CIVA Celebrates Half-Century Anniversary

On Saturday, August 22, Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) held its 50th Anniversary Powwow at Watchetaker Hall.

CIVA Princess Aalynn Codopony said she visited with older officers, auxiliary and princesses whom she’s never met before.

“Getting to know kind of what who I represent and what has come before me has been really cool to meet with people,” she said.

Codopony was most excited to meet the first CIVA princess.

“It's really cool to see that, like, I'm coming from her legacy, kind of, and that she started the princess of CIVA, and I like that she's like watching everything,” she said. “She may not be dancing, but you know her seeing everything, and I bet it feels great for her too.”

However, it took a lot of work to get to the powwow, including meetings and a banquet.

“The amount of people [who] have come to support this powwow and the banquet overall for CIVA's 50th anniversary has been very surprising,” Codopony said. “Because you know, like being supported by so many people, it's very welcoming and loving,” she said. “I feel like and like you never really know how many people enjoy our community and our people's culture until you come to one of these things and you realize how many people actually enjoy them.”

She has enjoyed being CIVA princess and being surrounded by the prestigious organization.

“They've really helped me come out of my shell, and they've led me to new experiences,” Codopony said.

Several organizations were at the powwow along with honored veterans and royalty.

Marine Corps Pfc. Edgar Monetathchi Sr.’s flag was flown.