TCNN October Issue

PR SRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERM

IT NO 49STIGLER, OK 74462

VOLUME 12 EDITION 10 Lawton, OK October 2012

P.O. B

ox 908L

awton, O

K 73502-0908

In an effort to gain in-formation about setting up a universal data base, staff mem-bers of the Comanche Nation (CN) Election Board, CN En-rollment Department, CN Pub-lic Information Office (PIO), and CN Information Technol-ogy (IT) Department visited the Chickasaw Nation’s IT De-partment, Enrollment Depart-ment, and other staff that are responsible for overseeing data Sept. 17 in Ada, Okla. Also in attendance for the meeting of the two tribes were Coman-che Business Committeeman (CBC) No. 4, Jack Codopony Sr., and CBC No. 2, Sonya Ne-vaquaya. The meeting gave the Comanche visitors an idea of what steps are needed to set up a data base where it is shared by different departments, what the benefits are, and how to se-cure the system. Also, if the Comanche Nation General Council de-cides in the future to change the election process to an all-mail in election method, the univer-sal data base will help them reach that goal more rapidly. Regina Brannock, Pres-ident of the CN Election Board, was very pleased with the meeting, and how a universal data base could help the Elec-tion Board. “The Election Board will be able to generate reports quickly, because we could have a data base that we can build up statistics from one election to another. This will hopefully show a better picture of the de-

Grand Opening ofthe Comanche Nation ATM

A City National ATM Bank was installed inside Watchetaker Hall on August 29, and a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held 11 a.m. September 14. The ATM will be convenient for visitors attending various activities held at Watchetaker Hall and tribal complex. Pic-tured above; Ribbon cutting by George Porter, right, City National Bank President, and DeRoin Motah, City National Bank Market-ing Director. The bank offered a Financial Management Class, and tribal members were able to open a Comanche Pride account with no money down. They also offered assistance with filling out the 2012 Per Capita Distribution Forms. The bank will be set up during the Comanche Nation Fair to sign tribal members up with a City National Bank Comanche Pride Account.

Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

mographics of our voters. And hopefully also help us save money on postage and print-ing,” said Brannock. From an IT perspec-tive, the meeting showed the potential the Comanche Tribe has to use today’s technology to serve the Comanche people efficiently and accurately. “The Chickasaw IT Programmer enlightened us on which programs to use. We were going in the direction of Microsoft Access when we should be looking at Sequel databases,” said Wil Niedo, IT Website Manager. “This ser-vice can help the tribal mem-ber’s ten-fold. For example, the tribe’s outreach offices could pull up key information about tribal members to see if they are eligible for services with-out having to take time to get the information themselves. It will all be on the database. It will speed up a slow process.” Niedo added the Chick-asaw Nation gave him a list of email addresses in case he or other IT staff needed to ask a question or discuss software information. He said for the Chickasaw Nation to offer their guidance and help getting a universal data base off the ground was very inspiring and ground breaking. The Enrollment De-partment Director, Donna Wahnee, was also very pleased with the visit with the Chicka-saws, but she said she wants to be accurate in the guidelines she and other departments fol-low for the BIA 638 Contract

funding. “I received a lot of in-formation that I think would benefit our tribe. I would like to see how other tribes run their data bases as well, specifically a tribe that has a per capita distribution,” said Wahnee. “I do like the idea of the univer-sal data base, but I just want to make sure whatever we do as the Comanche Nation, that we comply with the 638 guide-lines so we don’t jeopardize those funds. But the data base would speed up services to our tribal members. It would pro-vide a level of service we have not provided before.” Shandel Wesaw of the Enrollment Department added the universal data base would be beneficial because tribal members would not have to waste time and gas traveling to the Comanche Nation Com-plex for address changes, proof of enrollment, and other minu-et information. Although the visit proved to be encouraging, it was emphasized in the meet-ing that the process is very time consuming and long. The Chickasaw Nation has been using a universal data base for around eight years, and the staff is constantly updating in-formation and structuring the program to specific needs and information. The Comanche Nation IT Department is beginning to train staff for the program that would be used for a universal data base.

Chickasaw Nation Invites Comanche Nation Departments to Learn About

Universal Data System

CRYS Youth Residence Awarded Lowe’s Hero Award; Dedicate Garden to Wauqua

Comanche Nation Res-idential Youth Shelter (CRYS) is proud to be the 2012 recipi-ent of the Lawton, Okla. Lowe’s Playground Hero Award. The program encourages employees in a location to team together, adopt a volunteer project with a non-profit organization or K-12 grade school, and make a difference. CRYS was aware of what they would add to their back-yard for their children, when they applied for the award. They wanted to make sure they had a conglomeration of areas for their children that is age ap-propriate and enjoyable at the same time, because their shel-ter is designed for children 0-18 years of age. On August 27, the play-ground and outdoor equipment was delivered to their facility. The projects consist of: 1) Wooden Playground Gym for our toddlers, 2) A Zen Gar-den for teen residents, 3) Water Cooling Springs for everyone,

4) Outdoor Chalkboards, 5) Bristo Table and Chairs for ev-eryone, and 6) See Saw Set for toddlers. The playground area was truly enhanced tremen-dously by receiving the Lowe’s Heroes Award and the com-

pleted projects. The highlight of the playground is the “Wauqua Garden,” formerly known as a “Zen Garden”. The Coman-che Nation Residential Youth Shelter was established by the

late Johnny Wauqua in 2008. It was their honor in dedicating the “Zen Garden” to Wauqua, on behalf of the shelter for his beliefs and contributions of the Comanche Nation Residential

Halloween Safe House

Set for Oct. 26 The annual Coman-che Nation Safe House will be from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex. There will be games, treats and other activities throughout the event. ACE will announce the winners of the King and Queen of the Comanche Nation Safe House. A costume contest is pending. For more information, call the Comanche Nation at (580) 492-3240.

Submitted by Deborah Wright/ CRYS Director

See DEDICATION, 2

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Members from the Comanche Nation Maintenance Department Glen Heminokeky, left, and Lawrence Quoyah, assembles a playground set that was donated to the CRYS Program by Lowe’s Home Improvement Center.

Photo by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

The Comanche Nation NewsPublic Information Office

Text “PIO” to “90210”To get the latest UP~TO~DATE

information of theCOMANCHE TRIBE !

By Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

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 November edition is noon October 15. Donations to help cover the cost of printing and mailing are welcome.

