VOLUME 15 EDITION 11
Lawton, OK
Special Reunion/Fair Edition 2014
Schimmel Time
Shinny Ball
Professional Native American Athlete Shoni Schimmel Comes to the Comanche Nation Fair
Comanches vs. Shoshones
WNBA All-Star Shoni Schimmel wearing a Comanche t-shirt smiles at the crowd before signing autographs at the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair. Noyo Ball, also known as Shinny Ball, is a very old game which is played mainly amongst the ladies of the tribe, it can also be coed. The object of the game is to get the Shinny past the goal of the opposing team. The game is played much like today’s hockey, except it isn’t on ice. Each team member has two sticks which are approximately 3 feet long, the Shinny which is like the puck, is dropped on the ground between both teams. The teams try to get the Shinny between the goal of the opposite team, while the goalie tries to keep the Shinny out of their teams goal. The first one to make a goal wins. The game sometimes become very physical. This year a team consisting of young Comanche ladies from Indiahoma, Okla., defeated the team from the Shoshone tribe. The best of three games determined this year’s winners. The first game was won by the Indiahoma Shinny Ballers. The Shoshone team was determined not to give up without a fight. The Shoshone team came back aggressively to defeat the young Indiahoma team. This defeat made both teams tied with one win a piece. The final game came down to the wire, both teams were starting to show some fatigue. The members of both teams were not going to be defeated without a good fight. The Shinny was passed back and forth, up and down the field almost making it several times in each other’s goal. Finally with a break away run the Indiahoma Shinny Ballers got the shinny past the Shoshone goalie win-
Shinny Ball Champions. The Indiahoma Shinny Ballers from Indiahoma, Okla., prevailed and defeated the Shoshone team. Final score was Indiahoma 2 games and Shoshone 1 game. Pictured from Left: Brooke Roberts, Alexis Ulloa, Shayla Reeblo, Emma Roberts and Danielle Tahah.
By Paula Karty/News Staff
TOP: The Shoshone Reunion ended its week-long events with a parade at the Comanche Nation Complex, showing each band’s unique traditions. CENTER: Dennis Plumley and Anthony Monoessy lead in the Men’s Straight Dancers during the Comanche Nation Fair Powwow. LEFT: The Comanche Warrior Run started the events of the Comanche Fair, with runners from each of the three tribal community centers alternate carrying the Comanche Nation Flag until they reached the Comanche Nation Complex. RIGHT: The Ft. Hall Veterans conduct the Morning Ceremony at the Shoshone Reunion.
Sports fans were treated to a very special guest during the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair. Professional athlete Shoni Schimmel was one of the celebrities for this year’s event. Schimmel participated in the parade and was available for autographs after the parade. Schimmel is of the Umatilla Tribe from Oregon. Being Native American has given her a huge following of Native American fans, every where she travels. Schimmel is a recent graduate of the University of Louisville. She was the starting point guard for the Louisville Lady Cardinal Basketball team. During her college years she made a huge name for herself and left mighty big shoes to fill. She was the most highly-recruited female player in the country. As a junior in college she was on the USA Basketball Women’s World University team. The team consisted of 33 collegiate members, which won the Gold medal, making her the first Native American woman to win a Gold medal. Schimmel is only the second player in Louisville history to score more than 2,000 points. She is lethal from the 3-point line. In her senior year of college, she won the National 3-point shooting contest at the Men’s Final Four beating Baylor’s Brady Heslip. She was the first Cardinal to ever win this title. After college Schimmel went on to play professional basketball. She was selected in the first round of WNBA Draft as the eight overall pick, going to the Atlanta Dream. During her rookie year (first year) as a Professional Basketball Player, she was voted by her fans to play in the WNBA All-Star Game. She scored 29 points setting a WNBA All-Star Game record. She attempted 16 three-point shots making seven of the 16. As a result of her outstanding effort towards the game, she was voted the WNBA All-Star MVP. Schimmel is the only Atlanta Dream player to ever win the MVP. She has become the first ever rookie to win the WNBA All-Star MVP.
