Little Ponies Ring in New Year

On Saturday, December 27, Comanche Nation Little Ponies held a New Year’s powwow at Watchetaker Hall.

Tennyson Kerchee, a Little Ponies member, said it felt amazing to be at the powwow.

“The weather, just the environment, everybody coming, like it's just something for us in the Lawton community,” he said. “We always look forward to coming out here and celebrating the New Year's or coming into the New Year's, so it's always a joyous occasion.”

Kerchee said the organization always looks forward to celebrating and giving back.

“Celebrating the out year, going into the New Year, even though traditionally, as Comanches, a long time ago…our New Year started in the spring, so but now, like you know, of course, with the ongoing norms of today, so we always try to find time to celebrate a New Year,” he said. “So, with us, like the community, Lawton community, even like the surrounding tribes, like we always try to celebrate…the past New Year, going into the New Year.”

Kerchee said the powwow felt special for his family.

“My youngest son, he's the head little boy, so it's a very joyous occasion, especially when your little ones are asked to be on the committee…” he said. “And so, we always try to do our best to support him, and plus my sister-in-law, she's on the head committee, so it came into almost like a double impact of joyousness…to help them celebrate.”

Kerchee learned from his grandparents that it’s a way of praying.

“Even dancing…gourd dancing, and everything that goes in title…because before we start any powwow, we pray, and before we close out, we pray, so it's so for us, like it's kind of praying… we're blessed with the year that's passed…and then going into the New Year, so for us, like we're just trying to make sure that we're set…for the upcoming year coming up,” he said. “So, with everybody's work…schedules, so it can be very hectic, so we just like to set time apart…and celebrate.”

Their next event is the Little Ponies’ annual Mother’s Day powwow.