Elder's Day Features Culture, Community

Comanche Elders gathered at Great Plains Coliseum on Friday, December 5 for Elder’s Day.

Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah said it felt great to be at the event.

“All the elders are happy, enjoying their meal, enjoying the door prizes,” he said. “It's just a very positive energy here today.”

Tahdooahnippah’s favorite part is visiting with everyone.

“You know, those people, sometimes I get to see quite a bit, sometimes I don't get to see them very often, but you know, so many of them come out for this event,” he said. “This is one of our biggest events of the year, and so just being able to visit with all the elders is definitely the highlight, but the shopping is good too, and the food is good too.”

Tahdooahnippah said it’s all hands on deck when it comes to Elder’s Day.

“It's a significant expense, but then also all the employees come together to wait on people and…hand out food, get out drinks,” he said. “All the employees are still working today, so even though our offices are closed, all of our employees are still here helping out, putting in…a helping hand, because it really takes all hands on deck to pull this off.”

Tahdooahnippah hopes the elders know they’re appreciated and valued.

“We really appreciate everything that they do for us, all of the wisdom and knowledge that they have, and…respect everything that they've been through in their lives, and so we want them to feel appreciated and valued,” he said.

The event featured Travis Komahcheet on flute, Onaa Khani and Comanche Academy performing songs and IAMNDN singing Christmas carols. The Comanche Nation Youth Dancers also demonstrated their knowledge of powwows.