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{{short description|National beauty pageant competition in the United States}}
[[File:Nicole Alek'aq Colbert 9478.jpg|thumb|Nicole Alek'aq Colbert, Miss Indian World 2008, at the Indian Summer festival in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]]]]
Founded in 1983, '''Miss Indian World''' is a five-day competition held in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]].<ref name=":0" /> The event is part of the annual [[Gathering of Nations]], the largest [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] [[Pow wow|powwow]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/life/2016/04/23/miss-indian-world-contestants-promote-native-culture.html|title=Miss Indian World contestants promote native culture {{!}} Toronto Star|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=23 April 2016|access-date=2016-10-22|last1=McKnight|first1=Zoe}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=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|date=June 28, 2003 | newspaper=The Mirror |location=London | url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-104484838.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111052612/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-104484838.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://america.aljazeera.com/features/2014/5/no-swimsuits-no-eveninggownsatmissindianworldpageant.html|title=No swimsuit competition for Miss Indian World|website=america.aljazeera.com|access-date=2016-11-05}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Report:+Miss+Indian+World:+the+original+all-American+girl;+Face...-a0104484838|title=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|website=www.thefreelibrary.com|access-date=2016-10-26}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/oglala-woman-has-eyes-set-on-miss-indian-world-crown/article_d9de0af1-b8cd-5808-8ac7-121bccbde407.html|title=Oglala woman has eyes set on Miss Indian World crown|last=O'Connell|first=Max B.|newspaper=Rapid City Journal|access-date=2016-10-22}}</ref> This role is important to the native community because it helps perpetuate traditions and overturn negative stereotypes.<ref name=":2" />

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.<ref name=":0" /> Previous Miss Indian World winners have continued to be sought-after speakers, even after they have passed on the crown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/762208/cultural-ambassador.html|title=Miss Indian World works to instill pride in Native American heritage|last=Olmstead|first=Donna|website=www.abqjournal.com|access-date=2016-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/10/02/we-day-2014_n_5919668.html|title=We Day 2014: Grown-Ups, You Missed Out!|date=2 October 2014}}</ref>

After 42 years it announced 2026 would be the last year for the annual Gathering of Nations, with Dania Wahwasuck being the final Miss Indian World.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MISS INDIAN WORLD |url=https://www.gatheringofnations.com/miss-indian-world/ |access-date=2025-09-28}}</ref>

== Competition requirements ==
To qualify for Miss Indian World, contestants must be native or [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous Americans]] between the ages of 18 and 24 as age requirements were updated for the 2018 pageant<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gatheringofnations.com/miss-indian-world.aspx|title = Miss Indian World}}</ref> with a verifiable tribal affiliation. They must also be single, never married, and have no dependents.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gatheringofnations.com/miss-indian-world.aspx|title=Miss Indian World|website=www.gatheringofnations.com|access-date=2016-10-20}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/standing-rock-woman-to-compete-for-miss-indian-world-title/article_99d33478-cf24-5160-885d-ad044a0da349.html|title=Standing Rock woman to compete for Miss Indian World title|last=Sisk|first=Amy R.|newspaper=Bismarck Tribune|access-date=2016-10-22}}</ref> The woman who accumulates the most points in each category will hold the Miss Indian World title for one year.

