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If you think about pageant royalty, you probably imagine smiling young princesses, queens and misses looking their best and wearing a crown and sash. In Native America, Mr. Indian pageants may be gaining in popularity. What do their pageants look like? Who are the men running for these titles? What do you think about the idea of young men representing our schools and tribal communities with a crown and a sash?
Guests:
Turner Went-Worth Hunt (Muscogee Creek) – Outgoing Mr. Indian OU
Dave Nezzie (Navajo) – past Mr. Indian Arizona State University and a law student at UNM
Brandon Peltier (Pima Maricopa) – Mr. Indian Fairfax High School
Beverly Stoelije – Professor Emerita at Indiana University in the Department of Anthropology
Break Music: Crow Hop (song) Black Lodge (artist) Enter the Circle – Pow-Wow Songs Recorded Live At Coeur D’Alene (album)
I would donate a regalia item or hand drum to the Mr. Indian pageant. What about a Mr. Elder or Mrs/Ms elder pageant? Our people have traditions beyond what’s been happening. And, the spirit (unseen) world talks to us all of the time about what to do. SeersfromtheFirstPeople would sponsor it. Dr. Dave Kemppainen (Anishinaabe)
I believe that the more we progress as indigenous peoples, we learn to accept the flexibility, and change the idea of what was. This story is a step forward and an inspiration to the youth.