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The Comanche Nation News
Reunion Competitions & Games Traditional games and friendly competitions were among the numerous activities during the Shoshone Reunion. From challenges that included physical activity to musical talent, the events were enjoyed by the participant as well as spectators. Winners in the competitions: Tee-Pee Pitching Contest WINNERS: 1st Place: Morgan Tosee 2nd Place Patrick Attocknie 3rd Place: Martin Flores
Silver Medal - Lanette Davenport Female Long Shoot Gold Medal - Melanie Smokey Silver Medal - Darlene Dewey Youth Short Distance Gold Medal - Janae Peabeashy Silver Medal - Cody Rinaldi Bronze Medal - Amber Q Male Speed Shot Gold Medal - Gene Pekah Silver Medal - Tim Saupitty Male Long Shoot Gold Medal - Nathan Small Silver Medal - Chad Tachawiwickah
Traditional Archery Shoot WINNERS: Female Short Distance Gold Medal - Darlene Dewey
Fry Bread Contest Winners 1st Place Kristie Brown 2nd Place Monica Raphael 3rd Place Georgia Ballard . Frybread Competition
Tipi Competiton
Archery Competition
Shinny Ball
Handgame Competition Shoshone Team
Frybread Competition
Tipi Competition
First Place
Tipi Competiton
Handgame Demonstration Comanche Team
Hand Drum Competition....Songs from the Heart
Lathaniel Nappo - Shoshone Bannock, Fort Hall, Idaho
Second Place
Margene BullCreek - Goshute Shoshone, Tooele, Utah
Frybread Competition
Third Place
Devon Wermy - Comanche, Camp 7, Cache, Oklahoma
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The Comanche Nation News
Fashion Show
Comanche and Shoshone Women Show Their Type Of Traditional Dress
By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Showing their best dresses, buckskins, shawls, and other items that are unique to the Shoshone, Paiute, and Comanche Women, many ladies of all ages participated in the Shoshone Re-
union Fashion Show at Watchetaker Hall. Pam Satepauhoodle read the description and detail of each attire the ladies wore as they gracefully walked across the stage.
Spectators saw the different ways women adorned their head, from colorful beaded crowns to woven hats, otter hats, and silky scarves. “We had a lot of fun,”
said Comanche Elder, Rita Coosewoon. Included in the fashion show was a miniature version of an Shoshone man, complete with beaded work on his cowboy hat
and a detailed staff and fan in each hand. From beginning to end, the Shoshone Reunion Fashion Show was one of the best events of the week.
Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff
PROCESSION OF HONOR. A display of each Shoshone tribe was displayed during the Reunion’s parade Sept. 24. Colorful flags, left, beautiful bead work and unique styles of Native regalia reflected the pride of the many tribal members that participated. The family of the late Harrison “Bunny” Shoyo, center, honored his memory during the parade. The Members of the Duck Valley Shoshone-Piute Reservation, above right, happily exhibit their tribal banner. The 2014 Shoshone Bannock Princess, Tadrochelle “Sister” Murray , greets bystanders during the parade.
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The Comanche Nation News
Presentations & Demonstrations A series of demonstrations and presentations were some of the activities during the Shoshone Reunion. Participants were delighted to witness Nuepi, the Golden Eagle raised by the SIA Program during its presentation. Bill Volker, SIA Director, explained about caring for and breeding Eagles in captivity. He went on to discuss Federal Laws protecting the feathers of the Eagle, and the current threat to the prestigious birds, wind turbines. Basket weaving was another event that had many participants learn hands-on about how to weave baskets. Professional boxer, George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah, spoke to the visitors at the importance of a healthy lifestyle, spotlighting diabetes among Native Americans. He answered questions about his career, his personal healthy lifestyle habits, and gave tips on how to change eating habits to healthy eating habits. One of the most popular demonstrations that, by popular demand, had several request to extend it throughout the week, was the Handgame demonstration. This traditional game that dates back for decades, brought the reunion participants together for friendly games with beautiful songs and lively entertainment. Both the Comanche and the Shoshone tribes learned how to play the game both Northern and Southern style. Melanie Smokey provided information on natural herbs and plants to aid in illnesses and promote good health. A puppet show was preformed by Clorandia Tsatoke and her family in the Comanche Language. Her story of a buffalo delighted the crowd that gathered at the Comanche Complex Powwow Grounds. The history of the Shoshone and Comanche tribes, given by Jimmy Arterberry, filled the room as he broke down the history of the two tribes that included treaties, oral history, and maps. Last, but defiantly not least, numerous children from the Comanche Nation preformed a series of Comanche Hymns in the Comanche language. The children worked diligently with language teacher, Billie Kreger, on pronunciation and harmony of the song, which resulted in musical perfection. The children were from the Comanche tribal day cares, churches, and other youth groups. Their performance received a standing ovation from the Shoshone visitors. With many workshops, demonstrations, and presentations throughout the Shoshone Reunion, cultures and information was exchanged and the bondness of the tribes grew stronger.
