Nyaweñha so much for all your support and encouraging words for my participation in the Miss Indian World Pageant at the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico this April 22-25 2009.
I got to Albuquerque Tuesday, and met the rest of the 24 girls. Five of us came from different Haudenosaunee Nations. For the remaining week, we had the personal interview, talent competition, public speaking, and a dance competition to determine which one of us deserved the title of Miss Indian World. In addition, we all had to write an essay to gain acceptance into the pageant. This was also an element that was judged.
Friday and Saturday we all participated in the Gathering of Nations Powwow. It was so amazing to see so many Native people in one arena at one time. The Grand Entry was fantastic.
I was very proud to receive the Best Talent Award for my smoke dancing. Brook Grant of the Hupa/Yurok/Karuk/Chippewa Nation won the title of Miss Indian World 2009-2010.
Check out YouTube under “Miss Indian World Talent 2009” to see clips of the talent competition. There are also photos in the photo galleries at Gathering of Nations.com
Nyaweñha, again, for everyone’s support. I had an amazing time and it will be an experience I will never forget.
Aweñheeyoh Powless