Black Leggings ceremonials this weekend

ANADARKO —This weekend, the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society, or Ton Kon Gau in Kiowa, ceremonial will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Indian City, located south of Anadarko on Oklahoma 8.

On both days, the flag will be raised at 8 a.m., a meal served at noon, followed by the start of the ceremonial at 2 p.m. The

public is invited to enjoy the noon meal with the families of Kiowa warriors and observe the ceremonial in the outdoor arena.

The Kiowa Black Leggings continue the society tradition of two favored girls, Audaymahtaunyigau and two favored boys, Audaytahliyigau, said Randall K. Jake, spokesperson.

“They are unique members who are inducted at roughly 8 years old and superseded around mid-teen years,” he said. “Current Audaymahtaunyigau are Donna Palmer and Elnora Palmer.”

Favored boys, Audaytahliyigau, are Hyshtiani James Kaulaity-Qyintana and Nolan Parker, Jake said. Donna Palmer is resigning her position as Audaymahtaun and will be honored with a traditional giveaway by her family on Saturday.

Saturday afternoon’s special guest speaker is Col. Ronnie A. Beck, Oklahoma National Guard. Jake said he will speak about the great respect that he has for the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society and how the Kiowa respect their veterans.

The O-Ho-Mah Lodge will conduct a Saturday night program of war and social singing and dancing.

On Sunday, new inductee Audaymahtaun Evelyn Alice Kelela Cocker will be honored with a traditional giveaway by her family, Jake said.

Later in the afternoon, Jake said, the most symbolic and historical of the Society’s dances will take place: the Turn Around or Reverse Dance, known in Kiowa as ‘Xakoigacunga’ which portrays the story of counterattack and is also known as the Encountering the Enemy Dance.

On Sunday evening, the O-Ho-Mah Lodge will conduct a program of war and social singing and dancing, Jake said.

“The public is invited to enjoy the society’s historic songs and dances and observe the time-honored traditions of the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society.”