|  |  |
|
| | |
Submitted by:
Cokeman2March 1996 July 3, 1932 ~ March 5, 1996 Doc Tate Nevaquaya, Comanche, was a self-taught artist with an interest in preserving the traditions and history of his people. He was born born July 3, 1932 in Oklahoma and named Joyce Lee Nevaquaya after Dr. C.W. Joyce., the family physician who delivered him. Nevaquaya died March 5, 1996. It wasn't long before he was nick-named "Doc". The name "Tate" was taken from his grandfather's partner when a Christian name was required upon entering the Fort Sill Indian School. His Indian name is Nevaquaya, which in English means "well-dressed." "He touched the world through his music, paintings, dance performances, lectures and prayers." ...Comanche Nation During the 1950s he began to concentrate on painting. After that he became an accomplished painter, winning numerous awards for his work. Art critic Ralph Oliver said his works were "characterized by amazing technical control, exquisite color and a mastery of detail:' It was also during the 1950s that Doc first became interested in Indian flutes. In the 1960s he began researching the Indian flute in earnest. Because none of the Indian music is written, much of it is lost. Doc researched the flute construction and playing techniques at the Library of Congress and Smithsonian Institution collections and had copies of recordings made in the late 1800s by elders of various tribes. He often listened to them while he painted and based his music on the recordings. Doc Tate Nevaquaya brought national honor to the state of Oklahoma in 1986, by becoming the first Oklahoman to win the National Heritage Fellowship Award. Given by the National Endowment for the Arts, the award honored Doc as a "flutist and master of traditional arts." The following are credits or accomplishments: 1995 - Was named National Living Treasure, and received award by Gov. Keating; Honorary Cultural Director of the American Indian Cultural Society, Inc., Norman; served on the Board of Directors for the Fine Ants Department at the University of Oklahoma, Norman. 1994 - Elected to the College of Fine Arts Board of Visitors, University of Oklahoma, Norman; The Doc Tate Nevaquaya Scholarship Fund in the College of Fine Arts was established by American Indian Cultural Society, Inc. through the University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc. to be available to deserving American Indian students; selected "1994 Artist of the West" by The 18th Annual National Western Art Exhibition and Sale, San Dimas, California. 1993 - Named "The Honored One" and Parade Marshall for the Red Earth Festival, OKC. 1992 - Ambassador and Parade Marshall for 61st Annual American Indian Exposition, Anadarko; Juried, The Trail of Tears an All Indian Art Competition, Tahlequah; Juried, The Seminole Nation Art Competition, Orlando, Florida; "700 Club", spoke on behalf of American Indian people. 1991 - Commissioned by the Oklahoma State Arts Council to compose the song "Flight of the Spirit" in honor of the five Native American Ballerinas at the dedication ceremony, Historic Mural Great Rotunda, Oklahoma State Capitol, OKC; Board of Director and founding member of the American Indian Cultural Society, Inc., Norman; Performed at Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada. 1990— Doc was named "A Living Legend" along with six other Indian Artists; performed at Carnegie Hall, New York City, N.Y. 1989 - Doc opened the archery competition of the U.S. Olympic Festival in Norman, with a flute song. 1988 - Performed at United Nations Mission, New York City. 1987 - Doc's art was listed as Best Investments for 1987. 1986 - The Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma proclaimed the second Friday in October as "Doe Tate Nevaquaya" Day; received the National Endowment Heritage Award for his contribution to the Native American Art forms; received special recognition from Oklahoma State Art Council; Gov. George Nigh; Senator David Boren and a letter from President Ronald Reagan; Master's Artist Award, Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma; Grand Award Winner, Trail of Tears All Indian Art Competition in Tahlequah. 1982 - Performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. for Night of the First Americans;, with Loretta Lynn, Wayne Newton and Sammy Davis Jr; Listed in the Renowned Artist in the U.S.; Listed in Who's Who Among American Indians. 1979 - Production of an Album of Flute Music, Folklore Music Co., New York City. 1975 - Selected as a famous Oklahoman and name included in the honor list displayed in the Fidelity Bank, OKC; selected by Governor Boren as Artist of the Month, State of Oklahoma; selected by Governor Boren to direct an All Indian Art Show to celebrate Governor's inauguration; performed with Freddy Fender, Mel Tillis and Roy Clark at the Roy Clark Ranch, Tulsa; Diamond Jubilee Heritage Week Outstanding Citizen, Apache Chamber of Commerce; recipient of the key to the city of Weatherford, along with Astronaut Allen Shepard; artist of a book cover "Komantica" by Harold Keith; lectured in Indian Boarding Schools and Public Schools of Oklahoma. 1970 - "On the Road with Charles Kuralt" interviewed for TV Documentary; he was included in a program on British Television and at Expo ‘70 in Japan. 1968 - 69 - 70 - Winner of the Grand Award for three consecutive years at the American Indian Exposition, Anadarko. Nevaquaya's works are included in the personal collections of Queen Elizabeth II of England and the late actor Vincent Price. Doc Tate Nevaquaya biography courtesy Cherokee Nation & Indian Art |
Lawton, Oklahoma April 2022 July 27, 1946 ~ April 1, 2022 Malcolm Nevaquaya Jr., 75, went to his heavenly home on Friday, April 1, 2022 at his home in Lawton. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday at the Comanche Nation Community Center in Apache with Rev. Richard Blackburn officiating. Burial with military honors is under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Wake service will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday April 5, 2020 at the Comanche Nation Community Center in Apache. Malcolm was born on July 27, 1946 in Lawton to Malcolm Nevaquaya Sr. and Velma Yellowfish Komah. Malcolm attended and graduated from Apache High School. Malcolm joined the US Army he served for five years nine months. He honorably discharged April 3, 1974. His honors include National Defense Service Medal, M-16 [MKM], Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 DEV. Malcolm was a proud member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and CIVA. He was a Descendant of Yellowfish and Doc Tate Nevaquaya. He is Survived by his daughter, Monique Nevaquaya of Lawton; son, Aaron Nevaquaya of Norman; two brothers: Byron Komah of Rockwall, Texas and Richard Komah of Apache; eight grandchildren: Moses, Athena, Camille, Kenai, Demetrius, Emma, Aaron Jr., and Cassie. He is preceded in death by his wife, Verwyn Nevaquaya; parents, Malcolm Nevaquaya Sr. and Velma Yellowfish Komah; sister, Victoria Pewenofkit; and nephew, M.C. Pewenofkit. |
