Native ChocTalk

S8, E4, Part 7: Quanah Parker: The Comanche Warrior Between Two Worlds

In this final episode of my conversations with the great grandchildren of the heroic Comanche leader, Quanah Parker, we open with a moving moment: Sandra, great-granddaughter of Quanah Parker, reads a heartfelt letter from her father, Baldwin Parker, Jr. — a message of strength, legacy, and deep-rooted pride.

Did you know that Quanah Parker was not only a fierce Comanche leader but also a savvy businessman? He was one of the largest shareholders in the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Railway (QA&P), a 117-mile freight line that began service in 1902 and later merged with Burlington Northern Railroad in 1981. (@cyndidonovan) Tune in to hear how his descendants carry forward that pride in their family’s unexpected but powerful place in rail history.

We also explore the pivotal moment of Quanah’s surrender — a decision that weighed heavily on him as he navigated the impossible balance between protecting his people and adapting to a changing world.

We close with a heartfelt toast to Quanah’s enduring legacy, brought to you by War Chief Collection, a line of non-alcoholic beverages crafted by his descendant, Jody Colbert. The collection will relaunch in Summer 2025 — stay tuned at www.warchiefcollection.com!

Marʉawe to these Comanche elders who generously shared their stories and wisdom, now preserved for generations to come. 

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S8, E4, Part 6: Quanah Parker: The Comanche Warrior Between Two Worlds

In part 6 of this series, you’ll continue the Journey into the life, legend, and legacy of Quanah Parker — last chief of the Comanche, warrior, spiritual leader, and protector of Native tradition. 

You’ll learn from his descendants about:

• The powerful story of Quanah’s fight to preserve the sacred use of peyote through the Native American Church, and his pivotal role in protecting Indigenous religious rights. 
• Family stories and accounts from these elders that you won’t find in the history books.
• Don Parker singing the “Quanah Parker Song”. 
• We uncover the man behind the myth — a misunderstood figure whose acts of generosity still echo today. 
• Learn the story of how a medicine man helped the Comanches escape U.S. forces, collaborated by the “other side” of the story within the history books.
• The untold stories of Quanah’s home, the “Star House”. 

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S8, E4, Part 5: Quanah Parker: The Comanche Warrior Between Two Worlds

In Part 5 of Native ChocTalk’s powerful series on the legendary Comanche warrior Quanah Parker, his descendants share intimate stories about his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker—known to the Comanche as Na'ura (1827–March 1871).

Taken captive at just 9 years old during the Fort Parker Massacre of 1836, Cynthia Ann was raised by the Comanche people, eventually marrying Chief Peta Nocona (also known as Puhtocnocony and Tah-con-ne-ah-pe-ah, c. 1820–1864). Together, they had three children, including Quanah Parker, who would go on to become the last war chief of the Comanche.

This episode explores Cynthia Ann’s heartbreaking journey—from her deep love for her Comanche family to the grief she endured after being forcibly returned to the white world, separated forever from her son and tribe. You’ll hear the haunting lullaby “Where is My Boy Tonight,” a song she sang for years in mourning—and you’ll experience its emotional power as Don Parker, Quanah’s great-grandson, performs it in Comanche.

Also in this episode:

• The sacred Comanche traditions surrounding death and the journey after life
  
  
• Reflections on faith and identity: Did the Creator know us? Did He walk with our people and provide for us in the ways we lived and survived?

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S8, E4, Part 4: Quanah Parker, The Comanche Warrior Between Two Worlds

PART 4

 

“Don’t let go of one foot in one place and one foot in the other. Don’t ever forget who you are. You are Comanche, you are Indian. You are a Parker.” 

- Jacquetta Parker, proud great-granddaughter of the legendary Comanche warrior Quanah Parker, sharing his timeless wisdom and guiding his descendants as they navigate the complexities of two very different worlds.

 

In Part 4 of this series, where I visited with the descendants of Quanah Parker, we explored a more personal side of the legendary Comanche leader—Quanah as a father, husband, and historical inspiration. Our conversation uncovered fascinating stories, including:

• Despite his reputation as a fierce and respected warrior, Quanah had a deep compassion for orphans and those in need.
• The time President Roosevelt visited his home.
• The treasured china passed down to one of his great-granddaughters.
• Insights into Quanah’s many wives.
• The remarkable story of how Quanah and the Mennonites envisioned and built Post Oak Mission.
• How both Comanche and English were sung and preached in the church.
• The role of frybread sales in rebuilding Post Oak Mission.
• The secret to making the perfect frybread—at least, according to these particular Comanches.
• Clumpy or soft frybread? You decide. (I say we settle this with a bake-off!)
  
  

Join me as we uncover these incredible stories, bringing Quanah’s legacy to life through the voices of his descendants.

 

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S8, E4, Part 3 Quanah Parker The Comanche Warrior Between Two Worlds

PART 3

 

They were the Comanche, or Numunuh—meaning "The People"— and they were the undisputed "Lords of the Plains," fiercely guarding their vast homeland across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Masters of horseback warfare, they resisted westward expansion as the U.S. government pushed settlers into their territory.

