch),” recently produced by Native youth at the National Intertribal Youth Summit, is featured on the newly launched website and tells this story from a youth perspective. In November, the Center for Native American Youth and the National Association of Broadcasters will release a public service announcement featuring Red Sox’s star Jacoby Ellsbury (Navajo), former Senator Byron Dorgan, and NCAI President Keel to raise awareness about issues facing Native youth.
“Native youth are our most sacred resource and a focus on youth must start in our homes. The home is the center of our family and it’s where teaching begins,” said National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) Chairwoman Cheryl A. Causley (Bay Mills Tribes of Chippewa). “As Native nations we must share with the world our reverence for Native youth, and continue to educate our youth about our cultures and traditions, and the importance of community involvement.” Heritage Month 2011 will focus on Native youth living in both rural and urban communities. “The National Council of Urban Indian Health believes that it is important for our Native youth to celebrate and share their culture wherever they may be living, furthering their education, or working. We are looking forward to collaborating with our fellow national organizations and agencies during Native American Heritage Month to celebrate Native youth and wellness,” said D'Shane Barnett (Mandan/ Arikara), Executive Director of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH). The group of participating Native organizations includes the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), Native American Contractors Association (NACA), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), and the Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) – American University. The theme has also been adopted by a number of tribal and federal government offices including the Navajo Nation Washington Office, Indian Health Service (a department of the Department of Health and Human Services), National Museum of the American Indian, Census Bureau, Department of Agriculture, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, and Department of Labor. The partners involved coordinate a number of educational events for Washington, DC area residents and government employees. For a list of events being held in the month of November in the Washington, DC region and for a national calendar of events, visit the website: www.AIANHeritageMonth.org. Follow American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month on Twitter and Facebook.
Flu Clinic 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 7, 2011 CHR/EMS Office
Flu Shots will be provided by Lawton Indian Hospital Public Health Nurses For more information,call (580) 492-3521
November 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
CONEI – A federally chartered corporation submitted by Canda Coley/CONEI
Elouise Cobell
Indian Country Mourns the Passing of Cobell Elouise Cobell, an enrolled member of Montana's Blackfeet Tribe who led a 16year landmark legal fight to get the federal government to pay an estimated $500,000 Native Americans for mismanaging their trust accounts, died Oct. 17 in at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Mont. A great granddaughter of Mountain Chief, one of the legendary Indian leaders of the West, she had been diagnosed with cancer weeks before her class-action lawsuit was given final approval by a federal district judge in Washington on June 20. Born on the Blackfeet Reservation on Nov. 5, 1945, with the Indian name Little Bird Woman, Ms. Cobell was one of eight children. Her survivors include: her husband, Alvin Cobell of Blacktail, Mont., a son, Turk Cobell and his wife, Bobbie, of Las Vegas, two grandchildren, Olivia, and Gabriella, a brother, Dale Pepion of Browning, Mont., and three sisters, Julene Kennerly of Browning, Mont., Joy Ketah of Seattle and Karen Powell of Browning, Mont. In 1996, Ms Cobell and four other Native Americans filed a lawsuit against the federal government demanding that the government give Native Americans an accounting of billions of dollars it received for oil and gas leases and other uses of individual Indian lands held in trust by the United States. After a long, tenacious fight with the government, the Obama administration agreed to settle the lawsuit in December, 2009, creating a $3.4 billion fund to, among other things, make payments to individual Indian money account holders. This was the largest class action settlement with the government in American history. After finding government records of the Indian accounts inadequate to support an accounting of all items of the Individual Indian Trust, a federal judge declared the Indians could never receive a full accounting of their funds and other trust assets. He then urged the parties to engage in direct negotiations at the highest levels, negotiations that led to the historic settlement. The settlement was ratified by both Houses of Congress and approved by the President of the United States. It then went back to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for final approval and judgment, which was entered on August 4, 2011.
Ms Cobell served as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit and tirelessly led the effort from Browning, quietly raising millions of dollars for expert witnesses and other major costs associated with the litigation. In part, Ms. Cobell used funds from her own 1997 "Genius Grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's Fellows program to fund the cost of the lawsuit. In 2005, she received a Cultural Freedom Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation, an award that cited her persistence in bringing to light the “more than a century of government malfeasance and dishonesty” with the governmentrun Indian Trust. Two years later, she was one of 10 people given an AARP Impact Award (for making the world a better place), and in 2004 the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development presented her with the Jay Silverheels Achievement Award. This year, she was named "Montana Citizen of the Year" by the Montana Trial Lawyers Association. She received the 2002 International Women’s Forum award for “Women Who Make a Difference,” in Mexico City. Ms. Cobell was one of the founders of the Native American Bank, based in Denver. Her professional and civic experience and expertise includes serving as co-chair of Native American Bank NA and as a former trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian, as well as service on other boards. She served for 13 years as treasurer for the Blackfeet Indian Nation in Montana. She also served as executive director of the Native American Community Development Corp, the bank's nonprofit affiliate. With her husband, Alvin Cobell, she operated a working ranch that produced cattle and crops. She was active in Montana agriculture and environmental issues, founding the first Land Trust in Indian Country. She also served as a trustee for the Nature Conservancy of Montana. She graduated from Great Falls Business College and attended Montana State University, from which she later received an honorary doctorate. She also has honorary degrees from Rollins College and Dartmouth College. For additional details on Ms. Cobell's life news media should contact Bill McAllister (703) 385-6996
Comanche Nation Enterprises, Inc. (CONEI) is a federally chartered corporation, providing a for-profit business enterprise with the goal of building long term value for the Comanche Nation, diversifying from and complementing gaming revenues. So what exactly is a federally chartered corporation, and why should Tribal Members care? The following article will help explain why all Comanche Tribal Members should be very interested in the success of this exciting business venture. Frequently Asked Questions Why did the Tribe decide to form CONEI as a federally chartered corporation? Several members of the Tribe, along with the CBC, realized that gaming revenue alone may not provide the long term stability and growth that will be needed to sustain and increase value to the Comanche Nation. The leadership understood that the Tribe needed to include a profitable, growing business enterprise or enterprises to compliment the gaming revenue. The most effective way to enable the Tribe to do business profitably, and to compete with other companies, was to form a federally chartered company. The federally chartered company can operate at arm’s length from the perennial political climate and the problems that go along with the Tribe’s sovereign immunity as may be perceived by customers, banking institutions, and investors. How does CONEI differ
from Economic Development? CONEI was not formed as part of Economic Development. At this point in time, the Economic Development programs and companies have a purpose and objective that is uniquely different than CONEI. The most obvious difference is that CONEI’s purpose is to build a highly profitable enterprise of large and technically competent companies,whereas Economic Development focuses more on fostering business success for Tribal Members, stabilizing smaller companies, and providing jobs. What are CONEI’s plans for the future? CONEI’s strategy is to acquire successful, profitable companies and manage them as independent, wholly owned subsidiaries. Each company must have the ability to grow substantially and provide profits back to the parent company. CONEI is targeting companies in industries such as Government, construction management firms, business services, financial, and high technology. Highest priority is given to companies that currently work with U.S. Government organizations, or those that could do so easily. In time, it is expected that CONEI will have several subsidiaries. How will this benefit the Tribe? CONEI is an investment in the future, which means that the Tribe probably won’t realize significant benefits in the near term. How-
ever, the vision set forth by the CONEI Board is to grow the company such that it equals or exceeds the revenue achieved by gaming. Does CONEI own any companies yet? Yes! In late 2009, CONEI formed Comanche Nation Construction and acquired a construction management company as its first acquisition. Since then, CNC has been steadily growing. It has been awarded a special status (called an SBA 8(a) company) that allows it to win construction contracts for which other companies cannot compete. In the 2nd Quarter of 2011, CNC achieved profitability; an outstanding feat after only 18 months in business! CNC has numerous proposals submitted for new, long term contracts, and the future is very bright for the first CONEI subsidiary. Are there plans to acquire more companies? Yes! Currently, CONEI is evaluating three potential acquisition candidate companies. All of them perform some sort of engineering services or high tech services. CONEI has an extensive list of companies that fit the description of likely candidates described above, and each will be evaluated in due course. In addition, the company has numerous investment and acquisition specialists who are actively working to identify potential acquisition candidates for CONEI.
