Comanche Business Committee Members are Sworn In
On Friday, June 16, several Comanche Business Committee Members were sworn into office in the Code Talker Room at Comanche Nation.
Secretary-Treasurer John David Wahnee and CBC Number 3 Alice Kassanavoid were re-elected for their positions, while Jordan Fox will take over CBC Number 4.
Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah said it’s significant because Fox will bring a fresh perspective. He also said this is Fox’s first time as an elected official.
“I'm looking forward to that new perspective that he's going to bring our business committee,” he said.
Woommavovah said the impact on the Nation regarding newly elected candidates includes fresh ideas, a new way of doing things and a fresh perspective with their experience.
“Jordan worked for our Comanche Nation for almost 17 years, so he knows and understands our tribe on how it works,” he said. “So, we are lucky to have a CBC member that has this experience, that knows how our nation works. So, we are blessed to have Jordan.”
However, he said the CBC is also looking for positive changes for members of the tribe.
“Change for the people,” Woommavovah said. “When I say change for the people is ‘How are we going to take care of our number one priority, which is our elders?’ and ‘How are we going to add value to our youth?’ ‘What road are we going to pave for them?’ We have a great education department who takes complete responsibility, who take complete, they're invested in our education of our young people. So, we're just looking for positive change.”
Getting to know candidates personally is also important for the chairman to lay out plans, according to Woommavovah.
“I like to sit down with them and ask them, one, ‘What's your leadership philosophy?’ two, “What are your goals?’ And three, ‘What do you want to bring to the table now that you have a seat at the table?’” he said. “ So, it's just getting to know them on a personal level and knowing what their vision is and what they hope to achieve.”
He said the CBC is to help all Comanches, locals and those outside the nation.
“Every time I'm out away from our community and in other states talking to our Comanche people, they're so positive. It's so refreshing because they appreciate everything the Comanche nation does for them. From ID cards, education for their kids, completing applications, our programs that have reached out,” Woommavovah said. “So, one of our goals is to get our programs out away from Oklahoma and into our communities where we have Comanche people and provide that service and let them know what's available to them.”
Woommavovah said he was proud of the directors and the Tribal Administrator who brought the initiative forward. He said the Comanche Nation is on the road to positivity.
“And it feeds into our vision, Comanche strong, strong together,” he said. “And we are [absolutely] stronger when we work together.”
The ceremony included introductions by Woommavovah and an opening prayer by Wahnee. Each elected candidate received a Penalton. Vice Chairman Cornel Pewewardy sang an honor song.