Comanche youth sing Comanche Church Hymns for the Shoshone crowd.
Basket Weaving
Melanie Smokey shows natural remedies for a healthier lifestyle.
George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah
Members of the Shoshone Bannock Tribe speaks to the crowd.
Shoshone Elder at Comanche/Shoshone History Presentation
Comanche Elder, Ina Parker and her son, John Parker
Troy of the SIA Program, holds up Nuepi for the crowd to photograph and video.
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The Comanche Nation News
Ura! From the Comanche Nation-Shoshonean Reunion Planning Committee The Comanche Nation – Shoshonean Reunion 2014 Planning Group would like to say Ura, to all those who helped make the 15th Annual Shoshonean Reunion a huge success. It takes a lot of planning and being able to coordinate special events for this large group of Shoshonean relatives who participate in an annual gathering in which to compare our languages, songs, and tradition. Those who helped make it happen are truly a Blessing, we could not have done it without your help. We thank all the Volunteers who helped with Registration, those who helped serve food to the Elders, Handicapped and those who helped in Injury Prevention, Law Enforcement, the Diabetes Program, Transportation, Firefighters and the CIVA (Mr. George Red Elk), you all were Greatly Appreciated for all of your help during the Annual Shoshonean Reunion. The Shoshone Reunion would not have been able to kick off without your help. A Special Ura goes out to Mr. Edmund Nevaquaya, who went above and beyond his duties as Master of Ceremonies (MC) and coordinator of the Tee Pee Contests during the three (3) day event. His expertise in the MC area helped to provide professionalism of announcing our events of the day and to keep participants informed. We would also like to acknowledge the help in announcing on a daily basis to Mr. William Owens, Tribal Administrator, Ura, for being available to fill in when Mr. Nevaquaya needed a break or was busy working with his Tee Pee Contest. We greatly appreciate you and all the Employees that helped. During the Executive Committee Meeting, it was mentioned that the next year’s Annual Shoshonean Reunion will be held in Ignacio, Colorado. The Utes will formally announce it when they have confirmed with their Ute Tribes. Your generosity is an example of the Unity that our Reunion represents and we are grateful for your participation as a partner in our Event. On Behalf of the 15th Annual Shoshonean Planning Group, Ura! Charlene L. Tahdooahnippah
Miniature Shoshone Man at the Fashion Show
Members of the Comanche Nation Princess Sorority present Miss Indian World, Taylor Christianna Thomas, with a Pendleton during a special presentation at the Shoshone Reunion.
Singers bring in the Flags with traditional Shoshone Veteran Songs.
Language Teacher, Billie Kreger, organize children as they practice singing songs in the Comanche Language.
SIA Golden Eagle raised in captivity.
2014 Miss Indian World, Taylor Christianna Thomas, 2014 Comanche Jr. Princess Mali Cooper Youngman, and 2014 Comanche Nation Princess, Kimberley De Jesus.
Charlene Tahdooahnippah and the Shoshone Reunion Planning Committee give away items as a sign of Thank You for helping make the event a success.
ABOVE: Comanche elder, Jean Monetathchi, enjoys the reunion. RIGHT: The aroma of fresh frybread filled the air at the Frybread Competition.