November 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
People,Places and Things Happening tirement,” said Nauni. And like the Veteran and Medal of Honor tags, the new Retired Military tags will be offered at a discount as the Comanche Nation’s way of honoring their service. For more information contact: Raymond Nauni at Comanche Tax Commission (580) 595-3313 or rnauni@fidmail.com.
Narcomey
Comanche Nation Honors It’s Retired Military Members Beginning Oct. 3, Comanche Tax Commission will offer vehicle tags that honor the longevity of service by Comanche tribal members in the U.S. military. Tribal members who have retired from any branch of the U.S. military can obtain special license plates for their vehicles. Clyde Narcomey, the sponsor of the legislation creating the new tag said, “We wanted to recognize the important contribution made by our tribal members to the United States and the Comanche Nation through the longevity of their service.” “Tribal members who have 20 or more years of military service just need to show us their DD-214 to qualify for the special ‘Retired Military’ tag,” said Raymond Nauni, Comanche Tax Commission’s executive director. “When you see ‘RM’ on a Comanche Nation vehicle tag it shows that the owner proudly served in the United States military for over 20 years,” Narcomey said. “The Comanche Nation has had tags to honor military veterans for many years, but this tag will distinguish those who served all the way to re-
Comanche Nation Elders Council The Comanche Nation Elders Council sponsored a float during the Comanche Nation Fair. At their monthly meeting there were two speakers: Keith Yackeyonny, Director of Work Force. Yackeyonny informed the elders of his office hours. He said he had about 400 on his list of employees. He talked about the five counties his program service which are: Comanche, Caddo, Tillman, Cotton and Kiowa. Susan Nahwooksy Taylor informed the elders of a new program to select ambassadors at the college. She said by the next elder’s meeting there should be ambassadors. After the lunch break, there was Steering Committee Meeting which consisted of 10 people. It was decided to put together packages for Elder Shut-ins, soldiers in Afghanistan and the Children’s and Women’s Shelters. The Comanche Nation offered bags with CNC emblem printed on the front and a monetary donation. Names and addresses of soldiers are needed. A trip to the Oklahoma City and Norman Museums was also discussed. Nov. 7 will be the next meeting at which time there will be a election of new officers. The meeting will be 10 a.m., at the Comanche Nation College.
ceptable: Oklahoma State drivers license, state identification card, passport, military identification; state or federally recognized tribe(must show name, photo and expiration date).
Don’t Lose Sight of Diabetic Eye Disease
Comanche Nation Child Support Program On Sept. 17, the Comanche Nation Child Support Program traveled to Tulsa, Okla., to participate in the "Susan G. Koman, Race for the Cure" to support the program attorney, Marsha Harlan. Harlan, was diagnosed early this year with breast caner. Harlan, has been the Comanche Nation Child Support Program attorney since 2008. The program wanted to show it’s support and employee appreciation to Harlan for all the work she has done and continues to do for their program, Comanche tribal families, and neighboring tribal families as well. The program also wanted to represent the tribe as a whole. They wanted to honor all Comanche women who are fighting the fight. Also, support the fighters of family and friends, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never giving up hope for a cure. The Comanche Nation Child Support Program would like remind all readers that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. ID Requirements to Vote at 2012 Polls Effective immediately as of 2012, 30 states require that you provide ID before you can cast your vote. Oklahoma does not require photo ID, but specifies which ID’s are ac-
Diabetes affects nearly 26 million people in the United States. In addition, another 79 million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts people at increased risk for diabetes. All people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, are at risk for diabetic eye disease, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. “The longer a person has diabetes the greater is his or her risk of developing diabetic eye disease,” said Dr. Suber Huang, chair of the Diabetic Eye Disease Subcommittee for the National Eye Institute’s (NEI) National Eye Health Education Program. “If you have diabetes, be sure to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic eye disease often has no early warning signs, but can be detected early and treated before noticeable vision loss occurs.” Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of the disease and includes diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is the leading cause of blindness in adults 20–74 years of age. According to NEI, 4.1 million people have diabetic eye disease and its prevalence is projected to increase to 7.2 million by 2020. While all people with diabetes can develop diabetic eye disease, African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics/Latinos,
and older adults with diabetes are at higher risk of losing vision or going blind from it. All people with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year to detect vision problems early. In fact, with early detection, timely laser surgery, and appropriate follow-up care, people with advanced diabetic retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 90 percent. Clinical research, supported in part by NEI, has shown that maintaining good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can slow the development and progression of diabetic eye disease. In addition to regular dilated eye exams, people with diabetes should do the following to keep their health on TRACK: • Take your medications. • Reach and maintain a healthy weight. • Add physical activity to your daily routine. • Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. • Kick the smoking habit. “Don’t lose sight of diabetic eye disease,” added Dr. Huang. “Don’t wait until you notice an eye problem to have an exam because vision that is lost often cannot be restored.” For more information on diabetic eye disease and tips on finding an eye care professional or financial assistance for eye care, visit www.nei. nih.gov/diabetes or call NEI at (301)496-5248. The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, leads the federal government's research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs that result in the development of sight-saving treatments.
November 2011
Yellowfish Out for the Season
Courtesy Photo
Yellowfish
An unsuspecting injury to Konawa High School Junior tailback and tribal member Alex Yellowfish occurred during an off week of practice. Konawa Head Coach Joe Daniel shared his disappointment of this incident and multiple injuries that has befallen on the Konawa Football team. Coach Daniel expressed how Yellowfish out gained the number one team in class 2A, Davis, Okla., how two touchdowns were called back due to penalties. Yellowfish took his game to another level at a home game against Meeker. Yellowfish not only ran for 269 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, but he also intercepted two passes from his free safety position and recovered a fumble on special teams, to lead Konawa to a wild 41-32 victory. Before his injury Yellowfish led the State of Oklahoma in ruching yardage after five weeks into the 2011 football season. A full recovery is expected for Yellowfish by Feb. 2012. Wilson Leads Anadarko Warrior Football Team
Courtesy Photo
Wilson
Anadarko Senior Tailback and tribal member Sheldon Wilson leads the entire state of Oklahoma in rushing yardage. Anadarko Head Coach Jackson said, “many people don’t realize Sheldon’s played first half football and played two games for three quarters due to the supremacy of the Warrior football team this year.” The Anadarko Warriors are ranked No. 2 in class 3A and the district title looks promising. Wilson was selected to the preseason All State football team.
Native American Market Set for December Local tribal artists are now being invited to the Native American Christmas Market hosted by the Lawton Fort Sill Art Council. The event will be held on December 2, 3 and 4. The market will be held at the Lawton Art Center located at 1701 NW Ferris Drive. The hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This will be an opportunity for shoppers to find lots of unique Christmas gifts. The market will feature handmade crafts such as beadwork, dolls, dream catchers, jewelry, silverwork and original artwork by local tribal artists. Booth spaces are limited and available on a first come first serve basis for a donated item. Vendors must have a tribal ID. To reserve your booth space now contact Eleanor McDaniel at (580) 429- 3430
Registration for Silversmith Class Registration is now open for a Beginning Silversmith Class sponsored by the Native American Cultural Studies Program and hosted by the Lawton Fort Sill Art Council. The instructor will be Don Norris of the Academy of Silversmithing, Boulder, Colorado. Don Norris is a professional silversmith and teacher for over 35 years. You may visit his website at: silversmithing. homestead.com/silverclasses1. html. The class is for the beginner and the experienced. The beginner will learn all the basics of Silversmithing and jewelry making and the experienced will learn to work quicker and make better jewelry.
