Comanche Academy Charter School Powwow

On Saturday, April 22, Comanche Academy Charter School held its powwow at Watchetaker Hall.

The event had a concession stand run by the school and vendors.

Students and their families were in attendance as well as Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah, Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Vivian Parker and Comanche Nation Comanche Indian Veterans Association Princess Arlene Schonchin.

Students learned about some of the histories of Comanche powwows.

Comanche Charter School Academic Assistant Catherine Lonewolf said the powwow was about passing on traditions.

“And teaching our children about our tradition,” she said. “We think that the best way to teach children is by actually doing things with the children, so this is our opportunity to do that. So, we have the powwow, we encourage the children to attend, we teach them about the powwow while they're here.”

Lonewolf said it’s important to have these teachings.

“It's important to teach students' traditions to help it to survive, to help it to continue, because that's the way traditions continue, by teaching them and making them survive,” she said.

Lonewolf said she utilizes the traditions of plants, music and language.

“I like to use the plants for healthful reasons. I also like to carry on the music, so by listening to the music, by learning the music,” she said. “Actually, all parts of it, the language I think is important. If you don't have a language, you don't have a culture.”

Lonewolf said language is an important part of the culture.

“I would just like for everyone to realize the importance of the language and how the language helps to carry on the traditions and the culture,” she said.

Lonewolf said she enjoyed the powwow.