Miss Indian World Pageant Ends in 2025
Introduction
The Miss Indian World pageant will have its last competition in 2025. The event is part of the Gathering of Nations powwow. The organizers say it is time to stop. They did not say why.
Main Body
The pageant started in 1984. Codi High Elk was the first winner. She was a shy teenager from the Cheyenne River Reservation. Her brother helped her to join. Later, she got two degrees and worked to help her people get credit. Contestants had to be Indigenous women aged 18 to 25. They could not be married or have children. They had to follow moral rules. The contest had interviews, speeches, and a talent show. For example, Tori McConnell, the 2023 winner, showed basket weaving. She first explained it in the Karuk language, then in English. Winners traveled to other countries as representatives. They went to New Zealand, Japan, and a protest camp. They helped with language, health, and other problems. Cheyenne Kippenberger, the 2019 winner, helped Native communities during COVID-19. She made online events and told people to get vaccines. Some people said the powwow was too commercial. The founder is not a tribal citizen. The pageant trademark will not be given to other groups. But past winners want to start a new pageant. Many winners became lawyers, teachers, and business owners. They are sad but hopeful that a new pageant will come.
Conclusion
The end of Miss Indian World is important for Indigenous women. The current organizers will not continue it. But former winners are thinking about a new pageant to take its place.