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The Comanche Nation News
Tribal Member Oberly Completes Service Based Mission at Pine Ridge, South Dakota clinic served In August approximately 2011, 45 Public 420 patients Health Service and made an (PHS) officers equal numfrom Rapid Deber of glasses ployment Force with same day No. 4 (RDF No. service. PHS 4) joined forces Officers and with the volunRAM volteer based orgaunteers also nization, Remote provided over Area Medical 400 dental (RAM) to stage Courtesy Photo services and “Operation FootPatients waiting for clinic to begin the day. The clinic started at 9 a.m. approximatehold” at Pine This picture was taken at 7:30 a.m. with approximately 60 people in ly 350 mediRidge, South Da- line. cal services. kota. The service At the conclusion of the four based mission was coordinated edge and history making for a day clinic, we felt we made a to create relationships with the shared cultural experience. Working at Pine Ridge positive impact on the Pine Oglala Sioux Tribe and to assist in developing the local health was a first for many RDF No. Ridge community and came infrastructure. Objectives of 4 members. Nevertheless, PHS away with a greater underOfficers were ready and able standing of health needs within our mission included; 1) Increase operational to meet all expectations during our country and a true apprereadiness by improving disas- the four day clinic, held August ciation for each other’s talents, 25th thru August 28th. The time and service. The mission ter response preparation 2) Foster a cross-cultural clinic was held at the SuAnne could not have been comBig Crow Boys and Girls Club, pleted without significant colexperience 3) Provide a surge in criti- a facility that stands as a tribute laboration and effort from the to a young lady who embodied Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Indian cal health care services 4) Identify problems and the ideals of cooperation and Health Service, the Remote Area Medical, the SuAnne big work with community to find community. During the clinic our Crow Boys & Girls Club and local solutions to strengthen main objective was to staff and the Public Health Service. health infrastructure LCDR Joyce Oberly To promote the clinic in provide free services in dental, the community, PHS Officers vision, and medical, includ- serves as Public Information worked closely with tribal and ing women’s health, sports Officer with RDF No. 4 and community news outlets such and youth physical exams and completed this mission alongas KILI Radio Station and La- blood glucose screenings. In side her fellow officers. LCDR kota Country Times. To better Pine Ridge where diabetes and Oberly is an enrolled member understand our mission and heart disease affect a higher of the Comanche Nation and community, Mr. Wayne Weston percentage of the population is also Osage and Chippewamet with us to discuss the tribal than the US average, over ap- Cree. She is currently stationed history, belief systems, Oglala proximately 800 patients re- at Pawnee Indian Health Censpirituality and decision mak- ceived nearly 1200 services, ter in Pawnee, Okla. ing. Many other tribal mem- with children making up over bers spent time with us at our 40% of that total. With the camp and shared their knowl- highest demand, the Optometry
• All tool and supplies included. • You will choose a stone from hundreds at no extra cost. • You will design and make a sterling silver ring in a Southwestern or Native American style. • You will design and make a sterling silver pendant. • You will learn to set a stone and polish your project. • You will learn all the basic Flying in a small CDR Bryen Bartgis, techniques of silversmithing. plane over the Cook InRN, a case manager for • No experience or training let added a bit of adventhe South central Founrequired. ture to a February 2011 dation, agrees. visit to Alaska for three “Although I am not the 1st Class environmental health or Thursday and Friday, 9 am to National Center for Environmental Health staff engineer type and am in 6 p.m. members. The bumpy a completely different December 15 & 16 field, this course better Location: Lawton Art Center, ride to the village of Tyonek was worth the disprepared me for emer1701 NW Ferris Drive, Lawcomfort, however. The gency deployments.” ton, Okla. remote native village of Martin Kalis, All tool and supplies furnished. Courtesy Photo less than 100 residents CAPT Mike Herring, Cost is $300 Environmental Health Specialists Brandon Parker Samuel Lee Bartels Enrollment is limited to eight boasts a facility not of(Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, AK) and Paul ten seen in rural Alaska. (environmental health participants. Deadline is Dec. Eaton (Maniilaq Association, AK) working on table The village exercise at EHTER Alaska course practitioner, Tyonek, 5 council vice president AK.), and CAPT Mark proudly took Martin Kalis, saw in Tyonek and our under- Miller visiting the water treat2nd Class Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to CAPT Mark Miller, CAPT standing of the situation into ment facility in Tyonek, AK Mike Herring, and other Indian our discussions in some of Martin Kalis, CAPT Mike Her6 p.m. Health Service and Alaska Na- the modules during the train- ring, Samuel Lee Bartels (enviDecember 17 & 18 Location: Lawton Art Center, tive Tribal Health Consortium ing. The visit opened our eyes ronmental health practitioner, 1701 NW Ferris Drive, Law- members on a tour of their new to what many villages face Tyonek, AK), and CAPT Mark state-of-the-art water treatment throughout the state.” Miller visiting the water treatton, Okla. plant made possible through ment facility in Tyonek, AK According to LTJG KaAll tool and supplies furnished. a grant from the U.S. Depart- tie Burbage, Assistant Environ- Many of those who Cost is $300 ment of Agriculture and the took the EHTER course regumental Health Consultant with Enrollment is limited to eight participants. Deadline is Dec. U.S. Environmental Protection the Alaska Native Tribal Health larly work with remote Alaska Agency. The visit also gave Consortium, environmental Native villages even smaller 5 village leaders an opportunity health training is particularly than Tyonek, so the disaster To enroll contact Eleanor Mc- to talk about some of their un- needed in Alaska. “Alaska is management module of the solved environmental health is- vulnerable to a number of man- training “helped identify areas Daniel, Coordinator at (580) 429-3430 or Email: mc- sues, like dump sites and open made and natural disasters. It is for potential involvement of burning and gave Kalis, Miller not a matter of if an emergency those environmental profesdaniel.eleanor@yahoo.com and Herring a better apprecia- will happen, but when. And sionals,” Burbage said. “I have Tribal Offices Close in tion of the challenges faced by here in Alaska, even normal already used what I learned to this particular village and vil- circumstances can prove to be engage community partners November lages throughout Alaska. logistically challenging. Plan- in preparedness conversations The Comanche Nation Kalis, CAPT Miller, ning and preparing for emer- with site-specific consideroffices will be closed Nov. 11 and CAPT Herring were actu- gencies are imperative.” She ations.” for Veterans Day. They will ally in Alaska to deliver a con- added that the combined expe- As a key sponsor re-open at 8 a.m. Nov. 14 for densed two-day version of the riences of the course attendees and supporter of the EHTER regular business. Environmental Health Train- added to the relevance of the course in Alaska, the Indian The offices will also be ing in Emergency Response course and “helped our CDC Health Service Environmental closed Nov. 24-25 for Thanks- (EHTER) course to more than instructors learn a thing or two Health Support Center was so giving, and will re-open 8 a.m. 50 environmental health pro- about Alaska!” impressed that the agency has Nov. 28 for regular business. fessionals and other emergency LTJG Burbage says requested another course in response partners from across that during a disaster, “Our re- 2012, this time for Plains InAlaska, as well as experts from sponsibilities may include an dian tribes and their state and other federal and state agen- increased need for the services local partners in North Dakota, cies. Kalis says, “We were able we provide daily or the wear- South Dakota, Iowa, and other to incorporate some of what we ing of an entirely different hat.” parts of the upper Midwest.
