Historic Preservation Office Hosts Coat Drive for Riverside Indian School

On Saturday, January 25, the Comanche Nation Historic Preservation Office held a coat drive for Riverside Indian School students in exchange for buffalo meat.

Historic Preservation Director Martina Minthorn said they were thankful for all the support from the community.

“It was an amazing morning just to see the excitement from everybody that came from far and wide to be able to help out,” she said. “But also get the buffalo meat, and so it's just a beautiful experience for them to be excited to see about this food coming back into our community.”

Minthorn said it was good to see everyone come and donate.

“So many people gave more than what was expected. And so, just to see all the hygiene items, all the hoodies, all the socks, hats,” she said. “We've had some military, tribal members stationed here, so that was pretty cool for them to come through. And they brought so much to donate to these students, and so knowing that there's a need right here for these kids that come from across Indian country that don't have the support of family right here, so it's good to see everybody step up to the plate and help out.”

Daniel Pewewardy, from Wichita, Kansas, was one of those who donated and helped organize the donations.

“The reason we came down is because we feel that this is helping these kids now that attend these schools is a community effort, and…what I try to do in my life is when I see a need to help it, and I just felt compelled,” he said. “Because you know…like my dad was telling me when he was growing up, he would go, like when he went to boarding school, he didn't always have the clothes or supplies he needed, and so I just feel like this was a community effort that I felt I wanted to be a part of because I thought it was important. Because…given the history of boarding schools and what they have turned into now, I feel it's important for us to continue to…help.”

Pewewardy said the schools are now a place of opportunity.

“Where they weren't always like that, and when it's when we have these places of opportunity that are intertribal for the whole community, I think it's important for the community to come together and help the kids as best we can,” he said.

Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin was also at the drive to help.

On Friday, January 25, the Comanche Nation Historic Preservation Office held a coat drive for Riverside Indian School students in exchange for buffalo meat.

Historic Preservation Director Martina Minthorn said they were thankful for all the support from the community.

“It was an amazing morning just to see the excitement from everybody that came from far and wide to be able to help out,” she said. “But also get the buffalo meat, and so it's just a beautiful experience for them to be excited to see about this food coming back into our community.”

Minthorn said it was good to see everyone come and donate.

“So many people gave more than what was expected. And so, just to see all the hygiene items, all the hoodies, all the socks, hats,” she said. “We've had some military, tribal members stationed here, so that was pretty cool for them to come through. And they brought so much to donate to these students, and so knowing that there's a need right here for these kids that come from across Indian country that don't have the support of family right here, so it's good to see everybody step up to the plate and help out.”

Daniel Pewewardy, from Wichita, Kansas, was one of those who donated and helped organize the donations.

“The reason we came down is because we feel that this is helping these kids now that attend these schools is a community effort, and…what I try to do in my life is when I see a need to help it, and I just felt compelled,” he said. “Because you know…like my dad was telling me when he was growing up, he would go, like when he went to boarding school, he didn't always have the clothes or supplies he needed, and so I just feel like this was a community effort that I felt I wanted to be a part of because I thought it was important. Because…given the history of boarding schools and what they have turned into now, I feel it's important for us to continue to…help.”

Pewewardy said the schools are now a place of opportunity.

“Where they weren't always like that, and when it's when we have these places of opportunity that are intertribal for the whole community, I think it's important for the community to come together and help the kids as best we can,” he said.

Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin was also at the drive to help.