Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - New Miss Indian Nations crowned in Bismarck

New Miss Indian Nations crowned in Bismarck

Sep 11, 2006 - 09:43:21 CDT

The fourteenth Miss Indian Nations is a descendant of Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe.

Ponka-We Vickers, a member of the Ponca Nations of Kansas and the Tohono O'odham Nation, was selected from five nominees Saturday at the United Tribes International Powwow.

"I'm shocked that I was chosen," Vickers said after being crowned. "But I'm very humbled by the honor. God has blessed me."

Vickers, of Wichita, Kan., is the daughter of Juan and Sandra Vickers. She's studying for a master's degree in public administration at Wichita State University. Her interests are in American Indian health care reform.

The nominees for the Miss Indian Nations title were judged over three days in traditional skills, public appearance and presentations, communication skill and speaking ability, personal conduct, and answers to general and impromptu questions.

Vickers also was selected for the tribal chairman's award. She was presented the Miss Indian Nations crown by outgoing Miss Indian Nations, Bobbie Rae Sage, of Mandaree. She is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold.

First runner-up was Everetta Thinn, of Mesa, Ariz. She is Navajo. Second runner-up, and also winning the children's choice award, was Jennifer Mellette, of McLaughlin, S.D. She is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux. Third runner-up and winner of the congeniality award was Lena N. Nells, of Moodys, Okla. She is Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kickapoo and Navajo. Gabrielle Knife, of Eagle Butte, S.D., received the president's award. She is Cheyenne River Sioux.

The Miss Indian Nations program is open to American Indian women ages 17 to 26.

Vickers will serve for one year as a cultural ambassador. United Tribes Technical College coordinates her public appearances. Sponsorships and contributions are accepted to help underwrite the program.

For more information or to schedule an appearance, contact Miss Indian Nations at United Tribes Technical College, 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, N.D. 58504; phone 701-255-3285. Visit the Web site www.uttc.edu and click on Miss Indian Nations.

News > Local

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Comments

Kelly Tress wrote on Jan 29, 2007 4:03 PM:

" It is great to here Ponca We Victors received this great honor as she was also a contestant for the Miss Indian World Title that was stolen from this young woman. She will do the people of the great plains region great representation as she is well respected and well known and truly a rolemodel for everyone. Congratulations Ponca We Victors "

Virginia Ray wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:38 PM:

" Congratulations!! I was there along with my mother, Lorraine and sister Yvonne when we traveled to Sells when they mounted your long delayed and much deserved photo in Sells! As a Hia-Ced O'odham we are proud of you. "

Marlene wrote on Oct 2, 2006 3:41 PM:

" I am a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation and We are very proud of miss Victors. I got to know her the year she was our Miss Tohono O'odham Nation and she made us proud then.Congratulations and Good luck to you Ponka-We, Miss Indian Nations and the other winners. I also would like to have seen so pictures of the Pow wow and pageant. "

Cher from Arizona wrote on Sep 18, 2006 5:06 PM:

" I find it weird that no one mentioned that Ponka-We Victors is actually a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation. This article makes it sound like she's only part T.O., when really she's enrolled there and is really part Ponca. She is also a former Miss Tonoho O'odham Nation and a former Miss National Congress of American Indians. Also Everetta Thinn is a former Ms. Arizona State University. I unno - it's just odd to me. "

a mom wrote on Sep 12, 2006 1:25 PM:

" yes a picture is worth a thousand words! so what if miss north dakota doesn't get photo's, this is completely a whole different issue! This is not your average "Beauty" pageant! Miss Indian Nations is a cultural exchange event complete with teachings, sharing of different culture and a unique learning experience!not to mention, the thousands maybe millions of dollars tis event helped bring into the city of bismarck! does miss north dakota generate dollars for bismarck? "

Online Editor wrote on Sep 11, 2006 8:40 PM:

" To Eugene Jack: I in fact used to be the Photo Editor before switching to online, so I'm very familiar with photography. It was a staffing issue, not a skill issue. The Tribune photographer did a terrific job earlier in the day, but had other assignments and hours restrictions to deal with. If you have a photo of the winner, feel free to email it to me and I will post it with the story when I return from vacation on Monday. My email address is jason.lueder@bismarcktribune.com "

Eugene Jack wrote on Sep 11, 2006 8:36 PM:

" As a tribal photojournalist it's disheartning when a prestigious event excludes the primary image that is the story. "A picture is worth a thousand words" the saying goes! An image can make or break a story, I feel that this story is broken. The online editor should take a class in Photojournalism! "

Ava Red Tomahawk wrote on Sep 11, 2006 7:34 PM:

" I have seen all these beautiful young ladies and heard there introductions and i'm quite sure it was an hard decision to make for the judges. but i do know that it will be a big job filling Bobbi Rae's moccasins because she is an outstanding Miss Indian Nations and she has proven that for the last two years. I just want to thank her for being an talented young native american with a bright future ahead of her and i would like to wish her the best in her successful life. "Grab those dreams by the hand Bobbi and hold on with enthusiam,creativity,honesty,hope, patience,strength,happiness and prayer". take care and keep in touch!! Good luck to Miss Indian Nations may she have an successful year and reach all her goals that she has planned in her life. Best wishes to all runner-ups and may they have many happy trails. Thank you!! "

wolfeyes wrote on Sep 11, 2006 5:50 PM:

" It's unbelievable that there are no photos.Is it Bismarck or Bumpkinville? lol. "

JoAnn Larvie wrote on Sep 11, 2006 2:49 PM:

" There should have been a photograph. "

Online Editor wrote on Sep 11, 2006 2:45 PM:

" To Joyce/Night Spirit: Our weekend photographer wasn't available to take photos at the event. On a separate note, we rarely shoot the Miss North Dakota or any other pageant. "

Joyce/ Night Spirit wrote on Sep 11, 2006 2:32 PM:

" I also think there should have been pictures included in this article. I think it is the first time I have seen an article about an event of this kind without any pictures. Was this a choice of the participants or an omission of the paper? "

Marilynn One Feather wrote on Sep 11, 2006 11:50 AM:

" We're very proud to have the Miss Indian Nations pageant taking place here. I do agree with Norma G., a picture would have been nice to share with everyone who didn't get to attend the pow wow or see the parade, in which these very talented young ladies were active participants! Congratulations to Ponka-We Vickers, our new Miss Indian Nations! "

Norma Gamueda wrote on Sep 11, 2006 8:45 AM:

" It would have been refreshing if a photo of this beauty would have been included in this story. "

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