== Winner history ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!width=5%| Year
!width=10%| Miss Indian World
!width=15%| Tribe
|-
|2025
|Dania Wahwasuck
|[[Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation]] /[[Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation|Pyramid Lake Paiute]]
|-
| 2024
| Kassie John<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://nativeamericacalling.com/thursday-may-9-2024-miss-indian-world-kassie-john|title=Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Miss Indian World Kassie John}}</ref>
| [[Navajo Nation]]
|-
| 2023
| Tori McConnell
| [[Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation|Yurok Tribe]]/[[Karuk Tribe]]
|-
|2022
|Tashina Red Hawk
|[[Rosebud Sioux Tribe]]
|-
|2019–21
|Cheyenne Kippenberger
|[[Seminole Tribe of Florida]]
|-
|2018
|Taylor Susan<ref>{{citation|title=New Miss Indian World crowned: Taylor Susan of the White Mountain Apache/Walker River Paiute Tribes|publisher =Native News Online|date=April 28, 2018|url=https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/new-miss-indian-world-crowned-taylor-susan-of-the-white-mountain-apache-walker-river-paiute-tribes/}}</ref>
|[[Fort Apache Indian Reservation|White Mountain Apache]]/[[Walker River Indian Reservation|Walker River Paiute Tribes]]
|-
|2017
|Raven Swamp<ref>[http://www.gatheringofnations.com/2017-2018-miss-indian-world.aspx 2017-2018 Miss Indian World] from http://www.gatheringofnations.com (accessed 12/01/2017)</ref>
|[[Mohawk people|Mohawk Nation]] of the [[Iroquois|Haudenosaunee Confederacy]] (Resigned February 2018)
|-
|2016
|Danielle Ta'Sheena Finn
|[[Standing Rock Indian Reservation|Standing Rock Sioux]]
|-
|2015
|Cheyenne Brady
|[[Sac and Fox Nation|Sac and Fox]] /[[Cheyenne]] /[[Pawnee people|Pawnee]] /[[Otoe]] / [[Plains Apache|Kiowa-Apache]] /[[Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation|Hidatsa/Arikara]] /[[Tonkawa]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americanpress.com/20160117-miss-indian-world|title=American Press - Home|website=www.americanpress.com|access-date=2016-11-05}}</ref>
|-
|2014
|Taylor Thomas
|[[Fort Hall Indian Reservation|Shoshone Bannock]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/04/28/taylor-thomas-crowned-miss-indian-world-154639|title=Taylor Thomas Crowned Miss Indian World|last=rcjohnson|date=2014-04-28|website=Indian Country Today Media Network.com|access-date=2016-11-05}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|Kansas K. Begaye
|[[Navajo Nation]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.powwows.com/2014/02/13/a-chat-with-miss-indian-world-kansas-begaye/|title=A Chat with Miss Indian World, Kansas Begaye|date=2014-02-13|website=PowWows.com - Native American Pow Wows|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2012
|Jessa Rae GrowingThunder-Slivers
|[[Fort Peck Indian Reservation|Ft. Peck]] [[Assiniboine]] and [[Sioux]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiancountrynews.com/index.php/culture/12519-jessa-rae-growing-thunder-crowned-2012-miss-indian-world|title=Jessa Rae Growing Thunder Crowned 2012 Miss Indian World|website=Indian Country News|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2011
|Marjorie Tahbone
|[[Iñupiat|Inupiaq]] and [[Kiowa]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/05/30/talking-miss-indian-world-marjorie-tahbone-35219|title=Talking With Miss Indian World Marjorie Tahbone|last=babrams|date=2011-05-30|website=Indian Country Today Media Network.com|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|Dakota Brant
|[[Mohawk people|Mohawk]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.powwows.com/2014/05/05/mohawkformer-miss-indian-worldgardener-and-graduate-a-visit-with-teyotsihstokwathe-dakota-brant/|title=Mohawk, Former Miss Indian World, Gardener and Graduate: A Visit with Teyotsihstokwathe Dakota Brant|date=2014-05-05|website=PowWows.com - Native American Pow Wows|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|Brooke Grant
