“I think that was what spurred on this documentary thing,” said Wondolowski, who has scored nine goals in 25 career matches with the U.S. National Team. “(Being the first Native American U.S. World Cup player) is something that I take pride in. It was pretty amazing.

“And especially with the social media aspect of it now, to see Facebook, just the support, especially here, was amazing.”

Wondolowski, whose grandfather and some uncles and cousins still live in Lawton, returns to Oklahoma about once every two years, he said.

During the ceremony, he was presented a special Kiowa blanket.

“One good thing about Chris is that he’s more than willing to come visit his people,” said Amber Toppah, Chairwoman of the Kiowa Business Committee. “He’s got a very strong Kiowa background and it’s always nice to go home.

“And whenever you go away and you’re successful, your family is your tie.”

Also during the event, Kiowa Tribe members aged 65 and older received special gifts, including a check for $599 (anything over $600 would have been taxed), a turkey voucher for $25 and a jacket embroidered with the Kiowa Tribe emblem.

There also were several dances, a drum line group and a nice meal served to members.

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