George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah answers questions during his presentation.
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The Comanche Nation News
2014 Fair Breaks Records
From Attendance Records to Participation and Camping, the Annual Fair Exceeded its Expectations as the Biggest Event in Southwest Oklahoma By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
This year’s Comanche Nation Fair broke numerous records in both visitation to the fair and the number of participants in fair events and activities. There were many from the Shoshone Reunion that stayed after the gathering was over to partake in the tribal fair. The Comanche Nation Fair Board also extended its advertising for the Fair this year by adding television commercials to local Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas stations and having radio remotes prior to the fair through The Breeze
99.5 radio. The information was also given through the “Indians for Indians” and “Kiowa Voices” radio programs. Adding information through the PIO’s Social Media platforms and the Comanche Nation Web also added to the information distribution. “The Comanche Nation Fair Committee wanted the community to know everyone was invited to the event, not just Comanche tribal members,” said Tomah Yeahquo, Special Events Coordinator for the Comanche Nation. The overall crowd
count for this year was a whopping 156,508 throughout the weekend. Waves of people covered the area the evening of Sept. 26, and all vendors, carnival rides and food stands had lines of people throughout the night. Almost all of the annual competition and act ivies during the fair broke records in the number of participants. The parade was over an hour long, with 80 entries that registered. Other participation numbers are: • Campers- 504 registered
• Rations- 350 bags given out • Art Show- 13 entries • Bull Riding- 51 Bull Riders--600 spectators • Children Activities128 children attended • Frybread Competition 12 entries • Fun Run- 275 runners registered • Golf Tournament- 64 participants • Call of Duty Video Game Tournament- 64 contestants • Hand Game- 14 Teams • Horse Shoe Tourna-
ment- 45 teams--90 participants • Parade- 80 entries • Powwow Contest- 277 registered • Quilt Show- 11 Quilts entries--139 visitors signed in • Spirit Walk 226 participants that registered • Skateboard Competition 28 participants • 3/3 Basketball Tournament- 39 teams- 143 participants • Spirit Bike Ride- 10 registered • Spirit Warrior Run- 60 runners
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The Comanche Nation News
2014 Comanche Nation Fair Art Competition/Show WINNERS Submitted by Charles Wells
ABOVE: Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, presents gifts of the limited edition Comanche Pendleton Blanket to three visiting dignitaries at the Comanche Fair. From left, Osage Nation Chief, Geoffry StandingBear, U.S Senate Candidate, Matt Silverstein, who is from the Choctaw Tribe, and former U.S Representative for Oklahoma 2nd Congressional District (2005-2013), Dan Boren.
Dennis Gitau, a student from Kenya, Africa who is attending Oklahoma City Community College, meditates in the Circle of Honor, after reading the stories of the Comanche veterans written on the monuments.
The Comanche Nation Outreach Anadarko, OKC, and Dallas Programs sponsored a Art Competition Art Show on September 26-28 in the New Conference Room. The competition part of the show was primarily for enrolled Comanches K-12 students. Several local artists exhibited their work during the show. Ronald Wahkinney LADC, of the Prevention and Recovery Center and IAMNDN presented prizes to winners, T-shirts to all participants, and also welcomed all participants to a reception that was held for all artists on September 28 at 2:30 p.m. The event was a huge success. “Everyone donated their time and effort to make this the best competition and Art show,” said Charles Wells Winners for the Art Competition: Kindergarten: 1st Place, Manual Garcia 2nd Place, Manual Garcia 3rd Place, Kenneth Redelk 1st - 3rd Grade: 1st Place, Adrian Pueblo 2nd Place, Joaquin Delgado-Satoe 3rd Place, Gabriel Tehauno 4th - 6th Grade: Painting 1st Place, Breanna Davidson Drawing; 1st Place, Kristi Flood 2nd Place, Nathan Pueblo 3rd Place, Breanna Davidson Arts and Crafts; 1st Place, Angelina Steinmeyer 2nd Place, Jocelyn Codynah 10th- 12th Grade: Drawing; 1st Place, Raven Williams 2nd Place, Boston Williams
First Annual Call of Duty Ghosts Tournament
Comanche Hymn Singing
The winners for the Call of Duty Ghosts from Left to Right; Daylon Shoya, Daryn Pohawpatchoko, and Eddie Yellowfish. Submitted by Wayla Wauqua/News Staff
Story/Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff
I Sing Praises To Your Name O’Lord. The Comanche Nation offered a night of fellowship and worship. The evening of Comanche hymn singing was held on September 25 at 7 p.m. in Watchetaker Hall. The Hymn singing is a nice way to kick off the fair with many in attendance. The annual event of singing was very uplifting. Comanche hymns were sung by young and old. For some it was an opportunity to hear hymns that they never heard before. The night of hymn singing was a success and the number of attendance seems to increase every year. It is an annual event that is anticipated by many.