Tribal Member Parker Aids in Environmental Project in Alaska
November 2011
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The Comanche Nation News
Milestones Happy Belated Birthday Carolyn Spelhaug, August 28 Shelby Sing, September 26 Brian Wahnee, September 28 Cherie Sing, October 2 Jana Redbird, October 3 Shirlene Miller, October 3 Stefani Miller, October 5 Terry Perryman, October 7 Bernard Tate Nevaquaya, October 10 Edward Rocke Whitewolf, October 10 Bee Saupitty, October 12 Betty Chasenah, October12 Emmanuel Tahhahwah, October 12 Nahmie Banderas, October 12 Dalilah Grace Allen, October 13 Stacy Miller, October 13 Marcos Gutierrez, October 15 Nolan Van Kinser, October 15 Evans Mowatt Jr, October 18 Lavena Honea, October 20 Nakoa Tahhahwah, October 20 Patty Honea Mantzke, October 20 Michael Gutierrez, October 27 Nyveeh Burgess, October 31
Happy Belated Birthday Bee Saupitty October 12
Happy Belated Birthday Betty Chasenah October 12
Happy Belated Birthday Nahmie Banderas October 12
Happy Belated Birthday Emmanuel Tahhahwah October 12
Happy Belated Birthday Dalilah Grace Allen October 13
Happy Belated Birthday Nolan Van Kinser October 15
Happy Belated Birthday Nakoa Tahhahwah October 20
Happy Belated Birthday Nyveeh Burgess October 31
Happy Birthday TaSia Burgess November 1
Happy Birthday Brayden Parker November 5
Happy Birthday Shantelle Sweet Laurenzana November 5
Happy Birthday Kayden Cooper Richardson November 17
Happy Birthday Kamille Elaine Komahcheet November 20
Happy Birthday Charles Tahah November 24
Happy Birthday Angel Rainheart Redbird November 28
Happy Birthday Ruth Tody Myers, November 1 TaSia Burgess, November 1 Angela Rochelle Knox, November 4 Rosalind Ann Asetamy, November 4 Brayden Parker, November 5 Shantelle Sweet Laurenzana, November 5 Kevin Geimausaddle, November 8 Alex Satepauhoodle, November 9 Debbie Pilas, November 9 Kara Nagel, November 9 Rhoda Tate Nevaquaya, November 9 Leon Chasenah, November 14 Nacona Tosee, November 14 Ashley Nauni, November 17 Kayden Cooper Richardson, November 17 Danny Parker, November 18 Stephen Mowatt, November 18 Kamille Elaine Komahcheet, November 20 Bethany E. Kinser, November 21 Charon McCarthy, November 21 Civa Hill, November 21 Cody Spenver Ray Sing, November 21 Nalan Tahdooahnippah, November 21 Clinton Thomas Sing, November 23 Charles Tahah, November 24 Tiffany Cher Henson Jones, November 24 Lorene Franklin, November 27 Tony Wallace, November 27 Angel Rainheart Redbird, November 28 Cricket Karty, November 29
Phyllis Mowatt
Happy Birthday Cricket Karty November 29
Born November 10, 1939 Passed Away December 22, 2008
New Arrivals
Anniversary Roland & Ramona Apauity November 3~Married 50 years Sam & Nancy Allen November 4~Married 37 years Phillip & Debbie Hendrix November 12~Married 33 plus yrs Brandon & Michelle Allen November 25~Married 4 years
Don’t Forget to submit milestones for those special loved ones; Just married, Birth Announcements, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. Deadline for December 11/15/2011 Call Public Information Office (580) 492-3752 E-mail: candacet@comanchenation.com Or mail: Comanche Nation/PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502
Wedding Dennis “Dee” Pocowatchit Jr. & Tina Corpuz ~ Will exchange wedding vows 2 p.m. November 19 at Petarsy Indian Mission, Richard Spur, Okla. They wish all monetary gifts be donated to Petarsy
Mya Renae Collins
Born: September 6, 2011 7lbs’ 13oz’ 20.5in To: Sean & Lesley Collins
Cooper Allen
Born: September 23, 2011 8lbs’ 11oz’ 21.3/4in To: Gregory & Emily Allen
Wedding You are invited to the wedding of Shana Mae Sioan of Fall River Mills, California. Shana is the daughter of Marlon & Judith Sioan from Redding & Burney California. Shana is a youth pastor involved with youth ministries. to Gerald Wayne Codynah of Lawton, Oklahoma. ~ Gerald & Shana will exchange wedding vows 6 p.m. December 10, 2011 Lawton Indian Missions, 64th & Birch followed by a reception at Church Fellowship Hall
Congratulations
Passing
Happy Anniversary Happy Anniversary Happy Anniversary Ryan Jon Swift Born October 7, 1986 Passed Away October 1, 2011
Kevin & Lou Geimausaddle November 8 Married 17 years
Bernard & Rhoda Tate Nevaquaya November 9 Married 55 years
Edward & Bertha Tahhahwah November 10 Married 33 years
November 2011
Obituaries
Violetta Rae “Pepper” Gonzales Funeral for Violetta Ray “Pepper” Gonzales, 43, Lawton, was Oct. 7 at the Comanche Reformed Church with Pastor Delbert Hughes, Lighthouse Church of God, officiating and Pastor Sharon Yeahquo, Huntinghorse United Methodist Church, assisting. Pepper was called home late night on Oct. 3, from a local hospital. Prayer service was Oct. 6, at the Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Highland Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Gonzales entered this life on Nov. 30, 1967 in Lawton Okla., the beloved daughter of Gwen J. Nauni Brinkman and James Gonzales. She was the namesake of her grandparents Violet and Raymond Nauni. She grew up in Lawton, attending Lawton Public Schools and was an Eisenhower High School graduate. Gonzales attended Cameron University for one year and a half. She worked for a time for the Ft. Sill Indian School and went to work as the Administrative Assistant and a Cosmetic Lab Tech for Edna Hennessey Cosmetics. She was the Top Sales representative for Hennessey Cosmetics Labs. Gonzales was a member of the Comanche Nation and was of Hispanic descent. She enjoyed bowling, making floral arrangements, texting Bible verses, being with her family and friends. Gonzales never met a stranger and had a zest for life and was a member of Comanche Reform Church. She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Amanda Dawn Hayden of Lawton; her son and daughter-in-law, Billy Ray and Desiree Hayden of Norman; her granddaughter, Raelynn Mae Hayden of Norman; her mother, Gwen J. Brinkman of Lawton; her father, James Gonzales of Lawton; three sisters, Marcelene Soto, Lori Dawn Mowatt and Kendall Elaine Brinkman, all of Lawton; two brothers, Clinton “Deno” Gerald Gonzales of Lawton and Christopher James Gonzales of Fresno, Cali.; her aunts: Mary Adams of Fresno, Cali., Vicki Battise of Grand Prairie, Texas, Juanita “Judy” Hasley of Lawton, Nellie and husband, Tony, Guevara of Lawton, Marion and husband, Weldon Simmons, of Geronimo, Christine and husband Gus McCarthy of Lawton; her uncles: Tony and wife Anita Gonzales of Lawton, Bobby and wife Margaret Nauni of Mid-west City, Raymond Jr. and wife Wanda Nauni of Lawton and Vandell and wife Sue Nauni of Indiahoma; special friends: Tammy Gerver, Jackie Destefano, Nikki Passah and Teresa BigBow, all of Lawton.
Gonzales was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Violet Yellowfish and Raymond Nauni; paternal grandparents: Adela Morales and Mike Gonzalez; maternal great-grandparents: Harry Pevodah and Ruby Suwybitten Nauni and Timothy and Emma Eciwardy Penockquoddy Yellowfish; her aunts and uncles: Margaret and Ricky Kaulaity, Gerald Battise and Lazo Gonzalez.
