Post by blackcrowheart on Sept 12, 2006 11:22:26 GMT -5
Kansas woman named Miss Indian Nations
BISMARCK, N.D. -- A Kansas woman has been crowned as the new Miss Indian Nations.
Ponka-We Vickers, 25, of Wichita, Kan., received the title on Saturday during the United Tribes International Powwow. She is the 14th person to wear the crown.
Vickers is a member of the Tohono O'dham and Ponca Nations of Kansas. She is a descendent of Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe.
Vickers is studying for a master's degree in public administration at Wichita State University.
Vickers said she will work to improve health care for American Indians.
"I want to become involved and help find solutions to the problems," she wrote in an essay for the pageant. "I would love to have the opportunity to lobby in Congress for significant changes."
Four women vied for the crown from outgoing Miss Indian Nations Bobbi Rae Sage of the Three Affiliated Tribes in Mandaree. First runner-up was Everetta Thinn, a Dine from Mesa, Ariz. Dine is the Navajos' name for themselves.
The Miss Indian Nations program is open to American Indian women ages 17 to 26. Contestants are judged on such things as communication skills, personal conduct and traditional skills.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BISMARCK, N.D. -- A Kansas woman has been crowned as the new Miss Indian Nations.
Ponka-We Vickers, 25, of Wichita, Kan., received the title on Saturday during the United Tribes International Powwow. She is the 14th person to wear the crown.
Vickers is a member of the Tohono O'dham and Ponca Nations of Kansas. She is a descendent of Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe.
Vickers is studying for a master's degree in public administration at Wichita State University.
Vickers said she will work to improve health care for American Indians.
"I want to become involved and help find solutions to the problems," she wrote in an essay for the pageant. "I would love to have the opportunity to lobby in Congress for significant changes."
Four women vied for the crown from outgoing Miss Indian Nations Bobbi Rae Sage of the Three Affiliated Tribes in Mandaree. First runner-up was Everetta Thinn, a Dine from Mesa, Ariz. Dine is the Navajos' name for themselves.
The Miss Indian Nations program is open to American Indian women ages 17 to 26. Contestants are judged on such things as communication skills, personal conduct and traditional skills.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.