The Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society brings its annual ceremonial back to Indian City south of Anadarko this Saturday and Sunday. Both days begin at 2 p.m., war and social dancing alongside the O-Ho-Mah Lodge starts at 7 p.m., and noon meals each day are provided by the Lois Tsotoke and Debbie Cocker families. The society, known in Kiowa as Ton Kon Gau, is more than 200 years old and was revived in 1958 by WWII veterans led by Gus Palmer Sr.
Sunday morning belongs to the youngest dancers. The Kiowa Little Rabbit Society takes the arena at 9 a.m., and children ages 5 to 13 are welcome to join. Members of the warrior society wear a red cape to honor Ton-Kon-Ga members of the past, part of a regalia tradition that stretches back generations. For families around Fort Sill, the ceremony’s focus on honoring veterans carries a familiar weight.
One thing to know before you go: recording and photography are not allowed, out of respect for the sacred nature of the gathering. Plan to watch and listen. It’s roughly an hour’s drive from Lawton, and both days are open to the public. Will we see you in Anadarko this weekend?
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Local Lawton
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