The Comanche Nation Optometry Program hosted the 1st Annual Call of Duty Ghosts Tournament on September 26 at 6 p.m. inside the Watchetaker Hall. The Grand prize was a XBox One console. They had over 100 participants and spectators show up for the Tournament. It was a Free For All Single Elimination Tournament and was also free to all Comanche Nation Fair visitors. The Tournament was a success. “We had to stop at 64 participants so the tournament would not go later then midnight, Friday night,” said Wayla Wauqua, Optometry Director. The Winners below include: 1st Place - X-Box One Console Daryn Pohawpatchoko 2nd Place - $200 Walmart Gift Card Daylon Shoyo 3rd Place - $100 Walmart Gift Card Eddie Yellowfish
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The Comanche Nation News
Warrior Run
Warrior Run & Bicycle Ride Kicks Off the Comanche Nation Fair
A bicycler from Ft. Sill is all smiles as he completes his 25 miles through the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. Runners from all three community centers Walters, Cache and Apache gather together for a final picture after completing their goal of reaching the Comanche Nation Complex to promote Diabetes Awareness. The Warrior Run kicks off the Comanche Nation Fair every year.
Olivia Komahcheet enjoys her turning running while holding the Comanche Nation flag. Komahcheet ran from the Apache Community Center.
Travis Komahcheet and Myron Beeson takes their turn on a mile long stretch running from the Apache Community Center.
Ramona Hancox conqueers a hill on the bicycle route.
Runners from the Cache Community Center take a final picture before they begin their run towards the Comanche Nation Complex.
Runners from the Walters Community Center take a group picture before they begin their journey towards the Comanche Nation Complex.
The runners from the Apache Community Center pose for the camera before they hit the trail to the Comanche Nation Complex.
Comanche Nation Fair Fun Run
Tribal member Tracy Avilla pushes her grand baby while participating in the Fun Run at the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair.
Runners take off from the starting line in front of the announcer’s stand for the Comanche Nation Fair’s Fun Run before the parade.
Boys and girls get last minute advice before they race to the finish line. Children ready and determined to do their best as they compete against each other during the Comanche Nation Fair Fun Run.
Tribal members men and women participated in the Fun Run. It didn’t matter if they ran or walked to the finish line just as long as they finished.
Children run their hardest and their fastest to make it to the finish line first during the Fun Run during the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair.
Members from the Shoshone Tribe also participated in this year’s Comanche Nation Fun Run. The Shoshone Tribe were at the Comanche Nation Fair for this year’s Shoshone Reunion hosted by the Comanche Nation.
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The Comanche Nation News
Bull Buck Out
International Bull Riding Champions Try Their Luck on Comanche Bulls; Crowd Breaks Records
Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Champion, Robson “Spiderman” Aragao, holds on to the bucking bull, hoping for the 8-second bell.
Champion Bull Riders from the Professional Bull Riding (PBR), Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), and Championship Bull Riding (CBR) associations traveled to the Comanche Nation Fair’s Bull Buckout to test their skills.
Full Throttle has been to the PBR (Big Show). He leaps about 4 ft in the air just to try and throw off his riders. Dillon Jacob was one that got thrown.