Contact:The Comanche Nation News

P.O. Box 908Lawton, Okla. 73502-0908

Telephone: (580) 492-3386Fax: (580) 492-3709Email: [email protected]

TCNN Staff• Jolene Schonchin, Editor, Reporter,

Photographer-Email: [email protected] Num-ber-(580)492-3382

• Paula Karty, Assis. Editor, Reporter, Photographer- Email: [email protected] Telephone Num-ber-(580)492-3383

• Stacey Heminokeky, Reporter/Photographer- email: [email protected]

• Candace Todd, Administrative Assistant-Telephone Number (580)492-3386

• News items of interest to the local and American Indian community are welcome.

• Photographs will be copied and will become the property of TCNN. To return original photographs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send faxed photographs or newspaper copies of photographs.

• The Milestones Page (Birthdays, An-niversaries, 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 orga-nization’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, slan-der, or personal attacks will not be printed. Letters to the editor must be signed with a legible name. The letters to the editor or articles con-tained in the The Comanche Nation News does not reflect the views or opinions of the PIO staff.

Comanche Nation Officials

Chairman Wallace CoffeyVice Chairman

Mike Mack MahsetkySecretary/Treasurer

Gary TahmahkeraCommitteeman No. 1

Charles WellsCommitteeman No. 2

Sonya NevaquayaCommitteeman No. 3

Harry MithloCommitteeman No. 4

Jack Codopony Sr.

Tribal Administrator Will Owens

To contact officials:Comanche Nation

P.O. Box 908Lawton, Okla. 73502

Toll Free: (877) 492-4988

Physical Address584 Bingo Rd.

Lawton, OK 73505

Member of the Native American Journalist

Association since 2001

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2010

October 2012 2 The Comanche Nation News

Government

Mission of the Comanche Nation

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

Will Owens was elected the Tribal Administrator (TA) on Aug. 25 by the Comanche Nation General Council, de-feating Robert Komahcheet and Janet Saupitty, receiving 54.40% of the tribal vote. Now with the new fis-cal year on the horizon, Owens has a full agenda. His main goals, he said, is to create more jobs for the tribal people, and to get the tribe out of High Risk status with the Bureau of Indi-an Affairs (BIA). The Comanche Nation has been on High Risk sta-tus for the last four years, ac-cording to Owens, and all that stands in the way of getting off of this standing are some Cor-rective Action Plans (CAP). It is this reason, he said, he took the initiative to create a Compliance Department which will focus on the CAPs to get the tribe off of High Risk, which will help the tribe gain access to BIA grants and fund-ing. The department has been discussed in the past, but was never organized. “This will help the tribe’s 638 programs that are lacking in reporting, complete their Corrective Action Plans,” said Owens. In addition to the Com-pliance Department, Owens is also initiating the opening of a Reality Department. Owens said this department will help expedite the process of getting tribal land from a “fee” status to a “trust” status. This depart-ment, too, was discussed in the past, but delayed in the open-ing. “The person who gets placed in this position will be working directly with the Bu-reau (of Indian Affairs), and will be notifying me and the CBC on the status of the appli-cations,” added Owens. He said this will benefit the tribe because if any kind if economic development occurs on the properties, it will be in “trust” status and the tribe will not be taxed. He added this is also a necessary step to build-ing the Comanche land base. “Our economic base

has to improve. I know creat-ing jobs is very important, but also bringing money back into the tribe is also important. The money will be given back to the people. Looking at new ventures can be considered, from expanding the Funeral Home, to getting our own man-agement for the Water Park.” Although the tribe took a hit with the recent events of the frozen tribal bank accounts, he said he sees the tribe moving forward. With placing the Co-manche Nation Water Park and the Comanche Nation Funeral

TA Owens Ready for FY 2013 With Two New Departments Initiated Under his Administration

Story and Photo by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Home under his jurisdiction of management, Owens says he is taking it all on, and will let them run their businesses ac-cordingly. Owens has been work-ing for the Comanche Nation for a total of 10-years prior to his job as TA. He began as a driver for the Transit Depart-ment, worked for the Hous-ing Authority for a year, the Home Improvement Program, and became the Director of the Transportation Department when George Wallace retired in 2008.

He became the Acting-TA on May 27, 2010, fulfilling an almost full year. He said he wanted to run again because he had many things that he want-ed to complete. When asked if transfer-ring from an employee to the TA position had any obstacles he faced and overcame, Owens replied it was discipline and being objective. “The obstacle was go-ing from overseeing 15 em-ployees to overseeing 250 em-ployees,” said Owens. “And separating friendships from getting the job done.” Looking back on his formative years, he says he credits his upbringing, his work and life ethics to his fam-ily. “I was raised by three wonderful ladies; my great-grandmother, Agnes Atauv-ich Wermy, my grandmother, Gloria Wermy Cable, and my mother, Charlene Wesaw Tah-dooahnippah. I am a family-orientated person with a very strong belief in God, family, and I am a strong believer in the tribe itself, the Comanche Nation,” expressed Owens. He said although the position comes with a lot of criticism from tribal members, he does not hold grudges. “My job is to help our Comanche people when they are struggling; to lift them up and help them be placed in a direction that will help them help themselves.” He said he feels he has been fortunate, and is very humble about his path working for the tribe that has went in many directions. Through his faith and family, it helped him get to the position where he is now. “It’s not about me. It’s about the employees, and about the Comanche people,” concluded Owens. “I want to look toward the future, and not look in the past. I look forward to doing good things for the tribe with the Comanche Busi-ness Committee.”

VOTE FORBILL SHOEMATE NOV. 06, 2012

COMANCHE COUNTY CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

“I have no outside interest, and pledge to be a full-time, committed Comanche Country Central District Commissioner. My mission, my goal, is to see the advancement in schools, jobs, and economic growth in Comanche County. One of my visionary goals is to upgrade the county equipment and make Comanche County an even greater place to live.”

Paid for by friends to Elect Bill Shoemate

Owens

Tribal Administrator Owens visits with the Director of the tribal Enroll-ment Department, Donna Wahnee.

TCNN Winner of Seven 2012 NAJA Media Awards


Presentations to the CBC Fills September Monthly Meeting AgendaStory by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an overview of the Sept. 8 Co-manche Business Committee Meeting, and not the official minutes of the meeting. To receive a copy of the Sept. 8 meeting minutes, call the Of-fice of the Comanche Nation, (580) 492-3251.

