NUMU TEKWAPUHA NOMNEEKATU NEWSLETTER June 2003 Vol. 6 Issue 3 The Comanche Language & Cultural Preservation Committee P.O. Box 3610 Lawton OK 73502-3610 www.comanchelanguage.org fax: 1-580-353-6322 e-mail: [email protected] Editor: Barbara Goodin WASHINGTON D.C. TRIP Language Survival Schools and Language On May 8th, Rita Coosewoon and Nests. Second, the support for Native Geneva Woomavoyah Navarro traveled to American Language Survival School Washington D.C. at the invitation of facilities and endowments, and third to Senators Daniel Inouye and Ben Nighthorse encourage an amendment to S.575 that Campbell to speak before a Senate Hearing would exempt teachers of Native American on native languages. languages in the public schools from having I would like to present Ms. Navarro’s to obtain certification from outside their written text, as she presented it to the panel tribes. The fourth point I want to make is on of senators. the “No Child Left Behind” effect on Native “Maruaweeka Nanunumu! Hello to you, languages. my friends and relatives! Thank you for “First, let’s look at the importance of the having the Comanches here. The beginning language schools: The language Nests and of the loss of our languages came from the language survival schools are of great forced assimilation on our people and the importance to revitalizing, continuing and Manifest Destiny policy. And it is still preserving our languages. trying to be implemented through the “The language nests will teach the English Only policies, which will leave ALL youngest, who will learn the quickest, retain NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN it best and will continue it to fluency in BEHIND! We are losing our language. We order for our people to pass it on, leading to have been trying everything to keep it from language survival schools. dying. Time is running out. “Next, I want to discuss the importance “My name is Geneva Woomavoyah of your support for Native American Navarro of the Comanche Nation. I am 77 Language Survival School facilities and years old. Comanche was my first language. endowments: I have been teaching the Comanche “Without your support and support from language since 1990 to all who were the society that has tried to kill our interested. I am presently teaching the languages we will not be able to undo the Comanche language at the new Comanche damage that may lead to Native American Nation College in Oklahoma. language deaths. “I am here today to urge your support for “We need places (buildings) for these the S.575 bill to amend the Native American Nests and schools to nurture them. It is Languages Act that will provide support for more than just physical work to develop the development of Native American these schools, it takes financial support that language survival schools to assure the many Native American language programs preservation and revitalization of Native do not have access to. American languages. “Now I want to talk about teacher “Today I want to discuss four important certification for native elder speakers: main points, the first being the importance “An amendment to S.575 would exempt of the development of Native American teachers of Native American languages in the public schools from having to obtain that our voices would be heard through certification from outside their tribes. them. Many tribes were in attendance for “It’s urgent because our speakers are the hearing, and we pray the senators will dying fast. We lost one of our best speakers hear the plea of all native people and not let a few months ago, and there are only a few our beautiful native languages die.) fluent speakers who are elders that are able to teach. There are no fluent speakers under sixty years of age in our Comanche Nation. BOOK SIGNING “The fourth point I want to make is on The book signing for Dr. William C. the effects of the “No Child Left Behind” Meadows’ book, Comanche Code Talkers Act on Native languages: of World War II, was very successful. “It will endanger our languages because Many family members of the code talkers the English Only act it is related to, is a turned out and shared photos and other racist policy that only acknowledges memorabilia with us. The family of English. It doesn’t take into account our Simmons Parker brought a hand made quilt Native Languages that are endangered. that has the image of each code talker with “We need an amendment to S.575 to his name embroidered on it. Beautiful! The assure that the English Only policy does not daughters of Robert Holder were in overpower Native languages, which will attendance, along with a granddaughter who respect the fact that these very languages brought many items she’s