New Miss Indian Nations crowned in Bismarck

New Miss Indian Nations crowned in Bismarck
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.