Comanche Nation Language Department Hosts Code Talker Dance

On Sunday, November 24, Comanche Nation Language Department held a Code Talker Honor Dance at Watchetaker Hall.

Comanche Nation Language Department Language Consultant Lloyd Heminokeky said the idea of hosting a powwow came when he talked about his grandfather at work.

“After we got through visiting over it, I said it'd be a good idea we could have something during the month of November for them, co-talkers, being Indigenous Month and memorialize the memory in them for what they've done for this country and how our language is involved with it,” he said. “How it went over there, as I said earlier, on the European side during World War II and our language was carried that way with it, and it helped win a war.”

Heminokeky said some veterans weren’t able to receive items in Washington.

“I wanted to do something for them because he wasn't here to receive that when it was given in Washington.He looked forward to it, but he wasn't here,” he said. “So, what better other way than to have something like this and share with our families that come in and be a part of this, and that's where it started from about two months ago.”

Heminokeky said it’s very important to honor Code Talkers.

“And what they stood for and what they sacrificed for us to have what we have today and the families that they've come from were well-respected families and known for their leaderships in our Comanche tribe,” Heminokeky said. “And the importance of it is to continue on the memories that they did, the sacrifices that they went through and endured, you know, the life-death situation that we encountered over there, and to maintain that for all of us because, like I said before, they don't belong to certain families, they belong to the Comanche Nation, and that's where it all comes down to.”

He said the focus of the dance for himself was honoring Wellington Mihecoby. Lanny Asepermy, Lenard Chibitty, Jimmy Ray Caddo, and Eleanor McDaniel were honored at the dance, as were descendants.

“Along with all the other co-talkers, but it was him we focused on,” Heminokeky said. “His flag being flown today and being with the family coming and being presented…but being willing to give it to us so we could do that for him.”

He was proud and thankful to be at the dance and be a part of life.

“It's overwhelming, you know, to be a part of this and to be a part of the Comanche language department, and I'm just thankful,” Heminokeky said. “We're very thankful to be at this time, place, and age, you know, to still carry on in a good way for them."

LaNora Parker is a daughter of Code Talker Simmons Parker and said the day was emotional.

“It feels very nostalgic; it makes me miss my father. And when I talk about it, I think about how brave they were. They were only 20 years old, almost right out of high school,” she said. “And so, anytime they get recognized, I try to be present because I want to represent my father and my family and all the Coach Talkers. They were a band of brothers, and they worked together, and we were taught that way tribally to help one another. So, I feel very proud of all of them.”

LaNora said the highlight of her day was hearing the Comanche Code Talker Song.

“That song was made in honor of them. So, every time I hear it, it makes me remember my dad and he was a very good soldier. And he was very brave, even in life. After the military, he was brave in life, and he was very thankful to be home,” she said. “I didn't realize that when I was a little girl, but he enjoyed life. And he always talked to us about our tribe. So, he was my Comanche history teacher, among other things. And he passed down as much of his Comanche Coach Talker training. He always encouraged us to speak up. And as I grew up, I realized he fought for our freedom. So, I always feel a responsibility to say something positive about the Coach Talkers and about our tribe. Because my dad taught me to be proud of my tribe. And so, I'm proud of them that they finished their mission, and they all came home.”

LaNora said the family members also worked hard during the war to care for soldiers through prayer.

Comanche Nation Princess Bluesky Tosee and Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin, as well as CIVA Princess Clara Yazzie, were at the event.