|[[Hupa|Hoopa]], [[Yurok people|Yurok]], [[Karuk]] and [[Ojibwe|Chippewa]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2009/06/05/northern-california-native-wins-first-miss-indian-world-title-tribe-83573|title=Northern California Native wins first Miss Indian World title for tribe|last=admin|date=2009-06-05|website=Indian Country Today Media Network.com|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|Nicole Alek'aq (Colbert) Kaganak
|[[Yup'ik]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oldwestnewwest.com/20080907108/things-to-do/festivals/gathering-of-nations-powwow-celebrates-native-american-culture-dance-and-song.html|title=Gathering Of Nations Powwow Celebrates Native American Culture, Dance And Song - Western Travel Magazine {{!}} News {{!}} Rodeos {{!}} History {{!}} Towns {{!}} Old West {{!}} New West|last=Harris|first=Mike|website=oldwestnewwest.com|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|Megan Young
|[[Poarch Band of Creek Indians]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nativepeoples.com/Native-Peoples/March-April-2014/Miss-Indian-World-at-30/|title=Miss Indian World at 30 - Native Peoples - March-April 2014 - Native Peoples|website=www.nativepeoples.com|access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref>
|-
|2006
|Violet (John) Duncan
|[[Plains Cree language|Plains Cree]]/[[Taíno]]
|-
|2005
|Cassie Thomas
|[[Seneca Nation of New York|Seneca Nation]]
|-
|2004
|Delana Smith
|[[Red Lake Indian Reservation|Red Lake Band of Ojibwe]]
|-
|2003
|Onawa Lacy
|[[Navajo Nation]]/[[Mescalero|Mescalero Apache]]
|-
|2002
|Tia Smith
|[[Cayuga people|Cayuga]]/Iroquois of the [[Six Nations of the Grand River|Six Nations Reserve]]
|-
|2001
|Ke Aloha May Cody Alo
|[[Western Apache people|White Mountain Apache]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2001-06-09/miss-indian-world-is-cultural-ambassador-19874|title=LDS Church News - Miss Indian World is cultural ambassador|website=[[Church News]]|date=9 June 2001|access-date=2016-11-05}}</ref>
|-
|2000
|Lillian ‘Cepa’ Sparks
|[[Rosebud Indian Reservation|Rosebud]] and [[Lakota people|Lakota Sioux]]
|-
|1999
|Mitzi Tolino
|[[Western Apache people|White Mountain Apache]]/[[Navajo|Navajo Nation]]
|-
|1998
|April Whittemore
|[[Lumbee]]
|-
|1997
|Shayai Lucero
|[[Acoma Pueblo|Pueblo of Acoma]]/[[Laguna Pueblo|Pueblo of Laguna]]
|-
|1996
|Andrea Jack
|[[Tlingit]]/[[Yupik peoples|Yupik]]
|-
|1995
|Crystal Pewo-Lightfoot
|[[Plains Apache|Apache of Oklahoma]]/[[Kiowa]]
|-
|1994
|J.C. Lonetree
|[[Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin|Ho-Chunk Nation]]
|-
|1993
|Gloria Snow
|[[Nakoda (Stoney)|Stoney Nakoda First Nation]]
|-
|1992
|Lanette Asepermy
|[[Cheyenne]]/[[Kiowa]]
|-
|1991
|Janet Saupitty
|[[Comanche]]
|-
|1990
|LoVina Louie
|[[Coeur d'Alene people|Coeur d'Alene]]/ [[Syilx|Okanagan]] & [[Sinixt|Lakes Band]] of the [[Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation|Colville Confederated Tribes]]
|-
|1989
|Tammy Deann Billey
|[[Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma]]
|-
|1988
|Prairie Rose Little Sky
|[[Oglala|Oglala Sioux Tribe]]
|-
|1987
|Jovanna Plenty (August – April)
|[[Cree]]/[[Assiniboine]]
|-
|1987
|Celeste Tootoosis (April – August)
|[[Cree]]/[[Assiniboine]]
|-
|1986
|Lisa Ewauk
|[[Nakoda (Stoney)|Nakoda]]/[[Dakota people|Dakota]]
|-
|1985
|Shelly Valdez
|[[Laguna Pueblo|Pueblo of Laguna]]
|-
|1984
|Codi High Elk
|[[Cheyenne River Indian Reservation|Cheyenne River Sioux]]
|}

== See also ==
* [[List of beauty contests]]
* [[Miss Indigenous Canada]]
* [[Miss Indian America]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.gatheringofnations.com/miss-indian-world.aspx Miss Indian World Homepage] at the [[Gathering of Nations]] website

[[Category:Beauty pageants in the United States]]
[[Category:Native American culture]]

Miss Indian World - Revision history

WAJID AH: Starting The Article Initial Version.