Miss Indian World

Founded in 1983, Miss Indian World is a five-day competition held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[1] The event is part of the annual Gathering of Nations, the largest Native American powwow in the world.[2][3] Young women from across North America represent their tribes and communities as they compete to win the crown. Rather than emphasizing contestants' outward appearance, Miss Indian World aims to select a winner who demonstrates a deep understanding of her culture, traditions, people and history.[4][5]

Nicole Alek'aq Colbert, Miss Indian World 2008, at the Indian Summer festival in Milwaukee

Once awarded the title, Miss Indian World acts as a cultural representative, promoting individually-selected platforms, sharing Native American culture, and representing the annual Gathering of Nations event.[6] This role is important to the native community because it helps perpetuate traditions and overturn negative stereotypes.[5]

In addition to the title, Miss Indian World also wins prize money, the Miss Indian shawl and banner, a four-day ocean cruise, and a travel stipend to attend powwows, conferences, workshops, and festivals.[1] Previous Miss Indian World winners have continued to be sought-after speakers, even after they have passed on the crown.[7][8]

Competition requirements

To qualify for Miss Indian World, contestants must be native or indigenous Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 as age requirements were updated for the 2018 pageant[9] with a verifiable tribal affiliation. They must also be single, never married, and have no dependents.[1]

Each contestant participates in four categories: Public Speaking and Personal Interviews, Traditional Talent Presentation, Dance Competition, and Essay. Contestants are evaluated based on their skill, as well as cultural knowledge about tribes and traditions.[10] The woman who accumulates the most points in each category will hold the Miss Indian World title for one year.

Winner history

References
  1. "Miss Indian World". www.gatheringofnations.com. Retrieved 2016-10-20.
  2. "Miss Indian World contestants promote native culture | Toronto Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
  3. "Report: Miss Indian World: The Original All-American Girl; Face Paint, Eagle Feathers, Deerskins, Drums and Dancing. Welcome to the World's Biggest Powwow Where 50,000 Native Americans Gather to Celebrate Their Heritage and Crown This Year's Queen", The Mirror, London, England, June 28, 2003, archived from the original on January 11, 2018 – via HighBeam (subscription required)
  4. "No swimsuit competition for Miss Indian World". america.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
  5. "Report: Miss Indian World: the original all-American girl; Face paint, eagle feathers, deerskins, drums and dancing... Welcome to the world's biggest powwow where 50,000 Native Americans gather to celebrate their heritage and crown this year's queen. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2016-10-26.
  6. O'Connell, Max B. "Oglala woman has eyes set on Miss Indian World crown". Rapid City Journal. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
  7. Olmstead, Donna. "Miss Indian World works to instill pride in Native American heritage". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved 2016-10-20.
  8. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/10/02/we-day-2014_n_5919668.html
  9. http://www.gatheringofnations.com/miss-indian-world.aspx
  10. Sisk, Amy R. "Standing Rock woman to compete for Miss Indian World title". Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
  11. New Miss Indian World crowned: Taylor Susan of the White Mountain Apache/Walker River Paiute Tribes, Native News Online, April 28, 2018
  12. 2017-2018 Miss Indian World from http://www.gatheringofnations.com (accessed 12/01/2017)
  13. "American Press - Home". www.americanpress.com. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
  14. rcjohnson (2014-04-28). "Taylor Thomas Crowned Miss Indian World". Indian Country Today Media Network.com. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
  15. "A Chat with Miss Indian World, Kansas Begaye". PowWows.com - Native American Pow Wows. 2014-02-13. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  16. "Jessa Rae Growing Thunder Crowned 2012 Miss Indian World". Indian Country News. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  17. babrams (2011-05-30). "Talking With Miss Indian World Marjorie Tahbone". Indian Country Today Media Network.com. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  18. "Mohawk, Former Miss Indian World, Gardener and Graduate: A Visit with Teyotsihstokwathe Dakota Brant". PowWows.com - Native American Pow Wows. 2014-05-05. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  19. admin (2009-06-05). "Northern California Native wins first Miss Indian World title for tribe". Indian Country Today Media Network.com. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  20. Harris, Mike. "Gathering Of Nations Powwow Celebrates Native American Culture, Dance And Song - Western Travel Magazine | News | Rodeos | History | Towns | Old West | New West". oldwestnewwest.com. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  21. "Miss Indian World at 30 - Native Peoples - March-April 2014 - Native Peoples". www.nativepeoples.com. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  22. "LDS Church News - Miss Indian World is cultural ambassador". Church News. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
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