The Comanche Indian Veterans Association: a Native American veterans organization and PTSD

Abstract

The Comanche (Numunuu) were the dominant Native culture on the Southern Plains during much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. With confinement to a reservation in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in 1875 and the end of traditional warfare, Comanche martial roles changed drastically. Since then, nearly 1,300 Comanches have served in the US Armed Forces. In 1976 the Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) was formed. While significant literature on Southern Plains military societies, their revivals, and associated dances exist, little attention has been given to any contemporary Native American veterans’ organization and their activities. Representing a syncretic mix of traditional Comanche military societies and modern American veteran organizations, the CIVA maintains important Comanche and US Armed Forces martial and cultural symbols and traditions, while providing a wide array of services and activities that honor Native veterans. Based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with the CIVA this work traces the origins, structure, and functions of the CIVA; emphasizing how their hybrid organization and frequent events help Comanche veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and readjustment.

Department(s)

Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1080/00320447.2025.2502893

Keywords

Comanche, Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA), military service, Native American Veterans, PTSD

Publication Date

7-2-2024

Journal Title

Plains Anthropologist

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