 

In an 1836 raid on Fort Parker, nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker was taken captive. She embraced Comanche life, later marrying Chief Peta Nocona. And their son, Quanah Parker, became a legendary leader. As the U.S. broke the Treaty of Medicine Lodge, Quanah led his people in the Red River War, the last major conflict between the southern Plains tribes and the U.S. military. Realizing continued resistance meant destruction, he surrendered at Fort Sill in 1875 to secure his people's survival.

 

Straddling two worlds, Quanah worked to bridge the divide between Native and white societies. Though never elected chief, he was appointed the Comanche Nation’s Principal Chief. 

 

To his family, he was a beloved grandfather who championed education and Comanche traditions. To history, he remains the "Last Chief of the Comanche."

 

In parts 1 and 2 of this series, I spoke with one of Quanah Parker's descendants, Jody Parker. Now in part 3, you'll hear directly from Quanah’s great grandchildren:

• Jacquetta Parker
• Ardith Parker-Leming
• LaNora Parker
• Sandra Chesnut
• Don Allen Parker 
• Jody Colbert

 

The family shares insights on:

• Quanah's influence on the importance of education and always showing up dressed to impress
• His vision for a school and church for his people
• What Quanah was like as a master horseman and a great warrior
• The significance of Comanche oral history and that much of their knowledge came from both their elders and the Mennonite missionaries Quanah worked with
• Did Quanah really tell a missionary she was "ugly"? You might be surprised by the answer!

 

Finally, the elders share a heartfelt reflection on how Quanah bridged two worlds—the world of his people and of those who had taken over.

 

Unfortunately, when I recorded this 2 years ago, my sound and video were messed up. So thank you for your patience, as it has been cleaned up as best as possible.

 

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All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

S8, E4, Part 2: Quanah Parker’s Legacy: Jody Colbert (Comanche) & The War Chief Collection

According to the American Addiction Centers:

"The rate of alcohol use among Native Americans is significantly higher than in other ethnic groups. The rate of Native Americans with an alcohol use disorder is higher than that of the total population. And one in ten young Native Americans (ages 18–25) has an alcohol use disorder.”

What if there were a Native-owned, alcohol-free alternative that not only tasted amazing but was actually good for you?

Could this help our Native communities — and others — who are struggling with substance abuse? And what about those who simply enjoy the taste of wine or beer, but are looking to make a healthier lifestyle change?

Enter Jody Colbert — entrepreneur, founder and president of War Chief Collection, and proud descendant of the great Comanche warrior Quanah Parker.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Jody’s line of non-alcoholic beverages, her personal journey to sobriety, and her deep connection to Quanah Parker. In future episodes, you’ll meet her aunties and uncle and hear even more stories about this iconic figure in Native history.

A couple of important notes:

• Since this episode was recorded two years ago, some exciting things are on the horizon: Jody will be relaunching War Chief Collection with new products in Summer 2025.
  
  
• In this episode, Jody speaks of her greatest hero: her father, Sgt. Robert Colbert (Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek), a Purple Heart recipient and Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, and a proud member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society. Sgt. Colbert sadly passed in July 2024, and this episode is dedicated in his honor. Yakoke for your service, Sgt. Colbert.

Please keep an eye out for War Chief Collection’s relaunch in Summer 2025: War Chief Collection

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast 

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

S8, E4, Part 1: Quanah Parker’s Legacy: Jody Colbert (Comanche) & The War Chief Collection

According to the American Addiction Centers:

"The rate of alcohol use among Native Americans is significantly higher than in other ethnic groups. The rate of Native Americans with an alcohol use disorder is higher than that of the total population. And one in ten young Native Americans (ages 18–25) has an alcohol use disorder.”

What if there were a Native-owned, alcohol-free alternative that not only tasted amazing but was actually good for you?

Could this help our Native communities — and others — who are struggling with substance abuse? And what about those who simply enjoy the taste of wine or beer, but are looking to make a healthier lifestyle change?

Enter Jody Colbert — entrepreneur, founder and president of War Chief Collection, and proud descendant of the great Comanche warrior Quanah Parker.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Jody’s line of non-alcoholic beverages, her personal journey to sobriety, and her deep connection to Quanah Parker. In future episodes, you’ll meet her aunties and uncle and hear even more stories about this iconic figure in Native history.

A couple of important notes:

• Since this episode was recorded two years ago, some exciting things are on the horizon: Jody will be relaunching War Chief Collection with new products in Summer 2025.
  
  
• In this episode, Jody speaks of her greatest hero: her father, Sgt. Robert Colbert (Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek), a Purple Heart recipient and Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, and a proud member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society. Sgt. Colbert sadly passed in July 2024, and this episode is dedicated in his honor. Yakoke for your service, Sgt. Colbert.