Chairman Wallace Cof-fey called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. He explained to the audience of around 50 that he was conducting an inter-view for the Higher Education Department that went over the allotted time. He announced he will be meeting with international actor and official Goodwill Ambassador of the Comanche Nation, Johnny Depp, the up-coming week and will finalize his schedule during his visit to the 21st Annual Comanche Na-tion Fair. He said Depp wants to do a special presentation to the children at the fair. Coffey added he is going to ask if Dis-ney would like to make a do-nation to the Comanche Tribe’s Domestic Violence Shelter and the Youth Shelter. He added he is also in the process of com-municating with actor, Mel Gibson, to invite him to the Comanche Fair. Secretary/Treasurer, Gary Tahmahkera, conducted Roll Call. All CBC were pres-ent and a quorum was estab-lished. Tahmahkera conducted the Invocation. The Old/New Business was given attention first. Pat Couts of the Comanche Na-tional Museum Board gave an

update on the many awards that were given to the interac-tive game created by museum director, Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi, and to invite the public to the opening of their new exhib-it, titled “All Things Coman-che,” 1:06 p.m. Sept. 27. This is a three part exhibition. Also present were Comanche Na-tional Museum Board of Direc-tors, Bill Shoemate, Blanche Wahnee, and Jhane Myers Wildcat. Wahnee added to the update the museum has made excellent pathways to national recognition through winning many national awards. She added the museum purchased a large storage source to store artifacts. Chairman Coffey talk-ed about the vandalizing of the Star House, located in Cache, Okla. He wanted to speak with the CBC on their thoughts about purchasing the land and the Star House during Execu-tive Session. Coffey also asked if the CBC would consider plac-ing Tribal Administrator (TA), Will Owens, on an exofficio member of the Comanche Na-tional Museum Board of Di-rectors. Four Winds Treatment Center conducted a presenta-tion to the CBC about their facility, their goals, and how if built within the area, it would benefit many Native Ameri-cans who suffer from different addictions. They emphasized they are not asking for funding, but a Memorandum of Agree-ment to make Four Winds Treatment Center an autho-rized 638 provider on behalf

of the Comanche Nation. They added it is 100% self funded. Chairman Coffey said further dialog is needed, and asked if the representatives from Four Winds Treatment Center could meet with Ronny Wahkinney of the Comanche Nation Prevention and Recov-ery Program. Joe Washington of Wells Fargo Financial Advisors spoke to the CBC and audience on how he could help the tribe with financial decisions.

Resolutions71-12 Elder Day. Sonya Ne-vaquaya, CBC No. 2, makes a motion to accept the resolu-tion. Charles Wells, CBC No. 1, seconds the motion. The mo-tion carries 6/0/1.72-12 BIA 4432, Indian Pref-erence Form can be signed by all members of the CBC, TA Owens, and Enrollment Direc-tor, Donna Wahnee. CBC No. 4, Jack Codopony Sr., makes a motion to accept the resolution. Vice Chairman, Mack Mike Mahsetky, seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1.73-12 Bank Signatories. CBC No. 3, Harry Mithlo, makes a motion to accept the resolution. Codopony seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1.74-12 Approve KCA Budget. Fiscal Year 2013 in the amount of $270,000. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolu-tion. Mithlo seconds the mo-tion. The motion carries 6/0/1.75-12 Appoint KCA Board Member. Wallace Coffey, Mack Mike Mahsetky, and Charles Wells is appointed to the KCA Board. Nevaquaya makes a motion accept the res-

olution. Mahsetky seconds the motion.76-12 Appoint Numunuu Pahmu Board Member. The resolution removes the previ-ous board members and places Gary Tahmahkera, Sonya Ne-vaquaya, and Jack Codopony Sr. on the board. Mithlo makes a motion to accept the resolu-tion. Wells seconds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1.77-12 College Trust Appli-cation. BIA resolution to re-affirm Resolution No. 7-04 passed on Feb. 5, 2005 with amendments to add additional information now required by the BIA for pending and future trust land requests. It will se-cure 2.5 acres for surface rights only for non-gaming purposes. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolution. Mithlo seconds the motion. The mo-tion carries 6/0/1. Chairman Coffey adds the TA has created a Reality Dept. to review the pending applications the tribe has with the BIA to put land into Trust status. The budget is $100,000. Coffey said President Obama has an interest in placing Indi-an land into Trust status, and if his term ends in Jan. 21, 2013, there is a small window to get the Comanche Nation applica-tions processed. 78-12 RFP for Casino. To seek proposals for expanding the Red River Casino. Mah-setky makes a motion to accept the resolution. Codopony sec-onds the motion. The motion carries 6/0/1. Chairman Coffey an-nounced there will be a Gen-eral Council Meeting Nov. 3

to present the expansion to the Comanche Nation General Council. 79-12 Appoint Tax Commis-sion. Effective immediately, Mack Mike Mahsetky, Gary Tahmahkera, and Harry Mith-lo is placed on the Comanche Nation Tax Commission. This resolution also removes Rob-ert Tippeconnie and Ron Red Elk from the Tax Commission. Mahsetky makes a motion to accept the resolution. Wells seconds the motion. The mo-tion carries 6/0/1. A 15 minute break was taken. W5K5 Lawton/ Ft. Sill Amateur Radio Club made a presentation to the CBC to have a honoring of the Co-manche Code Talkers during the Comanche Nation Fair by broadcasting interviews with family members, as well as history of the Code Talkers all over the world. Chairman Cof-fey appoints Mithlo and Codo-pony to help the organization. The TA will help the organiza-tion have a space at the fair. A motion to go into Ex-ecutive Session was made by Nevaquaya and seconded by Codopony. The motion carries 6/0/1 at 1:04 p.m.

Visit Our Booth At The2012 Comanche Nation Fair!

Saturday, Sept. 289 am - 3 pm

open a comanche Pride account for Free!

get Per Cap Assistance Comanche Pride Debit Card &

Personal Checks Proudly display thecomanche nation logo!

no monthly fee for

comanche members!

Your Name Here

A General Council Meeting will be held 10 a.m. November 10 at Watchetaker Hall, Comanche Nation Complex. Only agenda item is the Red River Hotel Project. No other businesses will be discussed.

Watch the CBC Meetings live by going to www.co-

manchenation.com and click on the U Stream link icon.


Programs

HARD WORK REWARDED. Those who completed the Workout Warriors (WOW) II Challenge was recognized Aug. 30 at Watchetaker Hall by the Diabetes Awareness staff and the creator of the WOW, George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah. Over 100 total pounds were lost during the session. All WOW received a Certificate of Achievement and a T-shirt. Tahdooahnip-pah told the recipients to wear the T-shirt with pride because they are only given to the ones who complete the eight-week challenge. Some were given jackets in addition to the above awards. Left, Trenell Tahdooahnippah gets recognized for participating in all three WOW Challenges.

