The Miss Indian World pageant, a decades-long tradition that has crowned Indigenous women from across North America, is coming to an end. The final winner was named in 2025, and the pageant's iconic beaded crowns will be retired when the Gathering of Nations powwow concludes this Saturday.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Codi High Elk, the first Miss Indian World in 1984, recalls throwing away the application, only for her brother to retrieve it. The pageant transformed her from a shy teenager into an ambassador for her people, giving her the confidence to pursue higher education and a career in finance for the Lakota community. "From the day I got my crown, my life changed," she said. "I want that same opportunity for my granddaughters."
The Final Pageant
The pageant has been a centerpiece of the Gathering of Nations, which bills itself as the largest powwow in North America, for over four decades. Organizers have not provided specific reasons for ending the event, stating only that "the time has come." Melonie Matthews, daughter of the founder, said the crowns may eventually be displayed in a museum.
Dania Wahwasuck, crowned in 2024, described the intense competition, which included interviews, public speaking, and a traditional talent showcase. Tori McConnell, the 2023 winner, performed traditional basketry, explaining the process in the Karuk language and English. "To have our art recognized on that level was so validating," she said.
Cultural Ambassadors
Miss Indian World winners have traveled globally, from New Zealand to Japan, advocating for Indigenous issues. Shayai Lucero, crowned in 1997, emphasized the role of ambassador: "You become an ambassador not just for your own culture but for all Indigenous peoples." Cheyenne Kippenberger, the 2019 winner, focused on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting online events and promoting vaccination.
The End of an Era
The pageant's trademark is held by Gathering of Nations, Ltd., and there are no plans to continue it elsewhere. Former titleholders are exploring the creation of a new national pageant for Indigenous women. "Miss Indian World is bigger than one powwow," Lucero said. "We don't need the powwow to continue her legacy."
Many past winners have become lawyers, teachers, and entrepreneurs, crediting the crown with empowering them as leaders. Kippenberger expressed bittersweet feelings but optimism: "I feel full confidence that something positive will fill in the gap."
