Comanche Little Ponies Ring in New Year with Powwow

On Saturday, December 28, Comanche Nation Little Ponies New Year’s Celebration occurred at Watchetaker Hall.

Little Ponies Vice Chairman Benny Tahmahkera said the powwow welcomes the new year, and people have visited from across the United States.

“The turnout is outstanding, and just the time to come out and celebrate, share, make new friends, see old friends,” he said. “You know, we have people from all over the country just express their self today already. Some from New Mexico, some from Arizona, had folks from down in Texas, and I know I had a lot, some family that come in, but it's great for everybody to come and socialize and practice our culture.”

Tahmahkera said there are about 100 people a part of the organization.

“We just come together and our organization, we're proud of who we are, we're proud of the culture, we're proud of carrying on our culture and just continuing…those things that our ancestor has passed down to us, and we continue…with our traditions,” he said.

As for Tahmahkera’s favorite parts of the powwow…

“I love the gourd dance,” he said. “You know, the gourd dance is a man's dance, and that's kind of what initiated the Comanche Little Ponies, but we try to reach out to everybody. We'll have the contest. The contests are fun to see, see all the people come out and practice doing what they love, you know, pretty much every weekend going to powwows.”

Tahmahkera said tribes from all over joined the celebration.

Comanche Nation Princess Bluesky Tosee, Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin, Little Ponies Princess Garrison Yellowfish, Walters Service Club Jr. Princess Tiana McClung, Kiowa Tribal Princess DaeLena Tsonetokoy and Wichita Tribal Princess Elora Moore, as well as special guest Ote-Missouria Princess Emmary Rose Elizondo attended.

Little Ponies’ next powwow will be during Mother’s Day weekend on Friday and Saturday.