Tribe celebrates its heritage for new museum exhibit

Inside the newly renovated exhibit space at the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, an informational placard asks "Who are the Comanches?"

Comanches call themselves "the people"  Numunuu.

But the word "Comanche" comes from a variation of the Ute word for "enemy." Historically, for many, the phrase may have once rung true.

With the opening of a new exhibit at the museum and the kickoff to this weekend's 21st Annual Comanche Nation Fair, the Numunuu are proving themselves friends to the community.

During Thursday's opening reception for the museum's latest exhibit: "All Things Comanche  a Numunuu Trilogy, Part I," the Numunuu Nation were told that friendship was recognized by Gov. Mary Fallin via a proclamation certifying Sept. 27, 2012, as "Comanche Nation Day" statewide.

Kelly Bass, wife of State Sen. Randy Bass, read the governor's proclamation that "recognized the Comanche people have established themselves as the Lords of the Plains." Applause and lulus resonated throughout the McMahon Memorial Auditorium.

The reception was moved inside into the auditorium due to the heavy rainstorm that hit Lawton Thursday morning. Damp weather didn't dampen the celebratory spirit.

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