CATOOSA, Okla. — Tulsa-area Kiowa elders had a little company Wednesday during their annual Christmas elder payment reception at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel.
With a documentary crew in tow, Kiowa citizen Chris Wondolowski, the first Native to play in the World Cup and Major League Soccer, ducked in to greet area elders and pose for a few photos. Originally from California, Wondolowski still has family in the Lawton, Oklahoma, area and comes back to the region roughly every other year when not leading MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes.
During the 2014 World Cup, Kiowa citizens hosted watch parties for the United States’ games, something that despite not finding out about until well after the fact, Wondolowski relished in.
“That was the best part,” he said. “It still gives me goose bumps thinking about it. Had to give my grandfather some grief, though, because he didn’t tell me about it. I found out about it from a newspaper clipping. But it was pretty special to see pictures of that room packed with my cousins and other Kiowas, watching the games.”
Wednesday’s luncheon was open to tribal members older than 65 who live in northeastern Oklahoma. Each attendee received a $599 check, a $25 voucher for a turkey, a jacket with the tribe’s seal on the back and a gift bag.
“I know it’s an odd number, but we were told if we gave you all $600 checks, it would be taxable,” event emcee David Bearshield said.
Wondolowski was also scheduled for Thursday’s elder payment luncheon at Remington Park in Oklahoma City and a Friday reception in Anadarko, which has since been canceled due to scheduling conflicts with the planned venue.
Elders who had planned to attend the Anadarko event will receive their checks in the mail.
Wondolowski will be in Carnegie on Friday. He’s hosting a youth soccer camp and will be honored that night at during a powwow at Red Buffalo Hall.
During Wednesday’s luncheon, he was presented with a red, white and blue Pendleton not only for his efforts on the soccer pitch, but also for his efforts to promote physical activity among Native kids through his work as an ambassador for “Let’s Move in Indian Country” initiative and Nike’s N7 Fund.
“I love telling people about who I am and where I come from,” Wondolowski said. “Having a platform for it now where I can speak on it and help on certain situations, like diabetes.”