Jadyn “BABY Ja” Michael Rayjohn Attocknie Funeral for Jayden Attocknie, 12, Apache Okla., was Oct. 7 at the Comanche Nation Community Center of Apache with Pastor Sharon Yeahquo, Huntinghorse United Methodist Church, officiating. Baby Ja was called home early Oct. 4, from a local hospital. Prayer service was Oct. 6 at the Comanche Nation Community Center of Apache. Burial was in the Cache Creek KCA Intertribal Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Attocknie entered this life on Sept. 23, 1999 in Lawton, the beloved son of Cindy Lois Twohatchet and Patrick Elton Voris Attocknie. He was raised in the Apache area and attended Apache Public Schools. He was in the Fifth grade at the Apache Elementary School. Baby Ja was a member of the Comanche Nation and was of Kiowa descent. Attocknie not only enjoyed daily life at home with family but his classmates as well. He was a member of the Tabe-Eka-Chapter of the Comanche Native American Church. He enjoyed attending peyote meetings with his dad, also playing basketball, dancing and pow-wow music. Attocknie always slept close to his grandmother, Phyllis, who gave him the name “Baby Ja”. Baby Ja is what he is best known by his family and friends. He gave a class on how to do the “Moon Walk”. Wrestling was one of his passions and another was Art, his drawings are what most considered beyond his years. He leaves to cherish his memories his paternal grandmother Phyllis Attocknie of the home; his father, Patrick and companion, Sonia, of the home; his mother Cindy and companion A.J., of Oklahoma City; maternal grandmother, Donna Twohatchet of Holdenville; paternal great-grandmother, Rosalie Attocknie; seven sisters: Mam-Neta, Kaylee, Annarose, Angel, Aaliyah, Alysia and Corria; eleven brothers: Miko, Jeremy, Dion, Skye, Tremaine, Randy, Dayton, J.J., Matthew, Sonny and Gerald, Jr.; niece and nephew: Syanne EllaRae and Payton Oliver; aunts: Nuh-Nah, Alisa Rose, Dana, Rozanna, Wuhyah-keh, Mary Alyce, Carla, Darla, Randi
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Lynn, Shawn, Sunshine, Beverly and Lynette; uncles: Tony Ray, Asa Albert, Buffy and Duffy; nieces and nephews: special cousins: Eric, Megan and Dakota as well as many grandparents, cousins, friends, classmates and homies. Attocknie was preceded in death by his uncle, T.J. “Tahkony” Alvarado Attocknie and great-grandfather: Francis “Joe” Attocknie.
che Nation Funeral Home. Thompson entered this life on Nov. 10, 1946 in Lawton, the daughter of William, Sr. and Charlotte Walker Mullen. She grew up in Lawton, attending Lawton Public Schools and was a graduate of Lawton High School in 1965. She worked for AT&T Telephone Company as a Supervisor for over 30 years and was a member of the Comanche Nation. Thompson was a member of the First Baptist Church - East and enjoyed reading, Playing Farmville on Facebook, photography, working the church library and baby-sitting. She leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Charlotte Mullen, of the home; four sisters and brothers-inlaw: Carol Hall of Lawton, Donna Churchwell and husband, Mark, of Corinth, Texas, Marlene Soper and husband, Brad, of Denton, Texas and Charlene Kimmons and husband, Tim, of Hickory Creek, Texas; four brothers and sisters-in-law: Jerry Mullen and Donna Kay “Kasie” wife, Barbara, Jack Mullen and Shelton wife, Shirley and Ron Mullen Funeral for Donna and wife, Barbara, all of LawShelton, 58, Lawton, was Oct. ton and Mike Mullen and wife, 8, at the Comanche Nation Fu- Dana, of Union Mo.; 18 nieces neral Home Chapel. and nephews; 30 great nieces Shelton was called and nephews and one greathome Oct. 4, from her earthly great niece as well as other home. relatives and friends. Prayer service was Oct. Thompson was preced7, at the Comanche Nation Fu- ed in death by her father, Billy neral Home Chapel. Mullen, Sr.; one brother: Billy Burial was in Sunset Mullen, Jr.; maternal grandparMemorial Gardens under di- ents: John and Ethel (Wakerection of Comanche Nation field) Walker; paternal grandFuneral Home. parents: Samuel and Lillian Shelton entered this Betz Mullen. life on Mar. 25, 1953 in Lawton, the daughter of Lamont Mid and Waynema Waysepappy Shelton. She grew up in Lawton, attending Lawton Public Schools and was a graduate of Eisenhower High School. She served her family as a homemaker and was a member of the Comanche Nation. Shelton was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church and enjoyed collecting stuff bears, Keener Elbus Pratt spending time with family and Tomahsah friends and in earlier years, she Keener Elbus Pratt enjoyed drawing and doing ce- Tomahsah, 68 of Faxon, Okla., ramics. She leaves behind to went to his heavenly home on cherish her memories her com- Oct. 12 at home. Prayer service was Oct. panion, Earl Edelen, of the home; four sisters: Etta Rose 14 at Comanche Nation FunerMarin of Cache, Carol Shelton al Home Chapel. Funeral services was and husband, Fred Polowski of Oct. 15 at Comanche Nation Indiahoma, Linda Sue Bell of Wilmington, N.C. and Marilyn Funeral Home Chapel with Leveille and husband, Joe, of Rev. Duke Tsoodle and WalLawton; two brothers: Toby lace Coffey officiating. BuriShelton and wife, Joyce, and al followed at Deyo Mission David Shelton, all of Lawton Cemetery under the direction as well as other relatives and of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. friends. Tomahsah was born on Shelton was preceded in death by her parents, mater- Sept. 8, 1943 in Lawton, Okla., nal grandmother: Ester Way- to Henry Pratt Tomahsah and sepappy; paternal grandpar- Naomi Wanda (Wahkahquah) ents: Oscar “Obie” and Stella Tomahsah. He grew up in FaxShelton and two brothers: Er- on and attended Faxon school nest Shelton and Billy Shelton. and graduated from Chattanooga High School. He attended University of Central OklahoLinda Kay Thompson ma and Haskell University of Funeral for Linda Kay Kan. Thompson, 64, Lawton was Tomahsah was a memOct. 13, at First Baptist Church, ber of the Comanche Nation of with Pastor Doug Passmore of- Oklahoma and was a descenficiating. dant of Ten Bears and Hova Thompson was called rithka on his maternal side and home early Oct. 10, from her Charles Pratt on his paternal earthly home. side. He enjoyed people, good Prayer service was Oct. food, traveling, sports; he also 12, at the Comanche Nation loved to read, and do crossword Funeral Home Chapel. puzzles and watch movies, his Inurement was at a later greatest joy was his grandchildate under direction of Coman dren. Professional involve
The Comanche Nation News
ments; Comanche Nation Elders Council-Vice Chairman, National Indian Council on Aging-Board of Directors for the Southern Plains, American Indian Council, Kansas City, Mo., Heart of America Indian Center, Kansas City, Mo., St. Marys Hospital - Food Service Buyer, Kansas City, Mo., Environmental Protection-Inspection and Consulting, Inc. Liberty, Mo., Xerox Corp., Orlando, Fla., Nelson Adkins Art Gallery-Sacred Circles Exhibit-Book Store Manager just to name a few. He is survived by two daughters: Stephanie Tomahsah Durkin of Wichita Kan., and Michelle Tomahsah of Waukegan, Ill.; grandchildren: Alan Durkin, Brandon Tomahsah, Aimee Durkin, Alex Durkin, Bianca Buentello, and Benicos Buentello; two brothers: John Eli Tomahsah, Gary Tomahsah and wife Vanessa of Apache; sisters Bonnetta Tomahsah-Monoessy and husband Anthony Monoessy, Sr. of Fletcher and Janetta TomahsahGooday of Cyril; uncle: John Allen Pratt; cousins: Pauline Hawzipta, Lavoice Satepauhoodle, Mabel Ann Blalock, Gwen Nahno-Kerchee, Phyllis Morales, Pauline Cox, Beverly Coffey, Karita Coffey, Lucinda Kerchee, Roberta Burgess, Jewel Niedo, Alicia Ellis, Sherri Reynolds, Wallace Coffey, Vincent Wallace, George Wallace, Robert Wallace, Winston Kerchee, Harvey Yarbrough, David Lee Wahkahquad, Raymond Alamanza, Cheevers Coffey, Charles Kerchee, Melvin Kerchee Jr., Hank Alan Yarbrough, Yvette Ellis Thomas, Julienne Ellis Mylius, Vickie Korrect and husband David, Kim Towns and husband Tracey, Johnny Pratt and wife Ruth Ann, Allen Charles Pratt and wife Jennifer; special friend: Deanna Chaunet; nieces: Numutahsahs, Larrissa, Melanie, Maci, Dezirae, Decora, Nivynuaka, Thoseyah, Woyukodoy Poemoceah, Naiyah, Nzhune, Tsoontz Gooday, Victoria Korrect, Krystal Turner, Becky Roberts; nephews: Ray Tomahsah and Anthony Monoessy, Jr., Will Sage Jr., Damon Korrect, Jacob Towns: other family member and friends. Tomahsah is preceded in death by his parents: Henry Pratt Tomahsah and Naomi Wanda Wahkahquah; stepfather: Clifton Stumblingbear; brother: Charles Ray Tomahsah; sister: Karen Tomahsah; grandparents: Lucy and John Wahkahquah; aunts and uncles: Anna and Robert Coffey, Anna Gover, Nettie Kerchee, Melvin Kerchee Sr., Margaret Wallace, Roxie Coffey, Marie Johnson, Blossom, Pasquerita, Anna Belle Chaat, Ruby, Lily, Minty, Josephine Tomahsah, Rubye MacDonald, Galvus Tomahsah, Willis Attocknie: Cousins: Melvin Darryl Coffey, Rusty Coffey.