Photos by Jolene Schonchin/News Staff

Museum of the Great Plains welcomes you to purchase copies of Native American Photographs

Comanche Nation Environmental Program Holds UST Training

The Comanche Na-tion Office of Environmental Programs (CNOEP) held it’s annual Underground Storage Tank (UST) Training on Aug. 29. The training is held so new and current tribal employees are updated on how to check for underground tank leaks and obtain a broader understand-ing of how the system works. CNOEP works with the state, territorial, and tribal partners to prevent and clean up releases from UST systems. The Enviromenatal Protection Agency (EPA) cre-ated the Office of UST to carry a Congressional mandate to develop and implement a regu-latory program for UST sys-tems in 1985. An underground storage tank system is a tank, and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its com-bined volume underground. UST’s may pose a sig-nificant threat to the groundwa-ter quality in the United States. Reports show that groundwater supplies drinking water to ap-proximately 50 percent of the nation’s overall population in rural areas. This report alone shows the importance of regu-lating UST’s. It not only affects human health, but the environ-ment overall. CNOEP has responsi-

Pictured above; David Hayes shows employees from various tribal departments, how to check for leaks of the lines leading to the Underground Storage Tanks, located at the Comanche Nation Complex.

The Comanche Nation Injury Prevention Program held it’s third Annual Elder Safety Fair on September 5. This year’s theme was “Help-ing to Keep Our Elders Safe.” This event is not only ben-eficial to the elders safety, but provided information about their daily living. The program began at 10 a.m. with registration fol-lowed by the opening prayer and the Welcome.

Comanche Nation Third Annual Elder Safety Fair

Robert Zumwalt is demonstrating to the tribal elders how to do the Chair Stretch Band Workout during the Comanche Nation Elder Safety Fair.

Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

bility for, and authority over, UST’s in Indian country. If you have questions that in-volves USTs in Indian country

Robert Zumwalt, Fit-ness Specialist at the Lawton Indian Hospital, demonstrated activities like the Chair Tai Chi workout. These two workout sessions gave the elders the op-portunity to learn new ways to be active. The workouts were fol-lowed by the Comanche Nation Law Enforcement presenting “Safe Elder Driving.” Safety was the key issue of the day and that is not more apparent

than on the roads. Tribal elders safety on the roads as drivers is just as important as when they are passengers in a vehicle. Lunch was provided at noon. The Comanche Nation Diabetes Program held a pre-sentation following the lunch.The day ended with registra-tion of competitive games. The Safety Fair overall proved to be successful in providing tips, activities, and vital informa-tion to tribal elders.

or elsewhere contact your EPA regional office or the CNOEP at (580) 492-3754.

Story and Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff


People,Places and Things Happening Post Oak Day

Post Oak Day will be held November 17 at it’s facil-ity, 115 NW Post Oak Rd., In-diahoma, Okla. A roster is being made of former students of Post Oak Mission School. Please help located former students. Contact the committee at (580) 429-0066 or email: [email protected].

Tomah Graduates from Southeastern Oklahoma

State University

Tomah

Laura Jan Tomah grad-uated from Southeastern Okla-homa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Com-munications with a focus in Media Studies emphasizing in Journalism and a minor in English. Tomah participated in the graduation ceremonies that were held on May 12, and completed her degree program during the summer semester. While at Southeastern, Tomah was a member of Al-pha Sigma Tau National So-rority, serving as Philanthropy Chair, Membership Growth and Development Chair and Secretary. Tomah was also President of Sigma Tau Delta, National English Honor So-ciety, Lamda Pi Eta, National

Choctaw Nation staff members attended the inaugu-ral Eagle Adventure Partner-ship Workshop held July 30 through Aug. 1 on the Oklaho-ma State University-Stillwater campus.

Communications Honor So-ciety and member of Cardinal Key National Honor Society, which is an elite honor society that recognizes women who have academic success was well as actively participate in philanthropy. She served as Assistant Editor and Editor of the Savage Strom Yeardisc, the yearbook which is now done through DVD format. Tomah also served as a staff writer of the student newspaper, member of the President’s Leadership Class and was a member of the Greek Panhellenic Council. Tomah received many honors within her major includ-ing Outstanding Service Award 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 for her work on the Savage Strom Yeardisc and The Southeastern Student newspaper. Excel-lence in Communication Stud-ies 2011, Outstanding Senior in Journalism 2012 and leader-ship Award for Lamda Pi Eta is also among Tomah’s many honors she achieved while at-tending Southeastern. She also did a summer internship at Ringling with the Ringling Eagle for Oklahoma Press As-sociation (OPA). Tomah graduated from Walters High School in 2009. She is the daughter of the late Larry Tomah, Carol Tomah and Travis Ober. She is the grand-daughter of the late Lawrence “Cruso” and Dorothy Toma; Bob Myers and Richinda Hat-field.

the Eagle Adventure program corroboratively. Funding for the program is through the Supplemental Nutrition As-sistance Program Education grant. Students in the first through third grade receive instruction in the classroom through classroom-based les-sons and engage the discussion of health and nutrition habits. Since 2010, over 1,800 students in more than 10 schools in south central and southeastern Oklahoma have benefited from the Eagle Ad-venture program. Based on the CDC’s popular Eagle Books series, the Eagle Adventure program honors Native American tradi-tions and culture. Along with storytelling, students are in-troduced to Native American

Kelly Adams, Raina Sparks and Brandi Burris at-tended the three-day workshop to learn more about the Eagle Adventure program. Interac-tive education sessions and hands-on activities were used to help participants understand the program and its goals. The Eagle Adventure program strives to improve the health and nutrition of youth who are increasingly at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of the program is to provide youth and their fami-lies with a vision of hope that type 2 diabetes can be prevent-ed through dietary and physi-cal activity changes. An interdisciplinary team from the OSU College of Human Science’s Nutritional Sciences Department and the Chickasaw Nation developed

language, culture, customs and traditional ways of being ac-tive. The CDC Division of Diabetes Translations’ Native Diabetes Wellness Program, in collaboration with the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee and Indian Health Service, de-veloped the books in response to the burden of type 2 diabetes among Native Americans and the need for prevention materi-als available for children. For more information about the Eagle Adventure partnership workshop, please contact Sara Mata, Grant Co-ordinator Oklahoma State University 301 Human Sci-ences Stillwater, Okla., 74078 Phone:(405) 744-3842 Email: [email protected]

Choctaw Nation Staff Attend Partnership

Workshop


MilestonesHappy Belated Birthday

Jakolb Shea, August 10Markus Shea, August 27Maribel A. Coley, September 4Cameron Tahbonemah, September 1Brandon Pohawpatchoko, September 14Jimmy Ray Caddo, September 16Henri Pohawpatchoko, September 20Julia Ann Saupitty, September 20Vanessa Butler, September 26Jerrick Parker September 30

