Comanche Elders Gather for Annual Event
On Friday, December 1, the Comanche Nation celebrated Elder’s Day at the Great Plains Coliseum. Tribal members came from across the nation to visit each other, eat lunch and shop at vendors.
Comanche Nation Princess McKenzi Sovo and Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Vivien Parker signed the Lord's Prayer. Then, Comanche Indian Veterans Association Princess Arlene Schonchin signed the Hail Mary.
Performances included Comanche Nation Youth Dancers and Comanche Nation Academy singing Comanche Hymns. IMNDN performed Christmas Carols.
Rita Coosewoon prayed over the meal.
Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah said the event is important.
“We're able to serve our number one customer, which is our Comanche Elders. They have a chance to come together. They haven't seen each other for about a year,” he said. “So not only are we here to honor them, but they get to visit with family members and friends they haven't seen.”
Being able to see the elders is essential to Woommavovah.
“Getting to see the smiles on their faces. Getting to see them interact with each other,” he said. “Not only that, when they're able to get out of the house and actually shop, that's why we have all of our vendors here, for them to shop. And it's all Native American vendors. So, it was just a highlight all the way around.”
The Association of Comanche Employees put on the event.
“They did an outstanding job coordinating the facility, coordinating the entertainment. The majority of our entertainment was our Comanche youth,” Woommavovah said. “And also, City National Bank. They were here on the spot. They issued our checks that weren't direct deposit, and they cashed them for our Elders, so they were able to shop here.”
Woommavovah said Elder’s Day begins all of the Christmas events, and the day is always dedicated to the Comanche elders.
“Because they are our number one priority, and they are our number one customer,” he said. “And they live our vision, which is Comanche strong, stronger together.”
Santa Claus and the Grinch made special appearances, and there was also a raffle for housewares, TVs and other items.
Walters Service Club Princess Kyleigh Davidson and Cache JOM Princess Jasmine Poemoceah also attended the event.