gathered and helped our country in WWI and WWII. probably has enough information of her own “In conclusion, I have discussed four to write a book about his life. Rose Red Elk points: and Zona Suminski, daughter and sister, • The importance of Language Schools respectively, of Roderick “Dick” Red Elk, and Nests; each brought photos and other mementos to • The need for your support in share. His brother, Ronald was also in amending S.575; attendance. • Exemption of certification for native We were very pleased to see Marion speakers who teach their language in Kassanavoid (wife of Forrest) present, and public schools; and the twin daughters of Willis Yackeschi, • The “No Child Left Behind” Act will Patricia Bread and Berthina Yackeschi. On endanger all Native American behalf of the (Wellington) Mihecoby family, children. Delores Wooth Karty was there to take pictures of all the activities. (If we Soobesu Numunu Sumuoyetu numu niwunu overlooked any other family members, etu. Ukitsi nunu tuasu numuniwunu hutui. please forgive us – it was a hectic day.) Ubunitu tuasu numuniwunuhutui nuu A welcome was given by Delphine Nelson, tribal administrator, and a (Translation: A long time ago we all spoke proclamation read. It stated: Comanche. Now we will all speak Comanche again. From now on we will PROCLAMATION speak Comanche forever.)” Declaration of Comanche Code Talker Day Whereas, the Comanche Nation has existed (*Editor’s Note: The Comanche Language since time immemorial and long predates the Committee was elated that Ms. Coosewoon existence of the Nation, established the and Ms. Navarro were invited to inherent sovereign powers and rights of Washington D.C. We knew they would Comanche self-governments; and represent the Comanche people well, and Whereas, The Comanche Nation is We still have copies of the Comanche Code dedicated to the progress and enhancement Talkers of World War II book available. of the people of the Comanche Nation; and For your copy, send $24.95 + $4.50 s&h Whereas, Comanche Code Talker Day will (Total $29.45) to: C.L.C.P.C., P.O. Box provide recognition that these men are true 3610, Lawton OK 73502. If we run out of Comanche Warriors; and books before your check or money order Whereas, Comanche Code Talker Day will reaches us, we will return your check or affect every aspect of life in the Comanche money order immediately. All books sent Community, educating our people about the by Priority Mail (3 day delivery). day that our warriors fought for what we all have today, freedom; and Whereas, the local community of tribal HONORING OUR ELDER SPEAKERS members will be encouraged to share in this On Sunday afternoon of May 25th, the celebration of Comanche Code Talker Day. Executive Board of the Comanche Language Therefore, I, Johnny Wauqua, Chairman of and Cultural Preservation Committee the Comanche Nation, do hereby declare assembled in the Gymnasium of the May 16, 2003, as Comanche Code Talker Comanche Complex. Our special invited Day, and urge the Comanche community to guests were the Comanche speakers who participate in, and to celebrate the bravery of had worked to compile the New Comanche our Comanche warriors for fighting the Dictionary. biggest battle of all, freedom. We began with a catered meal at 1:00 Given under my hand and the Great Seal of p.m. to allow those attending church time to th the Comanche Nation of this 16 Day of travel to the Complex. Guests were told May, 2003. Johnny Wauqua, Chairman.” they could invite family members to come with them, but they were not told the exact Ms. Nelson provided copies of the reason they were there. proclamation to family members. Officers After the meal, a special program was of the Comanche Language and Cultural planned and the general public was invited Preservation were introduced, family to attend. We had several more people members present were recognized, and Dr. arrive at that time. Meadows gave a short address. Everyone Billie Kreger, president, and Ronald Elk, was invited to partake of the refreshment immediate past president, presented gifts to table and visit while Dr. Meadows signed all the speakers who had helped with the copies of his book. dictionary. Some of the speakers had been It was a time for the families of the men with the dictionary project since it began in who had shared so much in their war time the mid 1990s, others joined during the last experiences to visit and get acquainted, and year or two as the project came to an end. a time for the rest of us to let them know We appreciated them all and wanted to show how much we appreciated what their loved them how special they all are to the one had done for our country. Comanche Language Committee. This