Please keep an eye out for War Chief Collection’s relaunch in Summer 2025: War Chief Collection

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast 

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

#jodycolbert #sgtcolbert #WarChiefCollection #choctawnationofoklahoma 

#nativechoctalkpodcast #nativechoctalk #rachaelellenyoungman #rachaelyoungman #Choctaw #chahta #nativeamerican #AmericanIndian #nativepodcast

S8, E3 Part 3: "Paper Cuts" with Native Comic Book Artist, Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk)

PART 3

 

"Don’t forget what was sacrificed. And keep fighting in the ways you can. You are still occupied. You are still here. You are born of real survivors. So go live.”

These are the powerful words from my guest, comic book artist Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk), in his book “Paper Cut”.

I really enjoyed this casual conversation with Jim, who lives not far from me in Chicago. He opened my eyes to the history and presence of the Ho-Chunk people — “people of the big voice.” You might also know them by the name once given to them: Winnebago.

And by the way — did you know “Chicago” (or chicagoua) most likely comes from the Algonquin word for onions… or maybe even garlic?

Jim and I also talked about his life as a freelance artist, the funny (and sometimes awkward) conversations between Native and non-Native people, and the deeper, more personal themes behind his book “Come Home, Indio”. In it, he opens up about feelings of not belonging and a lifelong journey toward making peace (or something like it) with the treatment of our Native American ancestors.

We also touched on the story of Edward E. Ayer — a lumber baron who, in 1911, donated 17,000 Native American manuscripts, photos, and artifacts to the Newberry Library. Today, that collection has grown to over 130,000 volumes. (Some of those items also found a home at Chicago’s Field Museum.) 

Jim was honored to be commissioned by the Newberry Library for their Indigenous Chicago program, creating artwork inspired by those thousands of historical documents.

P.S. Jim — it was also a treat meeting your surprise guest (your cat)! He did like a mountain lion, enit, my friend.

Purchase your copy of the “Paper Cuts” comic book here:  https://bookshop.newberry.org/paper-cuts 

 

And check out Jim’s website here: https://www.woundedbutdangerous.com/ 

 

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast 

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

 

S8, E3 Part 2: "Paper Cuts" with Native Comic Book Artist, Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk)

PART 2

 

"Don’t forget what was sacrificed. And keep fighting in the ways you can. You are still occupied. You are still here. You are born of real survivors. So go live.”

These are the powerful words from my guest, comic book artist Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk), in his book “Paper Cut”.

I really enjoyed this casual conversation with Jim, who lives not far from me in Chicago. He opened my eyes to the history and presence of the Ho-Chunk people — “people of the big voice.” You might also know them by the name once given to them: Winnebago.

And by the way — did you know “Chicago” (or chicagoua) most likely comes from the Algonquin word for onions… or maybe even garlic?

Jim and I also talked about his life as a freelance artist, the funny (and sometimes awkward) conversations between Native and non-Native people, and the deeper, more personal themes behind his book “Come Home, Indio”. In it, he opens up about feelings of not belonging and a lifelong journey toward making peace (or something like it) with the treatment of our Native American ancestors.

We also touched on the story of Edward E. Ayer — a lumber baron who, in 1911, donated 17,000 Native American manuscripts, photos, and artifacts to the Newberry Library. Today, that collection has grown to over 130,000 volumes. (Some of those items also found a home at Chicago’s Field Museum.) 

Jim was honored to be commissioned by the Newberry Library for their Indigenous Chicago program, creating artwork inspired by those thousands of historical documents.

P.S. Jim — it was also a treat meeting your surprise guest (your cat)! He did like a mountain lion, enit, my friend.

Purchase your copy of the “Paper Cuts” comic book here:  https://bookshop.newberry.org/paper-cuts 

 

And check out Jim’s website here: https://www.woundedbutdangerous.com/ 

 

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast 

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

S8, E3 Part 1: "Paper Cuts" with Native Comic Book Artist, Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk)

"Don’t forget what was sacrificed. And keep fighting in the ways you can. You are still occupied. You are still here. You are born of real survivors. So go live.”
These are the powerful words from my guest, comic book artist Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk), in his book “Paper Cut”.

I really enjoyed this casual conversation with Jim, who lives not far from me in Chicago. He opened my eyes to the history and presence of the Ho-Chunk people — “people of the big voice.” You might also know them by the name once given to them: Winnebago.
And by the way — did you know “Chicago” (or chicagoua) most likely comes from the Algonquin word for onions… or maybe even garlic?

Jim and I also talked about his life as a freelance artist, the funny (and sometimes awkward) conversations between Native and non-Native people, and the deeper, more personal themes behind his book “Come Home, Indio”. In it, he opens up about feelings of not belonging and a lifelong journey toward making peace (or something like it) with the treatment of our Native American ancestors.

We also touched on the story of Edward E. Ayer — a lumber baron who, in 1911, donated 17,000 Native American manuscripts, photos, and artifacts to the Newberry Library. Today, that collection has grown to over 130,000 volumes. (Some of those items also found a home at Chicago’s Field Museum.) 

Jim was honored to be commissioned by the Newberry Library for their Indigenous Chicago program, creating artwork inspired by those thousands of historical documents.

Purchase your copy of the “Paper Cuts” comic book here:  https://bookshop.newberry.org/paper-cuts 

And check out Jim’s website here: https://www.woundedbutdangerous.com/ 

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast 
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/