November 2011
10
The Comanche Nation News
Dear TCNN Dear TCNN,
I attended the Comanche Nation Election Board Process Overview Seminar on October 8 , 2011. There are two election board members from each precinct. I learned there is much preparation done before election day.
quest process was explained. Strict rules and regulations are followed. There is more work behind the scenes and meetings to attend. I am confident that our votes will be counted and verified correctly. Sincerely, Vivian Holder
The absentee ballot re-
ccache22@yahoo.com
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 Hours: Mon10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tue:10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wed:10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs:10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fri:9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat:9:00 am - 3:00 pm
November 2011
Native Navigation: Tailoring Cancer Educational Modules and Goals for Comanche Nation Submitted by Navigation for Indian Health
Background: Native Americans in the Lawton, Okla., area, including Comanche people, have excessive cancer incidence and mortality rates. Native Navigators may be an effective intervention to alleviate cancer disparities. Native Navigators are Native Americans who assist people in a Native American community by guiding them through and around barriers in the complex health care system. This is a particularly appropriate strategy for Native Americans, who have a historical mistrust of outsiders. Methods: This multidisciplinary 3-year project, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, employs a community-based participatory approach. Year one activities are reported on in this abstract, which focused on tailoring and goal development related to cancer educational modules to Comanche Nation via focus groups. Native Navigators assisted with and moderated the focus groups. They
contributed to data analysis and subsequent changes in educational materials and goals. Analysis incorporated content analysis, using transcribed data, field notes and observations. Codes, categories, and themes were identified. Checking with participants regarding findings was done to validate the results. Results: Five major themes were identified: 1) Screening = Protection/Knowledge = Power; 2) Waiting not acting: Fears associated with screenings; 3) Living "Native Strong": Assessing personal risk; 4) Nourishing our body, mind, and spirit; Reconnecting with our past; and 5) Keeping learners interested: Educational engagement. Conclusions: Members of the Comanche Nation community need cancer educational modules and goals tailored to their culture in order to become engaged and maintain interest in educational sessions so that realistic, achievable goal-setting is experienced.
Legal Notice
If you are a Native American Farmer or Rancher or the heir of one who was denied a
USDA farm loan or loan servicing between 1981 and late 1999, The claims-filing period is about to end.
To receive a payment you must file a claim by December 27, 2011. For free assistance filing a claim:
call 1-888-233-5506 or visit www.IndianFarmClass.com.
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The Comanche Nation News
November 2011
13
Man of Many Talents
The Comanche Nation News
From Creating a Shoe for Diabetics, to Writing Policies that Serves Native Tribes, Dr. Rodney Stapp is an Advocate for All of Indian Country
Story and Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Dr. Rodney Stapp sits at his Dallas, Texas office filled with a new shipment of the N-7 NIKE shoe, which invented and help design. He is going over some emails he received, having conference-call meetings, scheduling staff and director meetings, and is answering his neverending phone calls. Following his meetings, he facilitates the grants and contract, sends out reports, and meets with the community for their health needs. As the CEO of the Urban Indian Center of Dallas, advocate of the N7 Air Native NIKE Shoe, a council member of the U.S Department of Labor’s Native American Employment and Training, a member of the Indian Health Service(IHS) Area Office Diabetic Workgroup and Budget Formulation Workgroup, on the IHS National Committee of the Health Promotion Disease Prevention Committee, a podiatrist, and a board member of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Native American Chamber of Commerce, Stapp is dedicated to the advancement and health of all Native American people. CEO of the Urban Indian Center of Dallas With 2011 being the Urban Indian Center of Dallas (UICD) 40th year in existence, Stapp has been with the center for 13-years. He began at the center by volunteering to be the podiatrist, since the center did not have one on their staff. He volunteered for a year-and-a-half. Because he had corporate management experience, he began helping with the administration part of the center, being the Clinic Director for a year, the Executive Director for a year-and-a-half, and finally becoming the CEO in 1998. The clinic staffs around 25-30 people, and the improvements over the 13-years he has been the CEO of the center has been a team effort, according to Stapp. The center fell on hard times in the 1990s, and management and staffing was the first obstacle Stapp had to tackle to make the center consistent. The turnover was tremendous the first two years, and he said he was not very popular during that time, but after finding dedicated workers that represented many Native tribes, the next step was to fine-tune the structure of the programs the clinic offered. “We had to make sure we were meeting the mission of the grants, which is to provide health care and job training, or social services to our community,” said Stapp. “Following the guidelines of the grants is our top priority.”