Our thanks to the family members who project could not have been completed were able to come and be a part of this without their help and input. wonderful day. Many pictures were taken by family members and others attending the honoring, and the look on our speaker’s faces made it CODE TALKER BOOK all worthwhile. Some had tears of joy and STILL AVAILABLE others expressed surprise that we had planned this event for them. Our Comanche speakers are our TREASURES, ANNUAL SHOSHONE REUNION and this was just a small way of letting them The 4th Annual Shoshone Nations know how much they mean to all of us. Reunion will be held June 23rd, 24th, and 25th In alphabetical order, those honored in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. With the were: Comanche Tribe providing transportation, Rosalie Attocknie there is no cost to ride the bus. However, Gloria Cable there will be other costs involved: food and Vernon Cable lodging. Rita Coosewoon If you are interested in going, here is Edith Kassanavoid Gordon some brief information for you: Marie Haumpy 1. It will be a two day trip, leaving at 7:00 Lucille Mclung a.m. on Saturday, June 21st from the parking Reaves Nahwooks lot of the Comanche Complex. Geneva Navarro 2. The 1st night will be spent in Colorado Ray Niedo Springs, where you will need to make room Marie Parton reservations. You will also need a room at Betty Pete the same place on the return trip on Carney Saupitty Sr. Wednesday, June 26th. Winfred (Bud) Yackeschi 3. The bus will arrive in Lander, Wyoming, Urako to all of you! on Sunday evening, June 22nd. You will need to make room reservations for four (* Dr. Nahwooks and Mr. Saupitty were nights there. Or, there is camping available absent on that day.) on the pow-wow grounds where all activities will take place. Many will be camping. 4. The bus will leave the motel each FUND RAISERS morning at 6:30 a.m. to take everyone to the We’ve been holding fund raisers to help Reunion site at Fort Washakie, and will defray expense for the upcoming Shoshone return to the motel each evening after 8:00 Reunion, to be held in Fort Washakie, p.m. Wyoming. 5. ALL MEALS (breakfast, lunch and Most recently we had a Bingo/Food Sale dinner) will be provided by the Wind River at the Comanche Elderly Center and a Pow- Reunion Organization during the three day Wow at the Comanche Complex Gym. We event. want to thank everyone who came out to 6. You will be required to provide for your show their support. own meals on the two day trip to Wyoming The Comanche Tribe, through the and the two day trip returning to Lawton. Comanche Gaming Commission, provided Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and small funds for a chartered bus to go to Fort canned meats are just a couple of ideas. Washakie. We are very appreciative for Hand wipes are a good idea, too. that, as it allowed us to concentrate on other 7. There is ample room underneath the bus expenses that will be incurred by our elders to store your suitcases, sleeping bags, etc. during the trip. 8. The bus will leave to return home on th Now, read on for more information Thursday morning, June 26 . Again, the about the Fort Washakie trip. first night of travel will be spent in Colorado Springs. 9. The bus will arrive back at the Comanche Complex at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27th. If you are interested in going, you must 3:00 Demonstrations of cradle board making get your registration sent in. We must know and teepee set up immediately in order for your seat to be 5:00 through 7:00 Same as Day 1 reserved for you. Day 3: For registration forms, or information 7:00 through 9:00 – same as Day 1 & 2 packets, please call Barbara Goodin at 580- 9:30 Introduction of Bands, tribal history 353-3632 or Billie Kreger at 580-429-3866. presentations, and Eastern Shoshone At this time there are a few seats left on the recognition ceremony. bus, barring any cancellations. 12:00 Lunch 1:30 Indian game demonstrations and competitions, horse parade at pow-wow Tentative Schedule for Reunion grounds. Sunday afternoon – Visiting & booth set-up, 5:00 Supper Break Rocky Mountain Hall 7:00 Wind River Giveaway, Indian Dancing, Day 1 Hand Games, Round Dance Singing, Card 7:00 Prayer, cedaring, posting of flags, and Games, all at the Pow-Wow Grounds. registration. 