Albuquerque Outreach Provides Information to Out of State Tribal Members

From Friday, August 25, through Saturday, August 26, the Comanche Nation held an outreach at Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah and 12 programs from the Comanche Nation were at the event.

Victoria Dutton attended the outreach and said it was a great event, especially for those who have to travel.

“I've been living in New Mexico for several years now, and in order for anyone out of state to get something done, we have to travel, take time out of our lives to go and do it in Oklahoma, Lawton, Anadarko, wherever we need to go,” she said. “So, this was a really big help for everyone to come out in each department that was here.”

Dutton said there should be more outreaches for those out of state.

“And I really do hope that it does happen again, because I know there's other members out there that would like for this to be taken care of in their lives as well,” she said. “Because not only here in Albuquerque, but there's Farmington, there's other places here in New Mexico, not only this state, but I know there's several other states that need to be done as well.”

Lucien Jimmy Lookingglass said they were interested in what the Comanche Tribe was doing. He needed help with his house, but seeing people he hadn’t seen in many years was good.

“And when I go back home, they're not there,” he said. “But today, I ran into my nephew, granddaughter, grandkids from my family, the Lookingglass family, and it's pretty nice. I enjoyed myself.”

Tom Bennett said he also came to the outreach because he doesn’t have much contact with the Comanche Nation Tribe.

“To have these outreach programs where these people come in there and explain what their responsibilities are, how they can benefit the tribal members, is really outstanding,” he said. “So, I don't think that this is a waste of time or any sort, because it's the first time that we really, really understand what the Comanche tribe is able to do with it.

Meeting the people who help him via phone and text, Grant Williams said the outreach went above expectations.

“And I had hoped to be able to meet with the chairman for a moment to talk about a situation that I had,” he said. “And I sent a note to the office, and I got a text back the other night later, and it was from Chairman Dubya. ‘Wait a minute, who is Chairman Dubya? What is this?’ So, I looked it up, and ‘I think this is the chairman actually texting me.’ And so, I text him back, told him, ‘you know, I was coming.’ And he texted me back again and said, ‘will be glad to talk.’ And I thought, ‘Wait a minute, I'm not used to this.’ And so, it's just, it's been so warm and so…might say almost family-oriented. Like the great family of the Comanche Nation has come together.”

Williams said the event extended beyond those who live in Oklahoma and need help.

“Coming here to Albuquerque has saved me two days travel, plus a place to live with my family. Pretty much just passed on; I'm older. And so, we find this just absolutely fantastic,” he said.

Comanche Business Committee members were also at the event.