Happy Birthday

Krista Hubbard, October Marisela Camacho, October Susie Hubbard, October Ariana Parker, October 3Michael Cook Jr., October 3Rance Pollard, October 4Kilah Parker, October 5Justine Kerchee, October 6Llori Heminokeky Goombi, October 6Willis Aruthur Yackeschi, October 6Madison Nez, October 7Talyn Todd, October 7Trenton Connywerdy, October 7Daniel Walker, October 9Cheryle Connywerdy, October 10Victor Campbell, October 12Jolene “JJ” Schonchin, October 12Dalilah Allen, October 13Andrew Lopez, October 14Gracie Tahpay, October 14Michael Cook Jr., October 14Sandy Hendrix-Shico, October 14Malaki Aron Yackeschi, October 15Charles “Elvis/Chuckie” Shico, October 16Jacobi Gunner Tenequer, October 18Jay Martinez, October 19Rodney Lukens, October 19Krista Yackeyonny, October 25Teresa Sumka, October 25Dayton James Parker, October 26Linda Yackeyonny, October 26Travis Codynah, October 26Totsiyaa Todd, October 27Lance Cpl. Timmothy Hart, October 29Charles Passah Jr., October 29Shawna Hawzipta, October 29Austin Pollard, October 31Robyn Beaver, October 31

Passing Charlotte Klinekole Davis

02/11/55~09/07/12

Caleb Jeremiah Canaday05/26/89~08/19/12

AnniversariesRainford III & Sharon Paddlety-

FrenchOctober 2~Married 30 years

John Robert & Cecelia CableOctober 9~Married 4 years

Richard & Patricia BreadOctober 12~Married 33 years

Happy Belated BirthdayCameron Tahbonemah

September 1

Happy Belated BirthdayMaribel A. Coley

September 4

Happy Belated BirthdayJulia Ann Saupitty

September 20

Happy Belated BirthdayVanessa Butler September 26

Happy BirthdayMarisela Camacho

October 13

Happy BirthdaySusie Hubbard

Happy BirthdayKrista Hubbard

Happy BirthdayDaniel Walker

October 9

Happy BirthdayDalilah Allen October 13

Happy BirthdayJacobi Gunner Tenequer

October 18

Happy BirthdayDayton James Parker

October 26

Happy BirthdayTravis Codynah

October 26

Happy BirthdayRobyn Beaver

October 31Cayde Anthony

Born:11:11 A.M.August 3, 20126lbs’ 7oz’

To: Chris Flores &Dara Parker

Analisee Cable

Born:10:36 A.M.August 24, 20126lbs’ 9oz’ & 19.5in’

To: Michael &Justine

William James Becenti

Born:August 22, 20127lbs’ 15oz’ & 20 in’To: Ryan J. Becenti &Paulette J. Coffey

James Dale

Born: 8:49 P.M.September 6,20125lbs’ 12oz’ & 19.5 in’To: Jimmy &Kristen

Happy BirthdayMadison Nez

October 7

Happy BirthdayGracie Tahpay

October 14

Happy AnniversaryRusty W. & Karen A.

CoffeyOctober 12

Married10 years

Welcome Home Little ones!

Debra Ann “Babe” Pewewardy

November 5, 1955~October 4, 2010

Brenda Kay Alvarez

July 5, 1951~ October 18, 2011

A Special Sister We’ve seen a lot of happiness and shared our

worries too.We’ve believed in dreams and made up plans about

all that we could do. Though each day we’re not together we’re really

not apart. You’re never far from thought and always hear in heart

~Stravina From: Pewewardy Family

La’mya Debra Cravin Greaves

June 11, 2007~September 29, 2012

Violetta Rae “Pepper”Gonzales

November 30, 1967~October 3, 2011

Clifford HoodAugust 11, 1952~

December 15, 1996

Rodney LukensOctober 1964~October 3,

2004

Its been eight long years without you, but I still have my precious memories of

my Dear nephew. I love and miss you

everyday.

Your Aunt Betty

To our Beloved Brother we think of you often, you will never be forgotten by your

sisters, Mary and me. We love & miss you

Brother

Betty & Mary Hood

Don’t Forget to submit milestones for those special loved ones; Just married, Anniversaries,

Birth Announcements, and Birthdays

***Deadline for November 10/15/12 ***

Call: Public Information Office (580) 492-3386 Email: candacet@

comanchenation.com Or mail to: Comanche Nation/PIO P.O. Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502

Happy BirthdayJolene Schonchin

October 12

In Loving Memory


Obituaries

Funeral for Nathan Hernasy Jr., 69, was August 23, at Deyo Mission Church with burial followed at Deyo Mission Cemetery in Law-ton, Okla., under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Hernasy was born on May 9, 1943 in Baton Rouge, La., to Nathan Hernasy Sr. and Betty Jo Greenlee Hernasy. He departed this life on August 17, in Norman, Okla. He retired from the United State Postal Service in Riverside, Cali., after working there 31 years. He later move to Norman, Okla., and worked at the Riverwind Casino for six years. He was an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. He was a member of the Oklahoma City Powwow Club. He was enrolled in the Comanche Language Class. He was the first Native American Eagle Scout. He was salutato-rian in his graduating class of 1961 at Alchesay High School in White River, Ariz. He was a member of OU Indian Club for one year. His Comanche name was Thu-Ten-Nah-Puh, which means Little Man. Hernasy is survived by two sons; Derrick Hernasy of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Richard Hernasy of North Carolina, two daughters; Patri-cia Rash and Barbara Miller of

Mary Addison was born to Archie and Grace Wheeler on July 1, 1935 in Geary, Okla. Addison went to be with the Lord on August 23. She was a lifelong resi-dent of Watonga. She enjoyed raising her children, grandchil-dren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the 1st Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by her father; Ar-chie Wheeler, mother; Grace Wheeler, sisters; Norma Wheeler and Elsie Morlan, brothers; Dale and Darrell Wheeler, sons; Carl Wheeler, Louis and Andrew Addison, daughter; Martha Addison, and three grandsons. She is survived by a sis-ter; Ramona Wheeler, daugh-ters; Carol Wheeler and Janelle Smith, sons; James and Frank Addison, 23 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great- great grandson, nieces, and nephews.

Hernasy Addison

Colorado Springs, Colo., eight grandchildren; one sister; Pat Hernasy of Lawton, Okla., one nephew; Jesse Madrid of Law-ton, Okla., one great nephew; Robert James Madrid Dunn of Lawton, Okla. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandpar-ents.

Nathan Hernasy Jr.