Brazilian Bull Riding Champion of the CBR and PBR, Robson Aragao, said, “I’m very happy. This was a good event. Hoping next year it’s bigger and better! Tell the Comanches I’m ready to come back next year.”
Sliding to the side, a Mutton Buster holds on to the end.
Holding on to the sheep and his hat is a challenge for this Mutton Buster.
Champion. Ryan McConnell, left, has been in the PBR World Finals a total of five times. Ryan said “It was really great, I was real fortunate I had the bounty bulls from yesterday. I had a heck of a good time out here. This is the first time I been out here. This is a great facility and perfect for a lot of future for this bull riding.”
Comanche Nation Fair Handgame...“How Sweet It Is”
Second Place Winners “Canton Indians” 2014 Comanche Nation Fair Handgame Champions “Carnegie Wildcats”
Miss Indian World decides to try her skills in playing handgame. While hiding the bones, she still has time for a quick picture.
Mary Beaver from the Oklahoma Indians handgame team, shows that the guess was wrong and scores for her team.
Third Place Winners “Magic”
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The Comanche Nation News
Carnival
Comanche Nation Fair Fry Bread Competition
Comanche Nation Fair Fry Bread Champion Charlene “Chili” Ybarra This year the Comanche Nation Fair added a new event which was the “Fry Bread” competition. This event was sponsored by the “Indians For Indian” radio program. Each contestant had to be able to build their own primitive fire, provide their own ingredients, prepare their own dough and cook the bread on the open fire. Contestants had to prepare at least four breads to be judged. Winning first place: Charlene Ybarra; second place: Althea Monoessy; third place: Laura John. Contestants that did not place were award with a consultation gift of their choice: a bag of Blue Bird flour or a Blue Bird apron.
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The Comanche Nation News
Powwow Pics
Quilt Show
FIRST PLACE. Jonelle Tipton of Elgin, Okla., named the quilt School Days, being inspired by her daughter, who was getting ready to start school.
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
An array of exquisite quilts filled the Patriot Room during the Comanche Nation Fair, displaying masterpieces of woven art for all to admire.
Esa Attocknie, of Apache, Okla. shared her beautiful quilt of Indian women at the quilt show.
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
SECOND PLACE. Jonelle Tipton of Elgin, Okla.. said she was inspired by the children toy, a pinwheel, to create this lovely quilt.
THIRD PLACE. Anita Washington, of Cherry Creek, SD, created this beautiful star quilt in small print, influenced by pin cushions.
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The Comanche Nation News
Spirit Walk The chilly but beautiful Sunday morning of the Comanche Nation Fair was perfect conditions for the annual Spirit Walk, sponsored by the Comanche Nation Hope House. The largest number of participants lined up to register for the walk, and to receive a free T-Shirt. As the large groups of people showed up to register, the T-Shirts ran out. Bit that did not stop over 250 people from walking the brisk morning, after receiving a Cedar Blessing from one of the founders of the Spirit Walk, Melvin Mithlo. “That’s the most we’ve had in 13 years,” said
Caron Yellowfish, Hope House Director, who sponsors the annual event. Mithlo gave a prayer to all before the walkers began their one mile journey around the perimeters of the Comanche Nation Fairgrounds Despite the large group of walkers and runners, no one was injured, added Yellowfish. The Comanche Nation Law Enforcement patrolled the area until the even was completed and everyone made other plans to enjoy the last day of the Comanche Nation Fair.
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Melvin Mithlo of Apache, Okla., prays over the Spirit Walk participants the morning of Sept. 28, before the crowd walks one mile around the Comanche Fair area.
A beautiful morning blesses the Spirit Walkers, as they begin their one mile trail.
PRIZEWINNER OF TIPI. Butch Tahsequah is the winner of a tipi that was raffled off at the Comanche Nation Fair. The tipi was one of many raffle items that was on the prize list. Others included a car, high definition televisions, and numerous shawls, Pendleton blankets, and sports tickets. The tipi has an image of an antelope, painted by Comanche artist, Quanah Burgess.
Groups of walkers finish their mile, warmed up and ready to begin their other Sunday activities at the Comanche Nation Fair.