The center is known for its clinic, which is its biggest contract and biggest grant. It is a small primary care clinic, but with the improvements of adding additional staff, including nurses, increasing the area to make it a one-stop health facility, it efficiently serves the needs of the Dr. Rodney Stapp dedicates his time and energy to make lives easier for diabetics and advocommunity. With over cates a better future for Native tribes through governmental policy. 30,000 Native American tribal members the time, around 300 dia- he could begin giving years. After doing some in the Dallas/Ft. Worth betics were on the UICD out the shoe every six area, in which they rep- register, averaging five months, because if you testing, making protoresent around 115 dif- to seven people a year wear the same shoe every types and modifications, ferent tribes, the UIDC that were going through day, after six months it is in September 2007, the stays busy. The center an amputation. Because time to replace the shoe. N7 Air Native made a launch at the National has around 4,000 active of the income burden of IHS agreed. many It was reported to Congress of American Inpatient charts, and about many patients, did not have the proper NIKE about the success dians Conference. Since 450 on its diabetic registry. The majority are trib- footwear or shoe to wear, of the off-the-shelf shoe, then, an estimated 50,000 al members from Okla- which aggravates their and they asked Stapp pairs of the N7 Air Nadiabetic condition. He if there was anything tive have been given out homa tribes, said Stapp. “A client can said wearing dollar store unique about the foot to different Native tribes. Sam Cracken, come in and see one or shoes or second hand shape of American Indi- two types of doctors, get shoes is something dia- ans, and Stapp told him, Business Director for the their shots, get seen for betics cannot do if they through his clinical expe- Native American Sales their diabetes or hyper- want to improve their rience, he knows Indians Division for NIKE, paved have a wider foot in the the way for Native tribes tension, see the dentist, foot condition. “We began buyfront, with their heels be- to gain access to NIKE and go to the pharmacy to get their medicine and ing shoes for the patients ing normal. NIKE, being products at a wholesale walk out all in one day, out of our own pocket, international, has mea- price, as well as marketand it is free,” said Stapp. and we saw an over- sured feet from people ing the shoe to tribes. Stapp explained Although the night improvement,” said around the globe, told the shoes are considered Stapp. Stapp they have not seen costs adds up for pharBeing a wood- the foot measurement he medical equipment, and maceuticals and supplies, not incentives, which Stapp says their number worker as a hobby, Stapp was explaining to them. some tribes had a NIKE had an idea, and took To prove his theone goal is the health of NIKE Monarch the shoe ory, NIKE put a team program account through. the community. The continuity of and cut it in half. Next, together, and using high Some thought the NIKE service is another one of he took an ordinary black tech equipment, went corporation was trying the keys to the center’s diabetic shoe and cut that from Florida to Washing- to take advantage of the success . Clients like see- in half, too. He mea- ton State, measuring the Native people. Stapp exing the same doctor when sured inside both shoes feet of numerous Native plained the purpose The amputee they come in, which gives and found out they were Americans on reserva- them a sense of trust and virtually the same. With tions or at Native Ameri- rate is still zero to one a this revolation, he put to- can conferences, and at year, according to Stapp. they are at ease. “That is good ser- gether a presentation for Urban Indian Centers. He said they are saving the IHS Board to distrib- The end result was 80 around five amputations vice,” said Stapp. The center of- ute the low cost NIKE percent of women and a year, but that is with the fers all types of counsel- Monarch instead of the men have a wider fore- patients who were in the ing through the family high dollar diabetic shoe foot and a normal rear- diabetic stage of being service, which includes through its diabetes grant foot in the American In- considered an amputee. “For the other substance abuse, a 28 day money. He explained the dian population. 300 to 400 patients who cost savings of amputa They told Stapp in-patient program. They offer a food bank, help tions versus distributing to design a shoe that were destined to go there, with rental assistance, the shoes. Stapp said at would fit the feet of Na- we have prevented them and a WIA Program that first it was met with a lot tive Americans, and the from even getting to the offers job training. They of resistance. After some first year Stapp and his first step of it,” said Stapp. help with getting a Gen- persistence, he was al- team worked on it, it was “It’s a huge impact dollar eral Equivalent Diploma lowed to give out the known as the NIKE Dia- wise, saving the government and tribes who have (GED), school tuition shoe to patients one time betic Shoe. “The design team their own clinics money a year for a limited time and books, and help the included myself, Dr. Eu- from doing less amputaclient get a job when they to diabetic patients. gene Dannels (Chief of tions, but more impor “After a year and graduate. “Out of the 34 ur- a half’s time, we saw the Podiatry for IHS) and tantly, we have more Inban Indian Centers, we amputations go down NIKE designers,” said dians now who have two are the only one who has from five to seven, to Stapp. “The NIKE de- feet. That is the key to the all of these in one loca- zero to one,” said Stapp. signers were responsible success of the program.” The shoes are “We made sure they not for the outside looks of tion,” said Stapp. He said he is hap- only had a new pair of the shoe and Dr. Dannels given to diabetic patients py with the team he has shoes, but we fitted them and I were responsible every six -months. Three put together to run the to make sure they were for the structural features years ago, they expanded the right size, had pad- of the shoe to make sure the program to include UICD. “I have an Ad- ding in the right places, it was good for diabetic diabetic family members, ministrator Director, a and made sure calluses feet and would accom- depending on their condiFinancial Director, and were taken care of, any- modate the unique shape tion, calling it a preventative arm to the shoe proa WIA Director. Every- thing that was offending of the 80% group.” For legal reasons, gram. thing I decide I let them the foot was fixed,” said it was changed to a fit- If diabetes runs in Stapp. be included. No one perOn average, ac- ness and wellness shoe, their family, they are conson can do the job alone. The success of the pro- cording to IHS, an ampu- not a diabetic shoe. It sidered high-risk. If they gram and the center itself tation runs from $70,000 still has the same dia- had three or more health indicators, to $100,000 per person. betic principals in it, but condition is due to my team.” if they wanted it to be such as high cholesterol, Stapp’s pitch was if he Saving Soles through the N7 Air Native Shoe could spent up to $100 called a diabetic shoe, high blood pressure, they 10 years ago, a year on these shoes, the FDA would have to are eligible for the shoe. Stapp saw many patients then he could save them approve it, which would Research has shown, if going through the com- $70,000 to $100,000 per have slowed it going to caught in an early enough plications of having a toe patient and improve dia- market for another six to stage, making minor lifeor foot cut off linked to betic patient’s feet. Stapp eight years, and their goal style changes such as diabetic conditions. At explained he asked if was to have it out in three eating right and exercis-
ing, can at the very least, postpone the onset of diabetes by 10-years. Stapp says for a lot of people, it can postpone diabetes for good. Stapp says prevention was another key point to the program. They give out a lot more shoes, but it prevents patients from being diabetic. Stapp’s observation of the shoe is the patients who wear the N7 Air Native shoes had more confidence when wearing them, and they were more likely to walk more and take their medication, which all doctors support. “Walking is good medicine for diabetics,” said Stapp. “Without them knowing it, they are getting more exercise, which improves their self confidence.” IHS Boards The goal of the IHS National Committee of the Health Promotion Disease Prevention Committee, which he is a part of, is to invent new ideas of how to prevent disease from happening. He has been on the board for seven years. Some of the early ideas that have been initiated were to take soda machines out of schools, health facilities, and tribal facilities. Stapp says at the UICD, they have machines that sell water and diet sodas. Another initiative was to develop a kit for school age children to combine nutrition with activity and play time. When IHS had to distribute its grant money to the grantees, Stapp sat on that committee for two years, making recommendations to the National Director of IHS. Funding Urban Indian Centers As an urban organization representative, Stapp meets with a separate group that looks out for the welfare and interests of Indians living in urban areas, and a national organization that is based in Washington, DC that he meets with periodically. Stapp explains urban Indian centers are funded differently than tribes and IHS. Urban Indian Centers exist on set aside money at the discretion of tribes and IHS. Their goal is to educate tribes to let them know their existence is not in competition with their clinics or health facilities, but their mission is to serve tribal members. He said some tribes are still hostile to urban organizations. Although twothirds of Indians leave reservations to live in urban areas, some tribes still want the money to come to their reservations, even though their tribal members do not live there anymore. Stapp said the urban Indian centers provide health care to all Indian people and See STAPP, Page 14
November 2011
CHINA
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The Comanche Nation News
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The Mayor of Guiyang, China, Li Zaiyong, holds Corbin Swift, while taking pictures with the Comanche Nation Dance Troop, along with other Chinese representatives.
Tribal Administrator, William Owens, greets the Chinese visitors in their language to begin his welcome.
Ben Tahmahkera tells the international visitors of the Comanche history
Ryan Blackstar, grass dancer; Melanie Motah, ladies cloth; and Reyann Norberto, ladies buckskin. The narrator of the dance performance was Ruth Toahty. Representing the City of Ft. Worth were Mayor Betsy Price, Mayor Pro Tem Zimmerman, and City Manager Tom Higgins. After an array of presentations of gifts from the two city representatives, Owens spoke on behalf of the Comanche Nation. “We honor you because you honor us, the Comanche Nation, and the city of Ft. Worth by traveling here to begin this relationship of peace, understanding, and friendship,” said Owens. Tahmahkera spoke next about the history of Ft. Worth and its relationship with the Comanche Nation. “Ft. Worth was a military outpost built for one reason, to monitor the movement of my ancestors, the nomadic Comanches, known as Lords of the Plains. Many books, movies, and stories have been told about the struggles between Comanches and the settlers. It was a true clash of cultures,” said Tahmahkera. “Our ancestors sat around campfires and told young Comanches about
our history, how we came from far away. Today historians believe there is a link between nomadic tribes and the people of China. Only the Great Spirit knows, but it is very possible that the people of Guiyang and Comanches are relatives.” He also added the statement made by his ancestor, Quanah Parker, “Comanches must learn to live in peace with all people or the Comanches will be no more” is true for all nations around the world. “From this day forward, the people of Guiyang are welcome in our Comanche homes,” Tahmahkera said. “We give our blessing on this relationship between the two cities to grow and last until the sun sets no more.” Dance demonstrations of ladies cloth, buckskin, men’s grass dance, men’s traditional dance, and men’s fancy dance, was the highlight to a historical event of peace and friendship between the two great cities. Ft. Worth has a total of eight Sister Cities. They are Reggio Emilia, Italy (1985); Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan (1987); Trier, Germany (1987); Bandung, Indonesia (1990); Budapest, Hungary (1990); Toluca, Mexico (1998); Mbabane, Swaziland (2004) ; and Guiyang, China (2011).