Mary Addison


MilitaryRecognition at CIVA Meeting

Active members and Auxiliary of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) recognized a number of veterans at their monthly meeting held September 6 in the New Conference Room at the Comanche Nation Com-plex. 21 veterans, 14 Auxiliary and seven guest were present for the ceremony. A meal was provided by Sandra Gallegos prior to the ceremony. Veteran gift bags con-taining a Comanche Veter-ans Tag (designed by USMC and Vietnam War veteran Raymond Nauni), two CIVA hand fans, two CIVA pens, “In the Tradition of the War-rior - A modern day history of Comanche Veterans DVD,” CIVA Coffee Cup, Coman-che Nation stick-on logo and Comanche Nation Veteran T-shirts were presented to SFC Dominic Pawlowski (US Ma-rine Corps and OKARNG), SFC Paul Tate Jr (US Army and OKARNG), SFC John McClung (US Army and OKARNG), LTC (Retired) Clark Southard (US Army), Sgt Connie Southard (US Air Force), Cpl George Laurenza-na (US Marine Corps), PO2 Clifford “Beaver” Takawana (US Navy) and SN Keith Red Elk (US Navy and CAARNG). CIVA Commander, George Red Elk and Vice Commander, Jack Codopony, also presented Honorable and Combat Service medallions and a CIVA “Challenge” Coin to Pawlowski, Tate, McClung, Clark, Southard and Takawana. Honorable Service medallions and a “Challenge” Coin were presented to Connie Southard, Laurenzana and Red Elk.

NOTE: ANY COMANCHE VETERAN WHO SERVED HONORABLY WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE MEDALLIONS, COIN AND GIFT BAG BY ATTEND-ING THE CIVA MONTH-LY MEETING HELD THE 1ST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT THE NEW CON-FERENCE IN THE EDU-CATION BUILDING AT THE COMANCHE NATION COMPLEX. THE MEETING STARTS AT 6 P.M. WITH A MEAL, THE PRESEN-TATION FOLLOWS THE MEAL. Veterans are welcome to bring family members and are requested to contact Red Elk at (580) 512-2225 or the Historian, Lanny Asepermy at (580) 678-2629 prior to the meeting so the CIVA can have a head count.

Pictured left to right: Sergeants First Class John McClung, Domi-nic Pawlowski and Paul Tate Jr, all served in Iraq from 2008-09 with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery. McClung is also a Persian Gulf War veteran.

CIVA Commander, George Red Elk, presenting John McClung with the Comanche Nation Com-bat Service Medallion.

CIVA Commander, George Red Elk, presenting Dominic Pawlows-ki with the Comanche Nation Com-bat Service Medallion.

CIVA Commander, George Red Elk, presenting Paul Tate Jr with the Comanche Nation Combat Ser-vice Medallion.

CIVA Commander, George Red Elk, congratulating Clark South-ard after presenting him with the Comanche Nation Combat Service Medallion.

CIVA Vice Commander, Jack Codopony Sr, congratulating George Laurenzana after present-ing him with the Comanche Nation Honorable Service Medallion.

CIVA Princess, Chelsea Sapcut, congratulating Keith Red Elk after presenting him with a Comanche Nation Veterans Gift Bag.

CIVA Princess, Chelsea Sapcut, congratulating Cliff “Beaver” Takawana after presenting him with a Comanche Nation Veterans Gift Bag.

CIVA Vice Commander, Jack Codopony Sr, congratulating Con-nie Southard after presenting her with a Comanche Nation Honor-able Service Medallion.

SFC Pawlowski

SFC Pawlowski served 1st Battalion, 158th Field Ar-tillery as a Fire Direction Spe-cialist based at Ramadi, Iraq in 2008-09. He served in US Ma-rine Corps from 1995-99 and the OK Army National Guard since 1999. SFC Pawlowski is currently an Active Guard Reserve serving as an Assis-tant Quota Source Manager in Oklahoma City. He is a gradu-

SFC Tate Jr

SFC Tate Jr., served as a Squad Leader with the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery from 2008-09 in Iraq. His fa-ther, Paul Tate Sr., was a US Army Paratrooper who served

SFC McClung

SFC McClung served in the US Army from 1988-93 including service with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a Cannon Fire Direction and Fire Support Specialist. He also served at

Sgt Southard

SN Red Elk

SN Keith Red Elk served in the US Navy from November 26, 1958 to Sep-tember 26, 1960. Prior to his service in the Navy he served in the California Army Nation-al Guard with his father, Wil-bur Red Elk, and one brother, Gary Red Elk, for almost three years. They were members of the 40th Armored Division.

ate of Indiahoma High School and Cameron University, the Reserve Component Prima-ry Leadership Course, Basic and Advance NCO Courses, Fire Direction Specialist and Multi Launch Rocket System (MRLS) Courses. His awards include the Meritorious Service, Army Commendation (4), Army Achievement (4), Army and Marine Corps Good Conduct, Army Reserve Component Achievement (2), National Defense Service (2), Iraqi Campaign w/2 Bronze Ser-vice Stars, Global War on Ter-rorism Service, Humanitarian Service, Armed Forces Reserve (2), OK Meritorious Service (2), OK Commendation, OK Active Duty, OK Long Ser-vice, OK Good Conduct (10) and LA Emergency Service Medals, the Overseas Service (2), NCOPD w/Numeral 3, and the Army Service Ribbons, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commen-dation and the Driver and Me-chanic Badges.

1984. She completed her Ba-sic Training at Lackland AFB, TX, as an Honor Graduate, and her occupation training, as an Sir Traffic Control Radar Tech-nician at Keesler AFB, Miss. Sgt Southard complet-ed her service at Tinker AFB, Okla., with the 3rd Combat Communications Group aka the “Third Herd.” She was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Ex-pert Marksmanship Ribbon.

with the 101st Airborne Divi-sion in Vietnam. SFC Tate Jr., served in the active US Army from 1992-94, the US Army Reserve from 1994-96 and the OK Army National Guard from 1996 to present. He is currently an Active Guard Reserve serving as a Brigade Readiness NCO in Mustang. SFC Tate Jr., is a graduate of Fort Cobb High School and a junior with Phoe-nix University. He has completed the Reserve Component Pri-mary Leadership Develop-ment Course, the Basic and Advanced NCO Courses, the MLRS Fire Direction Control and Crewman Courses, Air Assault School, Small Arms Master Gunner and Readiness NCO Courses. His awards include the Meritorious Service, Army Commendation (3), Army Achievement (6), Armed Forces Expeditionary, Armed Forces Service, Army Reserve Component Achievement, National Defense Service (2), Army Good Conduct, Humani-tarian Service (3), Global War on Terrorism, Iraqi Campaign w/2 Bronze Service Stars, OK Commendation, OK Long Ser-vice, OK State Active Duty (4), OK Good Conduct and LA Emergency Relief Medals, the NCOPD w/Numeral 3 and Army Service Ribbons, the Ex-cellence in Competition (Pis-tol) and Drivers and Mechanic Badges, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Army Merito-rious Unit Commendation and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Stewart, Ga., and in Germany. He is a graduate of Indiahoma High School and employed with the Treasurer Lake Jobs Corps when not actively serving with the National Guard. SFC McClung served in OK Army National Guard from 1993-96 and again from 2007 to present. He served as a Fire Support Specialist, Multi Launch Rocket System (MRLS) Crew member, Can-non Fire Direction Specialist and a Field Artillery Radar Op-erator. His awards include the Army Commendation (2), Army Achievement (4), Hu-manitarian, Army Good Con-duct, National Defense Service (2), Southwest Asia Campaign w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Iraqi Campaign w/2 Bronze Service Stars, and the Kuwait Liberation (from both the Ku-wait and Saudi Arabia govern-ments) Medals, the Overseas, Army Service and NCOPD w/Numeral 3 Ribbons and numer-ous OK Army National Guards awards. He is the grandson of the late Mead and Norine Chibitty, his parents are Jim and Lena McClung, and his wife is Laurice. Sgt Southard served with the US Air Force from December, 1980 to November,