Children’s Games
Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff
Toddlers had specially made games to enjoy at the annual Children’s Games, hosted by the Injury Prevention Program. The Comanche Nation Injury Prevention held its annual Children’s Safety Fair and Children’s Activities September 27. There was a total of 128 children and 100 adults who attended the event and took part in the activities.
“We would like to say thank you to Sally Allen and BIA Child Protective Services, for providing the finger printing for our children,” said Bonita Paddyaker, Director of the Injury Prevention. “This is a great ser-
vice they provide to families. Having your child’s finger prints available if your child was abducted or missing would be great information for law enforcement.” The children’s activities had competitive games for
Mary Tosee coordinates the Three-Legged Race for children, making sure their legs are securely tied, and they understand the rules of the game. children in categories 2-3 year olds 4, and 5, 6-8, 9-11, and 12-`14 years of age. There were non competitive games for those that did not want to participate. The toddlers even have an array of games to play.
Every child received a goody bag with refreshments and a toy and every parent, grandparent, or caregiver received a bag with refreshments and a small gift. “We say thanks to all the volunteers that came out
to assist and make this event a success,” said Paddyaker. “It takes caring people to volunteer their time and you are very SPECIAL to us.”
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Snapshots of Fair
The Comanche Nation News
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The Comanche Nation News
Parade
Can’t Get Enough Of Schimmel
Professional Basketball Player Shoni Schimmel greets the crowd of thousands during the parade of the Comanche Nation Fair. While stopping to talk on the “Indians for Indians” live remote radio program. Schimmel plays professional women’s basketball for the Atlanta Dream.
Comanche Nation Fair Director, Tomah Yeahquo gets into a “Stare Down” with WNBA All-Star Shoni Schimmel. Yeahquo proves to Schimmel that she is not afraid of a “Stare Down.”
Shoni Schimmel looking a bit nervous poses while holding a brand new infant during her autograph signing at the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair.
Schimmel shows off a SK8 t-shirt with the Skateboard Competition Coordinator, Robin Choney.
Schimmel addresses the packed Watchetaker Hall during her autograph session.
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The Comanche Nation News
Crowing of 2015 Comanche Princesses Codynah and Wauqua begin new princess reign
Story and Photos by Paula Karty/News Staff The Comanche people have elected a new Comanche Nation Princess and Jr. Princess. On September 27, during the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair, Kelsey Codynah and Tristen Wauqua were elected as the 2014-2015 Comanche Nation Princess and Comanche Nation Jr. Princess. The polls for voting were open for two days, Sept. 26 and 27, giving tribal members from the age of 18 years and over, the opportunity to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. Codynah and Wauqua will serve as the Good Will Ambassadors for the Comanche Nation. They will represent the Comanche Nation as they travel throughout Comanche country and beyond. These two elected positions are very prestigious and very important within the Comanche Nation. The position of Comanche Nation Princess is the dream of most every young girl. Codynah is the 19 year old daughter of Pamela Codynah and Kevin Hendrix. Her maternal grandparents are Arlene Poemoceah Wells and the late Henry Wells; Fred and Mona Codynah. Her maternal greatgrandparents are the late Silcott Poemoceah and Mable (Sarah Waharockah) Poemoceah, and the late Fred (Fat) Codynah and Velma (Hoag) Codynah. Her paternal grandmother is the late Florina (Foamie) Hendrix. Her paternal great-grandparetns are the late Jane Pennah and Phillip Jesse Hendrix. Codynah is a 2014 MacArthur High School graduate. She has served has the 2013-2014 Comanche Homecoming Princess, she is involved in the Comanche Youth Dancers group. Codynah attends the Voices of Ministries Church in Lawton, where she active in the church youth group. Codynah said, “ I respect the Comanche people, and our rich traditions, culture, and dances, and songs of all types. I have the great-
est respect for our elders, and the love and teachings we each have the opportunity to learn and gain from each one of them.” Wauqua is the 14 year old daughter of Jon “JD” Wauqua and Brenda Lee. She is the granddaughter of the late Johnny Wauqua, former Chairman of the Comanche Nation, and Virginia Wauqua. Wauqua is a freshman at Lawton High School, where she enjoys drawing and painting. She also enjoys learning the Comanche language, and learning and singing Comanche hymns. She likes attending pow-wows and spending time with her family. Wauqua said, “I would enjoy being your Comanche Nation Jr. Princess. It would be a great honor for me. I would do my best to represent my tribe in the best way possible with honor and dignity.” These two young ladies will be called upon to numerous events. They will travel extensively representing the Comanche Nation during their year long reign.
