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For those of the alumni of
Chilocco who still have an interest in what has happened to their old
school here are a few facts as to where it is at this place in time,
April 29, 2003.
There are five, indeed
six, tribes who own the school. The Ponca, Otoe, Pawnee, Kaw, Tonkawa.
Each own eight hundred, fifty-two acres. The Cherokee own an adjoining
strip of a greater number of acres. The Cherokee rent their lands to local
farmers.
Two caretakers live on the
grounds and their salaries plus housing and utilities are paid by the five
tribes. These tribes have a name and are called “The Confederated
Chilocco Tribes.” Wanda Stone of the Kaw tribe is the spokesperson. She
is located at Kaw City, Oklahoma at the Kaw Nation headquarters there.
This group meets once a
month but if anyone wishes a meeting they will arrange a time and slot to
do so.
Many different thoughts as
to what to do with the vacated school have been entertained and some even
worked through up to a point. However, none have ever been ever pursued.
About all that is done is
to keep the grass mowed. The old facility is kept locked down and if
anyone wishes to have access they would have to make arrangements through
Wanda Stone of the Kaw Tribe. Approval for any sort of function there
would also have to be approved by the council but, certainly can be
considered and one could say even entertained as to the possibility of
this.
Most of the buildings are
in severe disrepair and because of this the grounds are dangerous.
Although, there are still three buildings in good condition. One is the
old Home five, The student union building beside the Old Leupp Hall dining
room, and, of course, the small administration building.
Any suggestions, comments,
recommendations, ideas or discussion are welcomed. Dwight BuffaloHead of
the Ponca Tribe located at WhiteEagle, Oklahoma or Alvin Jones, BC Inc.
at Stillwater, Oklahoma will be willing to communicate with anyone on this
matter.
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