Yellowfish Family Members Gather for Reunion Powwow
On Saturday, May 27, Yellowfish decedents held a powwow at Watchetaker Hall.
Edward Wiley Yellowfish, the steering committee member for the Yellowfish descendants, said five members represent the families. Yellowfish said the powwow is a social event.
“And we tried to have these every year, but since COVID we haven't had one since before COVID. So, the family was wanting to have a dance and reunion this year. So that's what we're gathering for,” he said. “And the reason why we feel it's important is to bring our family together. And we honor our ancestors, our Yellowfish ancestors.”
Yellowfish also said it’s a chance for the family to get together, including the youth, to dance.
“Because we don't see everyone all the time,” he said. “So, it's a good time to renew our friendships and our relations.”
Yellowfish said the powwow occurs during a good time of the year.
“It's a time of year where everything is turning green and we're getting rain and it's coming back to life,” he said. “And so, it's a celebration. We celebrate our Comanche heritage, our yellowfish family, our Comanche.”
Yellowfish said all of the family members are encouraged to come back.
A big part of the powwow is to honor the family.
“They've made donations, monetary donations. They gifted the family. They're going to gift the head staff. And it's time to give away, too,” he said. “We give away and it's time to dance. And that's one of the things that we enjoy doing. It's been handed down to us. We're carrying on our cultural ways that we have left that our ancestors have passed down. So, we take part in that now.”
Yellowfish said his favorite part is seeing the grandchildren at the powwow.
“And every year they get bigger and smarter and they dance better every year. And it's just a good feeling to see our children come around and take part,” he said. “You know, that's what we want them to do is to take part and be part of the family and know that they're included and to encourage them, to encourage them to be proud of their heritage and to be proud to be Indian Comanche Nation. And so, we really like when our children come around and it's a blessing to us. That's the way we look at it.”
Princesses, including Comanche Nation Princess McKenzie Sovo, Vivienne Parker and CIVA Princess Arlene Schonchin, were invited.
There was also a Yellowfish reunion on Sunday, May 28, in Apache.
There is also a memorial service for their ancestors at the KCA Cemetery, which is why the powwow takes place around Memorial Day weekend.