8:00 Breakfast & booths open ITINERARY FOR C.L.C.P.C. 9:00 Welcome/Greeting by Shoshone st Business Council & Pledge of Allegiance by Saturday, June 21 : Fort Washakie School of Shoshone language 7:00 a.m. Depart from Comanche Complex 7:00 p.m. Arrive in Colorado Springs class. (Daily) nd 9:30 Introduction of Shoshonean Bands & Sunday, June 22 : Tribal History Presentations (Daily) 8:00 a.m. Depart Colorado Springs for WY 5:00 p.m. Arrive Lander, Wyoming 12:00 Lunch rd th 1:30 Tour of Fort Washakie area, Hot Mon., June 23 through Wed., June 25 : 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Shoshone Reunion Springs, Day School, Block House, th Episcopal Church, Greeves Gallery, BIA Thursday, June 26 : Compound and Cemeteries. Also 8:00 a.m. Depart Lander, Wyoming 5:00 p.m. Arrive in Colorado Springs workshops in teepees, old style singing and th history, and history of Wind River Friday, June 27 : Reservation. 7:00 a.m. Leave Colorado Springs 3:00 Demonstrations of gourd dancing, 7:00 p.m. Arrive at the Comanche Complex basket weaving, inspirational singing and *All times approximate & subject to change. open style show. *The bus will stop at mealtime. 5:00 Supper Break ______7:00 Indian dancing, hand games, card games, round dance singing, and giveaways TAA NUMU TEKWAPU?HA at pow-wow grounds. TUBOOPU Day 2: (OUR COMANCHE DICTIONARY) 7:00 through 12:00 – same as Day 1 IS NOW AVAILABLE 1:00 Tour of the Crowheart Area, After years of compiling, our new Winkleman Dome Oil Fields, Diverson Comanche Dictionary, put together entirely Dam, Bull Lake, Crowheart Butte, Store, by Comanche people, is now available. and School, and Big Wind Hall. Also, It contains over 6,000 Comanche words, workshops of storytelling, language and a and including the English to Comanche Sacajewea presentation. section, that makes well over 12,000 entries. It is a publication we can be proud of, and it Picture Dictionary. A primer for learning the is an ideal way to preserve our language. language explains the Comanche alphabet It has an introduction that lists all the and the sound of each letter. Examples of speakers, and others, who were involved in many simple words and brief sentences. this huge project. Several of those speakers Includes worksheet/coloring pages and an English to Comanche vocabulary list. $10 are now deceased. include s&h. There is a Comanche Sounds and Comanche Song Book. Collection of 116 songs Alphabet pronunciation guide to help the written in Comanche with an English beginning learner. translation for each song. $10 plus $3 s&h. To order a New Comanche Dictionary, *(CD should be available by next send a check or money order for $34 newsletter.) (includes shipping & handling) to: Comanche Flash Cards, set #1. A set of 48 C.L.C.P.C., P.O. Box 3610, Lawton OK cards showing a picture and the spelling of 73502, and your new dictionary will be sent simple Comanche words. $5 plus $1 s&h. the same day by Priority Mail. Please Comanche Flash Cards, set #2. A complete include your e-mail address in order for us new set of 48 different cards. $5 plus $1 s&h. to contact you in case there are any delays. Comanche Flash Cards, set #3. COMING IN OCTOBER !! ______Comanche Language Tee-Shirts. Comanche Language logo in full color on left chest. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Available in solid red or royal blue. Children’s sizes small (6-8), medium (10- June 23rd- 25th: 4th Annual Shoshone Nations 12), and large (12-14), $10 plus $3.50 s&h; Reunion. Fort Washakie, Wyoming Adult sizes small through XL $12 plus $3.50 s&h; Adult sizes 2X and 3X $15 plus $3.50 July 18th – 20th: Comanche Homecoming, s&h. Specify color and size when ordering. Sultan Park, Walters Authentic Handmade Comanche Dolls. Beautiful 20” soft bodied dolls, dressed in

th th traditional clothing. Both girl and boy dolls September 26 – 29 : Comanche Nation available. $40 each plus $3.50 s&h. (Special Fair Orders Only, allow 6-8 weeks delivery) Tote Bags. Navy with red trim. 16”x12”x5” with back pocket. Front has the Comanche Language logo. $12 plus $3.50 s&h.

Ball Caps. Three styles: Men’s royal blue with PRODUCTS FOR SALE red bill; Men’s turquoise with southwest design on bill; and Lady’s solid royal blue, NEW COMANCHE DICTIONARY. all with Language Logo on front. $10 plus Compiled entirely by Comanche people, this $3.50 s&h. dictionary contains over 6,000 Comanche Lapel Pins. 1 inch Cloisonne pin with colorful words with Comanche to English and C.L.C.P.C. logo and “Numu Tekwapu” English to Comanche sections. $34 includes written in center. $5 includes s&h. shipping & handling. Bumper Stickers. NO LONGER AVAILABLE Comanche Lessons, set #1. A set of four Collar/Hat Pins. NO LONGER AVAILABLE Comanche Lessons, complete with a word Earrings. NO LONGER AVAILABLE list for each lesson. Specify audio cassette Buttons. NO LONGER AVAILABLE or CD when ordering. If we don’t receive your preference, we will automatically send *When ordering, if you have an e-mail address, an audio cassette. $25 includes s&h. please include it in case we need to contact you.