STAPP
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it does not cost the tribes or an IHS facility a dime. “There is no such thing as an urban Indian,” said Stapp. “I am still Comanche. It does not matter if you drove down from the reservation or if you were born and bred in Dallas, you are still Indian.” The Dream With the need rising at the UICD, Stapp has a floor plan of a center he would like to someday build that will accommodate more doctors, nurses, staff and patients. “That is a $10 million floor plan. Our goal is to go to a campus-type setting with around 10 to 20 acres,” said Stapp. The plans include a community center, similar to the tribe’s centers in Walters, Okla. and Apache, Okla. Also included is a culture center, which will be a separate building from the wellness centers. The extra space could initiate more outdoor activities for the diabetes awareness program. A big, covered parking place is another goal of the new urban Indian center. The building that the UICD currently operates from is around 80-years old, according to Stapp. Any minor repairs the building needs, Stapp and his staff come in on the weekends and to their self, due to their budget constraints. Because his father was a carpenter, he knows home building skills, which comes in handy for the center’s upkeep. He is scouting out land within the Dallas city limit for the facility. “We have to stay in Dallas, because that is where the Indians who mostly need our services were placed in the 1950s and 1960s,” said Stapp. Being near the Dallas Area Rapid Transit stops and the city bus stops are important to the clients so they can have transportation to the center.
Dr. Stapp answers his e-mail messages at his Dallas, Texas office.
Location is very important, emphasized Stapp. Working with the Comanche Nation Diabetes Program Stapp remembers when the Comanche Nation Diabetes Program started 10-years ago. He had heard of the many complaints of patients not being seen on time at the IHS hospitals, with him being a foot doctor and Comanche, Stapp thought it would be a good fit to help through the tribe’s diabetes program. He sees patients at the Comanche Nation Diabetes Awareness Office, three days a month, and he says that is not enough. He also sees patients at the Caddo Nation once a month as well. Department of Labor Stapp is a councilman for the Secretary of Labor. There are 18 in total who come up with policies and labor laws in Indian Country and how it is implemented, and review things for the WIA Program suchas how people are assisted with education or employment, making recommendations to the Secretary of Labor. They are also the liaison from the Secretary to the tribal office.
Working His Way Up Growing up in the Lawton area, Stapp said his family was considered poor and the only health facility they had was the IHS. He remembers how poorly the patients were treated during that time, so on top of not having the gas for the trip to the doctor, his family did not go there to be treated. When his family moved to South Texas, he was around nine-years old. He had a full time job while attending high school and a part time job when going to college. As a high school graduate, he and his wife, whom he married after high school, both tested in for a corporate job with AT&T. He said he learned a lot of things from the corporate experience, because of the tremendous training. After nine years with AT&T, he went back to school to be a doctor. He was studying to be an anesthesiologist. Around that time, Stapp met a foot doctor who was treating him, and he told Stapp, knowing he was an American Indian, that being a foot doctor was the best way to help his people, and this advice
changed the direction Stapp was heading. He told Stapp he may not get rich, but he would be helping his fellow tribal members. He told Stapp to think of the impact he would have if he could treat them and save their feet. With his mom being diabetic and having both of her feet cut off, Stapp was convinced to pursue a doctorate in podiatry. He attended Georgia State University in Atlanta. He was accepted into medical school in New York City, NY. He graduated in 1997. He next did his residency in New York City at two hospitals. Since he was from Lawton, and his wife was from Texas. They settled in Dallas, Texas, which was right in the middle of their two hometowns. While attending a powwow two months after he moved to the Dallas metroplex, he saw an information booth for the Dallas Indian Tribal Center (former name of UICD), and asked if they needed help at their facility. He began volunteering at the UICD, and the rest, as they say, is history. He says working on the administrative end is just as enjoyable as doing the medical end. “You get to have a bigger impact and help people all over on a national level with funding and policy,” said Stapp. Recognitions Stapp has been recog-
Courtesy Photo
Dr. Stapp stands in front of the poster that explains the design of the N7 Air Native shoe.
nized by the National Indian Health Board and the Eagle Award through the Indian Health Service. They have also been recognized by the Department of Labor for the management of the UICD, as well as the State of Texas. He says prefers to stay out of the lime light, and continue to work on the projects and boards he is on. Days Off When Stapp does have time to unwind, it is valuable to him. A former golfer and racquetball player, he relaxes by going to country with his family. “My hobbies will have to take the backseat until I retire,” said Stapp. Stapp said he believes if you want something, you have to work for it. He is living proof that with hard work and dedication; you can save lives, change lives, and touch the lives of countless people He is an icon for achieving goals, and he is proud to be Comanche.
November 2011
15
The Comanche Nation News
Breast Cancer Awareness Reception Story and Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
October is National Breast Cancer month. The Comanche Nation Complex supported Breast Cancer by asking all employees to wear pink on Oct. 7. The Association of Comanche Employees (A.C.E.) hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness reception on Oct. 7, at the Comanche Nation Complex. Over 40 participants, both male and female were in attendance. Comanche Nation Chairman, Johnny Wauqua spoke to the attendees, as well as Tribal Administrator, Will Owens. The guest speaker for the event was Valerie Eschiti from the Navigation for Health program. Eschiti educated everyone on Self Awareness, detection, prevention and treatment. A computerized quiz was done with discussion of each question. Participants
Tribal Employees Support the Fight
Participants of the Breast Cancer Awareness reception pose with guest speaker Valerie Eschiti, far right, by all wearing pink showing their support Oct. 7 at the Comanche Nation Complex.
were encouraged to ask questions which they may have concerning breast cancer. Two time breast cancer survivor and tribal employee, Georgia Gibson shared her
story about dealing with breast cancer. Gibson talked about how the cancer was detected. She told about the treatment she endured, the sickness after
radiation and chemotherapy. Gibson said through many prayers by her loved ones and her will to overcome this sickness affecting her body is what helped get her through
A.C.E. Officers, L. to R.: Jolene Schonchin, Sec.; B.J. Anderson, Tres.; Shandel Wesaw, P.I.O.; Donna Wahnee, Vice-Pres. A.C.E. organized the Breast Cancer reception at the Comanche Nation Complex.
Two time breast cancer survivor and tribal employee Georgia Gibson tells of her battle with breast cancer.
Comanche Nation Chairman Johnny Wauqua welcomes the participants and expresses the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness.
that time of her life. Gibson encouraged the participants to get yearly exams. An array of doors prizes were given to lucky ticket holders. Several participants learned about breast cancer and the effects it could have on individuals and their families. Each participant was provided with informational brochures and pamphlets regarding breast cancer. After the presentation there was snacks available and the crowd was able to speak with Eschiti for extra information and questions. Overall the event was a great success and very educational. The Comanche Nation and A.C.E. supports the fight against breast caner.
Guest speaker Valerie Eschiti speaks to the crowd about breast cancer. Eschiti answers questions and educates of self examinations and early detections of breast cancer.
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Photo by Paula Karty/News Staff
MOONLIGHT WALK AGAINST DRUGS. The Comanche Nation Association of Employees (ACE) and several supporters lined up the evening of Oct. 19 to walk for drug prevention awareness. A total of 76 participants registered under the ACE walk group to show their support. On hand were the Comanche Nation Law Enforcement Officers, along with the Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Department, who had an informational booth. The first 60 participants under the ACE walk group received a Moonlight Walk shirt, compliments of the tribe’s alcohol and recovery program. The walk was dedicated to Oklahoma Highway Patrolman, Nick Green, who was killed in December 2003 when he caught a man making methamphetamine on the side of a rural Cotton County road.