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| Volume XXV, Number 7 | May 21, 2004 |
By Adelsa Williams
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Every year thousands of Native Americans nationwide travel to Albuquerque, N.M. to attend The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow.
More than 3,000 Native Americans attended the 2004 festivities, which were held from April 22–24.
This extraordinary event takes place every year at the University of New Mexico Arena, better known as “The Pit,” and known as one of the most entertaining native and cultural festivals in North America. Indian dancers and singers representing more than 500 different tribes from the United States and Canada come to participate socially and competitively.
Apart from the dance competition, there is an Indian Traders Market, which offers a shopping experience to all who attend. More than 800 artists, crafters, and traders display their products for sale.
At The Gatherings of Nations, each year, a young Native American is crowned Miss Indian World. Native or indigenous women from 18–25 years of age compete for this most prestigious crown.
This year, a total of 17 young ladies competed for the title. As a prerequisite, contestants must demonstrate knowledge of tribal tradition. They also participate in a traditional dance contest, personal interview, public speaking contest and talent contest.
Miss Seminole, Cherelee Kristen J. Hall, a Wind Clan member from the Big Cypress reservation, represented The Seminole Tribe of Florida in this year’s pageant.
During the competition, and a few days before the crowning, the pageant committee held a talent contest at the Albuquerque Convention Center’s Kiva Auditorium, located in downtown Albuquerque. As her talent, Hall did an admirable presentation on how to create turtle shell shakers, which is a hand-made accessory Seminole women wear at the traditional Corn Dance to make clanking sounds while they dance and the Seminole men sing.
Hall commented that this was her first time ever to attend the Gathering of Nations, and said representing the tribe was a fascinating experience.
“ I got a chance to learn about different cultures,” said Hall.
Following the Grand Entry on the last day of the Pow Wow, the winners of the pageant would be announced.
The 2004–2005 new Miss Indian World title winner was Delana Smith, an Ojibwe of the Red Lake Nation in Red Lake, Minn.
Delana Smith is a teacher at the Head Start Program for four- and five-year-old children from her tribe. She commented that it has always been her dream to run for the Miss Indian World title.
“ It's important to carry on our tradition,” said Smith.
Congratulations to Delana Smith on her triumph and Congratulations to Miss Seminole Cherelee Hall for a wonderful performance.
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