Oklahoma
The Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma is also known as the "Lord of the Plains". Having inhabited the Great Plains since the seventeenth century, the tribe has mastered the arts of living in the area. The tribesmen are known for their expertise in riding and commanding horses, which has led them to victories against intruders. Their expertise with horses not only saved them from dangers but also paved way for opportunities for food, clothing and shelter. The tribe has led a democratic life. Their love for a democratic government has dated back to their ancestors. They had several bands which were organized and had effective Band Chiefs. Despite having almost thirty-five bands, all the bands are one in discussing tribal issues. In the nineteenth century, only five out of the original number of bands stepped up. These five bands are the Penatuka, also known as the "Honey Eaters Band or the Quick Striking Band", the Yapaituka who were the "Root Eaters Band", the Noyuka whose name means "Wanderers Band", the Kwaharu who were the "Antelope Eaters Band" and lastly, the Kuutsutuka who were also known as the "Buffalo Eaters Band". The tribe's first encounter with the invaders happened when they met the Spaniards and the Europeans. These whites soon pushed westward and so they did not directly affect the lives of the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma. However, several other proceedings tainted the lives of the tribesmen. These events were the Treaty of Medicine Lodge signed in 1867 that promised protection from the hunters, the Battle of the Adobe Walls in 1874 where the Indians were defeated by the hunters, the Jerome Agreement signed in 1891 that allotted every individual 160 acres of land in trust as well as a number of Oklahoma land openings. The Treaty of Medicine’s benefit for the Indians required something in return. The tribes will gain protection from the hunters, schools, churches and annuities will be built but the tribe, in return, will allow the government to build railroads and will agree to live in a reservation area. Because of this, the Comanche Tribe lived in the reservation area since 1869. The Battle of Adobe Walls signaled the loss of the buffaloes as well as the aboriginal way of life for the Comanches. The Jerome Agreement led to the nomadic life of the Comanches to be turned into life in the farms and ranches after being paid $1.25 per acre. It was in June 5, 1901 when all the allotments were successfully handed to the Indians. Today, there are nearly 13,679 members of the Comanche Tribe. 6,000 members of this tribe are settled in the Lawton-Ft. Sill area located in the Southwestern part of Oklahoma. The tribe operates the Comanche Nation Complex which has about sixty employees. They also own the Comanche Nation Casino, Comanche Red River Casino, Comanche Spur Casino, Comanche Star Casino and Comanche Nature Water-Park.
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