The new crown that is to be presented to the new Comanche Nation Princess. Kelsey Codynah and Tristen Wauqua are the newly elected 2014-2015 Comanche Nation Princess and the Comanche Nation Jr. Princess. Codynah and Wauqua were elected during the 23rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair held at the Comanche Nation Complex.
Outgoing Comanche Nation Jr. Princess, Mali Cooper, pins the banner on the newly elected Comanche Nation Jr. Princess, Tristen Wauqua.
Amber Rose Quise Quise Geimausaddle a candidate for the 2014-2015 Comanche Nation Jr. Princess.
Johnetta Silverhorn a candidate for the 2014-2015 Comanche Nation Jr. Princess. Out going Comanche Nation Princess, Kimberly DeJesus and Comanche Nation Jr. Princess, Mali Youngman, enjoys their final minutes serving together as the Comanche Nation Princesses.
Outgoing Comanche Nation Princess, Kimberly DeJesus, pins the banner on the newly elected Comanche Nation Princess, Kelsey Codynah.
Shelby Mata a candidate for the Comanche Nation Princess.
Angelica Blackstar a candidate for the Comanche Nation Princess.
Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, places an Eagle feather in the crown of the newly elected Comanche Nation Jr. Princess.
Comanche Nation Chairman, Wallace Coffey, places an Eagle feather in the crown of the newly elected Comanche Nation Princess.
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Powwow Contest Winners Junior Girls First Place-- Sonja Debado; Second Place-- Ann Marie Cometsevah; Third Place-- Isabella Frida
Junior Boys First Place-- Ronald Monoessy Jr.; Second Place-- Larynz Spotted Wolf; Third Place-- Jordan Beartrack
Teen Boys Straight First Place-- Eli Crawels; Second Place-- Corey Chasenah
Teen Girls Cloth First Place-- Catherine Howell; Second Place--Shelby Mata; Third Place--Ava Botone/Blackstar
Teen Boys Fancy/Grass First Place--Wyatt Patty; Second Place--Tyler Thurman; Third Place--Marcos Estrada
Women’s Fancy Shawl First Place--Carol Melting Tallow; Second Place--Naomi Nevaquaya; Third Place-- Beatrice Fingernail
Women’s Buckskin First Place--Crystal Lightfoot; Second Place--Arlene Grant; Third Place--Erin Yarholar
Men’s Traditional First Place--Donovan Harvy; Second Place--Reuben Crow Feather Jr.; Third Place--Pat Moore
Teen Girls Buckskin First Place-Mali Cooper; Second Place-Addison Cloud; Third Place-Mikala Sage
Women’s Golden Age First Place- Joneda Sage; Second Place- Vivian Carday; Third Place- Patricia Bointy
Teen Boys Traditional First Place- Gentry Kiley
Men’s Grass First Place-Darryl Bolton; Second Place-Marty Thurman; Third Place-Jack Growing Thunder
Women’s Jingle First Place-Shaundeen Smith; Second Place-Yvette Goodeagle; Third Place-Rebekah Tate Nevaquaya
Men’s Straight First Place-Anthony Monoessy; Second Place-Cameron Cozad; Third Place-Jason Lightfoot
Men’s Golden Age First Place--Gene Tsatoke; Second Place--Zack Morris; Third Place-- Patrick Spotted Wolf
Teen Girls Fancy/Jingle First Place- Numu Wockmetooah; Second Place-Rainy Attocknie; Third Place-Rose Goodeagle
Women’s Cloth First Place-Amanda Harris; Second Place-Rosie Motah; Third Place-Tonya Moore