Dear TCNN, Thanks to Rudy Yoke-suite and to the Home Improve-ment Department, for the love and work that was shown to the Cody Sorrow family. It was all appreciated.

Cody Sorrow Family

Wahkinney, pictured right

Dear TCNN. Thank you to the Okla-homa Blood Institute and the Comanche Nation employ-ees who took the time to give blood in honor of my son “Rus-sell Clark Wahkinney.” I lost my son last year and have since made a personal mission as

well as his friends and relatives to “Pay it forward.” It took 100 units of blood to keep my son with me an extra month. For a mother, I needed that time to say goodbye. I held his hand and rubbed his face, I never prayed so hard for a mir-acle. The Lord gives and the Lord takes, but he never leaves you empty. Thank you again to the Comanche Nation I am overwhelmed that you have brought so much joy to my heart; I am honored by your gracious gift.

Blood Units collected before the Blood Drive: 58

Comanche Nation Blood Drive collected: 39

Total collected in Russell’s name: 97

Valerie Wahkinney

Dear TCNN, Haa Maruawe! While I reside in the state of Arizona, my heart is with the Comanche people and the many challenges that face us as a communal people who once depended upon each oth-er for our very survival. Today, as in the past, we Comanche find reasons to celebrate our culture. This year’s Coman-che Nation Fair is no different - although we lost some of our beloved citizens, we will cel-ebrate our victories together when we sit and share a meal together. There are important strides that we Comanche have made, because, for the most part, each of us wants a bet-ter life for our grandchildren, our children, and particularly, those “we will never see,” far into the future. One important victory that we can celebrate as one is the initial candidacy accreditation recommenda-

tions for the Comanche Nation College. It was the first tribal college in the state of Oklaho-ma! Today, there are four new emerging tribal colleges in theState, but we were the first to have a plan for the future gen-erations of American Indian learners! So, as we gather to-gether at this year’s fair, join us on the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Coman-che Nation College, visit your college, and see the Coman-che Centered Education and its environment that is 100% Comanche. See the murals by some of our finest contempo-rary Comanche artists. Ask to see the list of courses available to students interested in Gener-al Education, American Indian Studies, CLEET, Allied Health and Certified Nurse’s Assis-tant, Medical Coding and Bill-ing, and the newest addition: Tatsinupi GED classes. In the very near future, the College

will have its own GED exam testing location! As you can see, there’s been tremendous growth in the past few years. The College has a great little library that is open to the students, faculty, staff, and the community. Come see the collection of American In-dian books available for check out! In summary, I invite you to join me to celebrate the Comanche Nation Fair and the Comanche Nation College - the first tribal college in the state of Oklahoma! Join in and be counted as a supporter of this tremendous achievement for our Comanche Nation. It is a place of learning and a place to preserve our rich history, language, and culture for our children’s children ~ they rep-resent our future!

Sincerely, Mr. Garrison Tahmahkera

Dear TCNNLetters to the Editor

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June Sovo served as Master of Cer-emony (MC) for the 2012 Coman-che Nation Youth Pow-wow.

Dayton Pewenofkit served as Head Singer.

Sixth Annual Comanche Nation Youth Powwow Head staff. Pictured Left to Right; Chad Tahchawwickah Are-na Director, Alex Akoneto Head Gourd Dancer, Angelica Blackstar Head Young Lady Gourd Dancer, Mali Cooper Head Young Lady War Dancer, Shermman Addi Head War Dancer.

Winners of the Comanche Nation Youth Powwow for 2012 Youth Girls Cloth/

Buckskin1 Dae Lena Tsonetoky2 Elizabeth McCarthy3 Olowan Wastewin Laplante

Youth GirlsFancy Shawl/Jingle

1 Kayla Parker2 Jaysia Ticyah3 Koydie Bill

Youth Boys Fancy/Grass1 Terrance Tsonetoky

Scenes from the Sept. 15 Youth PowwowPhotos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

2 Corbyn Swift

Jr GirlsCloth/Buckskin

1 Mali Cooper2 Amari Brinkman3 Madison Emhoolah

Jr GirlsFancy/Jingle

1 Juliana Wahnee2 Maggie Birch

Jr Boys Trad./Straight1 Jeffrey Lightfoot

2 Cory Chasenah

Jr Boys Fancy/Grass1 Braeden Jones

Teen Girls Cloth1 Raven Morgan2 Rey Norberto3 Posey Liles

Teen Girls Jingle1 Taulour Baker

Teen Boys Traditional1 Phillip Tsonetoky

Teen Boys Grass1 Willie Nelson JR2 Zane Baker3 Phillip Baker

Teen Boys Fancy1 Sherman Addi2 Marcos Estrada

Head War Dancer Shermman Addie, and Head Young Lady War Dancer, Mali Cooper, lead in the Grand Entry for the Comanche Nation Youth Powwow for 2012.

Youth Fancy Dancer, Corbyn Swift.

Head War Dancer, Shermman Ad-die, dazzles the audience with his fancy wardace action.

Young lady dancers gracefully fol-low in the Grand Entry.

The Jingle Dress girls show their dancing skills during the Grand Entry.

A Tiny Tot Straight Dancer is ready to show the judges his moves. They all won First place.

The Straight Dance boys contestants dance in during the Grand Entry.


