Deadline nearing for princess contests

Observer Staff

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

The Naanooshke Women's Circle is seeking applicants for the Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe Princess contest to represent the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, as well as Miss Three Fires Princess participants to represent the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations.

The application deadline for Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe is July 29 at 5:30 p.m. and Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. for Miss Three Fires. Those interested must fill out an official entry application, contestant agreement and provide certification of Tribal membership.

Single females between the ages of eight and 17 who have never been married and have no children are encouraged to participate. Applicants must be a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member for the Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe or a Tribal member from one of the Three Fires Tribes to apply for Miss Three Fires. Girls must also have knowledge of Tribal traditions and history.

Selections of princess are based upon a point system and judged by the Naanooshke Women's Circle judges. The points will be based on the following categories:

Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe-private interview to be conducted on July 29 at the Elijah Elk Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m.; dance competition in conjunction with the Little Elks Retreat Powwow; regalia; and an essay describing "How a princess can be an asset to her Tribe and people."

Miss Three Fires-private interview on Aug. 3 before Grand Entry; dance competition and regalia in conjunction with the Little Elks Retreat Powwow; and public speaking in a talking circle format.

Once selected as princess, several commitments are required to guide the reign as a representative of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Little Elk's Retreat Powwow and the Naanooshke Women's Circle.

Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe must: attend four or more powwows in the state, write quarterly articles for the Tribal Observer, attend four or more community functions, attend Women's Circle meetings bimonthly to provide updates, serve as a judge for next year's Miss Three Fires contest, and make a shawl for the next Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe.

Miss Three Fires must: attend four or more powwows in the state, write quarterly articles for their community paper/newsletter, attend two or more Saginaw Chippewa community functions, attend two or more functions in their own community, supply quarterly report cards to Women's Circle, serve as a judge for next year's Jr. Miss Saginaw Ojibwe contest, and make a shawl for the next Miss Three Fires.

For more information, contact the Naanooshke Women's Circle at: C/o Elijah Elk Cultural Center, Naanooshke Women's Circle, 7957 E. Remus Road, Mt. Pleasant MI 48858 or call Mary Lynn at (989) 775-4470, Julie D'Artagnan at (989) 775-5259, Debbie Squillets at (989) 775-5651 or Renee Dillard at (989) 775-4470.