Lawton, Oklahoma January 2013 March 17, 1956 ~ January 24, 2013 Funeral for Adam Wayne Tate-Nevaquaya, 56, Lawton, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Comanche Nation Funeral Home, Lawton. Mr. Tate-Navaquaya went to his heavenly home Thursday, January 24, 2013, in Waurika. Burial will follow at Cache Creek KCA Cemetery, west of Apache, under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Adam was born March 17, 1956, in Tahlequah to Malcolm Nevaquaya and Mary Foster. He was an avid basketball fan. Kevin Durant was one of his favorite basketball players and he enjoyed watching the Oklahoma City Thunder play. However all sports were of interest to him. He liked the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and OU football. He was a member of Alcohol Anonymous for the last several years. Adam enjoyed playing dominos and cards. He looked forward to walking again after becoming wheelchair bound one year ago. He was very proud of the Comanche Nation. His favorite scripture was "Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." [Acts 3:6-7] Survivors include his sister, Millicent Beasley, Morris; brothers: Malcolm Tate Nevaquaya Jr., Kenneth Nevaquaya, Edmond Nevaquaya, Sonny Nevaquaya, Timothy Nevaquaya, Calvert Nevaquaya, Joseph Nevaquaya and Bernard Tate Nevaquaya Jr.; other sisters: Jereaux Sanders, Amanda Bordeaux, Joycetta Harris, Sonya Nevaquaya and Bernadette Richardson; an aunt, Greta Logan; and a special friend, Donnie Ramos. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Delores White and Victoria Nevaquaya; two brothers: Frank Nevaquaya and Albert "Spook" Arsee; his grandparents; and two uncles: Doc Tate Nevaquaya and Lindsey (Bernard) Nevaquaya. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. |
Submitted by:
Dion FrancisLawton, Oklahoma April 2022 April 14, 1973 ~ April 22, 2022 Dennis James Nevaquaya, Wiya Wunuru "Standing Rope" he gained everlasting life on April 22.br> Nevaquaya was born April 14, 1973, to Jereaux Nevaquaya Sanders in Lawton Oklahoma. Nevaquaya was raised in Apache, Oklahoma by his mother, aunts, uncles, and maternal grandparents. He was the definition of "it takes a village to raise a child." Nevaquaya was a proud enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and was a dedicated Oklahoma Sooners Football fan. He graduated from Apache High School in 1991, where he played football and was an All District defensive back. He was active in different club organizations such as Indian club, 4H, the High School band, FFA, and was a member of the youth group and choir for the Mahsetky Methodist Church as well as a member of the Comanche Nation Native America Church. After High School he traveled throughout the United States and Canada dancing at pow wows and performing with different Native American dance troupes. He was a champion grass and chicken dancer winning numerous pow wows throughout Indian country as well as serving as head staff for many celebrations. Throughout the years Nevaquaya sang and became brothers with various drum groups and was a lifelong member of his family drum MGM. He married his wife Rena Belle Whitecloud [Nevaquaya] in 2011. They made their home in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, where he made many friends and relatives. Nevaquaya had the best sense of humor. He loved to tease, laugh, and loved his family more than anything. He was the life of the party and lifetime president of the rippinit.com organization. Nevaquaya will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Rena and six children; Mariah [Nevaquaya] Hart of Sterling, Nathan Pasquayak of St. Paul, Alberta, Aidyn Nevaquaya of Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Hozhoni Whitecloud, Nookinuh and Johnny Nevaquaya all of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, his only granddaughter Aubree Nevaquaya of Sterling, one grandson Quentin Dick lll of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; godchildren; Jaelyn Cloud, He-les-wv Hopinka, and Tonatzin Bass; siblings David Hendrix, PJ Hendrix, Angie Revell all of Lawton, Oklahoma, Vanessa Sapcut and Joshua Boyd both of Apache; with many aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and adopted family throughout Indian Country. He is preceded in death by: his maternal grandparents, Doc and Charlotte Tate Nevaquaya, mother, Jereaux Nevaquaya Sanders, uncle, Sonny Nevaquaya; paternal grand- parents, Phillip Hendrix Sr. and Jane Pennah Hendrix, father, Phillip Hen- drix Jr.; In-laws, Johnny Whitecloud and Patricia Hindsley-Eagleman. Wake service was May 3, at the Comanche Community center in Apache. Funeral service was May 4, at the Nevaquaya home place in Apache with Pastor Jay Mule officiating. Burial followed at Cache Creek KCA Cemetery west of Apache under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. |
This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2025 Oklahoma CemeteriesThe information on this site is provided free for the purpose of researching your genealogy. This material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for your own research, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The information contained in this site may not be copied to any other site without written "snail-mail" permission. If you wish to have a copy of a donor's material, you must have their permission. All information found on these pages is under copyright of Oklahoma Cemeteries. This is to protect any and all information donated. The original submitter or source of the information will retain their copyright. Unless otherwise stated, any donated material is given to Oklahoma Cemeteries to make it available online. This material will always be available at no cost, it will always remain free to the researcher.