Wolf Pack Leader In Lawton Comanche Nation Prevention & Recovery Center, in conjunction with the Office of Higher Edu-cation proudly presented Mr. Chaske Spencer to the students of the 2012 Col-lege Career Day. Spencer is best known for his role as wolf pack leader, Sam Uley in the movie “New Moon,” based on the “Twilight” saga by author Stephenie Meyer. Spencer has recently finished filming “Breaking Dawn Part 2,” which is the last and fi-nal movie in the series, and is due to be released this fall. Spencer also informed the students that in addition to “Breaking Dawn Part 2,” he has three other movies that will be coming out in the near future. It has been a long journey from the Cherokee, Northern Cheyenne and Nez Perce reservations of Spencer’s childhood, to red carpet premieres filled with screaming fans in Hollywood glamour. Being a garbage man in New York City and battling the demons of his drug and alcohol addictions, the one constant for Spen-cer on his journey has been his traditional beliefs, which helped him find his “center” through the harrowing time recovering from his addic-tions and -the paparazzi- like fame he garnered as a actor in the “Twilight” movies. Spencer captivated the students with his life sto-ry which began in northeast-ern Oklahoma, in the small community to Tahlequah, were he was born. At the age of nine his family relocated to Northern Cheyenne Reser-vation in Montana and then again to the Nez Perce Res-ervation in Idaho. Deciding to pursue a career in acting, he arrived in New York City with $1 in his pocket, which came as the result of a coin toss. “It was either LA or New York, so I flipped the

coin,” he told the students. It wasn’t long before his life was filled with audi-tions, movies, and star stud-ded affairs which typically included alcohol and drugs. “I can’t recall a single day since then, at age 15 that didn’t involve me using alco-hol and drugs,” said Spencer. Spencer landed his first role in the movie “Skins,” opposite another well known Native American actor, Gra-ham Greene. The role in the movie “Skins” lead to a role in the movie “Dreamkeeper” and a role in the movie “Into the West.” Spencer was right to believe that his career was well on its way with three movies on his resume and meeting such individuals as Stephen Spielberg. How-

ever, as short time later he found himself hitting rock bottom, living in a rundown apartment in a seedy neigh-borhood in New York City, sleeping on a urine stained mattress due to his drug ad-diction. “This is the PG ver-sion of my story,” said Spen-cer. The high point of the story came as he informed the students of his recovery from the throes of addiction. Finding himself at rock bottom he decided to get himself into treatment. It was there he came to terms and became consciously aware of the blight that has plagued many Native Ameri-cans since the arrival of Eu-ropeans, that being addic-tion.

He now find himself in a new role, one of recovery addict and sharing his story with others. “It’s my way of giving back now,” he told the stu-dent. He has had many ac-complishments as a result of his decision to get sober, one being his landing of the role Sam in “New Moon.” The contract for the movie was signed exactly one year lat-er to the day of his sobriety date, March 5. As an avid photographer he has just re-cently closed his first show displaying his work. In a closing statement Spencer told the students, “One thing I am very proud of, even prouder than the role in New Moon, is that I just sold my first photo. I al-

ways wanted to be a photog-rapher and have my photos published in National Geo-graphic. I always thought I could change the world with that one incredible picture.” Spencer is changing the world, not exactly how he had envisioned, but with one student and one story at a time. Thank you for your unabashed honesty, sincer-ity, and patients while shar-ing your story of experience, strength and hope. A very special thanks is extended to Asa Attocknie, whose tireless dedication and hard work have made the Prevention & Recovery Center’s events an even bigger success.

Chaske Spencer pose with members of the Comanche Business Commit-tee (CBC) and the Tribal Administrator. Pictured from left: Secretary/Treasurer, Gary Tahmahkera; Spencer; Vice-Chairman Mack Mahsetky; and Tribal Administrator, William Owens.

Spencer signs autographs for stu-dents attending the Comanche Na-tion Higher Education 2012 Col-lege Career Day.

Spencer was presented a Comanche Pendelton blanket during the 2012 Career Day at Watchetaker Hall. Pictured from left: Prevention & Recovery Director, Ronald Wahkinney; Tribal Administrator, William Owens; Chaske Spencer; Kimberly Blackstar, Administrative Assistant; Margie Murrow, Prevention Specialist; and Donnie Ramos, After Care Coordinator.

Chaske Spencer poses for a picture with Anadarko High School honor student, Katelyn Smith, who attended the 2012 Career Day,

Photos by Stacey Heminokeky/News Staff

Youth Shelter. A Zen Garden is a dry landscape garden created to symbolize a miniature stylized landscape. The garden is care-fully composed with arrange-ments of rocks, water features, moss, pruned trees, bushes and gravel or sand that is raked to represent ripples in water. The Zen Garden is usually rela-tively small, surrounded by a wall, and is usually meant to be seen while seated from a single viewpoint outside the garden, such as a porch or bench. Classical Zen Gardens were created at temples of Zen Buddhism in Kyoto, Japan dur-ing the Muromachi Period. They were intended to imitate the essence of nature, not it’s actual appearance, and to serve as an aid to meditation about the true meaning of life. The “Wauqua Garden” was designed from a miniature desk top “Zen Garden” from 2002 that served as a decora-tive ornament and a relaxation symbol for children. Many chil-dren throughout the years as well as adults would sit down in a chair, pick up the mini hand held rake and make designs in the sand through the rocks as they talk about their day-to-day concerns, problems, and shared stories of hopes and dreams for a better, stronger future. This was the inspira-tion the “Wauqua Garden” stemmed from. A long, winding red brick walkway leads to the “Wauqua Garden”. The garden

is enclosed in beach sand, peb-ble sandstone rock, a cobble-stone cascading water pond, and two large handmade bam-boo handheld rakes. On the outside of the garden are scat-tered green shrubbery, mums, and ferns. The garden covers an area that is approximately 6 ft. x 6 ft., and 2 ft. high. The garden

is large enough for two adults to interact within the garden, and five toddlers. The outside corner of the garden features a granite stone with the engraved name “Johnny Wauqua, Sr. Garden, September 2, 2012.” The playground consist of 72 total hours of labor from various dedicated Comanche

Nation department employees who worked diligently with staffs from Lowe’s and CRYS to complete the projects. As it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to build a playground. “We are thankful for our community,” said Deboro-rah Wright, CRYS Director. “A

special Thank-You to Lowe’s, all of the Comanche Nation Departments, Mr. Willie Ow-ens, Mr. Wallace Coffey, CRYS Staff, and the Wauqua family.” CRYS knows that the new playground and “Wauqua Garden” will bring many hours of comfort and play to the chil-dren and staff.

DEDICATIONContinued from Page 1


Lowe’s team, along with CRYS Director: Amy Gibson; Gail Wing; Deborah Wright,Director of CRYS; Terri Elgersma; Carol Hoger; Adela Judiscak.

The Zen garden with the dedication plaque to the late Johnny Wauqua, who estab-lished the CRYS Program.

Tracy Lonetree and JD Wauqua, children of the late Johnny Wauqua, rake the sand of the newly dedicated Zen garden, while their mother, Virginia Wauqua, watches.

The Lowe’s Team helps assemble patio furniture.

TCNN October Issue

Documents

Transcript of TCNN October Issue