TRIBAL MEMBER NEWS
Miss Siletz Shares, Learps, and Enjoys Miss NCAI Pageant
By Tiffany Dawn Stuart
Educating, re-educating, and
learning were three goals I set for
myself during my year of reign as Miss
Siletz 2003-2004. I’ve educated and re
educated my peers and the public about
the Siletz/coastal indigenous people.
During my trip to Albuquerque,
N.M., for the 36,h Annual Miss NCAI
Scholarship Pageant on Nov. 17,2003,
I represented and enlightened others
about the Siletz people and learned
about many different tribes.
When I arrived on Nov. 15 at The
Hyatt in Albuquerque, I attended an
orientation with my chaperon, Selene
Rilatos. During this time, I met the other
young women participating in the
pageant and reviewed the busy three-
day schedule.
That evening, I participated in the
North American Indian Women’s
Association, New Mexico Chapter’s
Fashion Show. During this NAIWA
fund-raiser, all pageant contestants wore
their tribal regalia.
When I walked onstage and then
through the crowd, a brief description
was read about the Siletz people and
about the meaning of the Feather Dance
skirt and regalia I was wearing. After
the fashion show, I socialized with the
audience and enjoyed some food.
The Miss NCAI Honor Breakfast
was held Nov. 16 at The Hyatt. The
founders of the Miss NCAI Pageant,
Miss Indian New Mexico, and all the
contestants honored Miss NCAI 2003,
Karen-Irene Sema, for her successful
one-year reign.
Karen received several gifts. A song
from their tribe, a beaded turtle pen, and
traditional foods were included in the 12
gifts Karen received from the contest
ants. On behalf of the Siletz people, my
family, and myself, I presented Karen
first with pictures I took the weekend
before with her in San Carlos, Ariz., at
the Miss San Carlos Pageant.
When I met Karen, she was friendly
to talk to. She was helpful with my
questions and had words of encourage
ment for me for the NCAI pageant the
next week. Handing a coffee cup to her,
I said that everyone needs their coffee
in the morning.
In the Chinook Winds bag were
smoked salmon, a water bottle, pens, a
beaded bracelet and necklace, and the
□
Siletz News
*
» ' "
•
smoke-free tape (the newly released
video with Siletz youth talking about
smoking). A Siletz pow-wow sweatshirt
was also given to Karen. By giving
these gifts and talking to her throughout
the week, Karen learned from me and I
learned from her.
Dress rehearsal for the pageant was
that afternoon and included a run
through of the pageant.
The morning of Nov. 17 included a
fly-over for Lori Piestewa. Then we all
went inside for the Grand Entry for the
first NCAI session. Lori Piestewa’s family
was there and an honor song was sung
and proclamation was read by Tex Hall,
NCAI president. All pageant contest
ants were in traditional dress for the grand
entry of flags, veterans, and contestants.
The 36,h Annual Miss NCAI Pageant
took place that evening at the Kiva
Auditorium in downtown Albuquerque.
I was escorted by my Aunt Selene
Rilatos for my introduction. Then I gave
a presentation on feather dancing, on
what the dance meant and what I would
be doing. Then my Aunt Selene sang
Grandpa Ben’s song while I danced.
The last part of the pageant was
modeling my traditional regalia and
answering an impromptu question. My
question was, “What book have you
read that has been most influential to
you?” I believe the word of God, the
Bible, has been not just a book but a
guide to my life.
When the awards were presented,
my peers voted me Miss Congeniality.
Every young woman who was in this
pageant was unique, powerful, success
ful, and knew her heritage. I made so
many lifelong friends and learned so
much about many different rich cultures.
During the week, I also went to different
events and saw the sites of Albuquerque.
Nov. 18 included a fund-raiser for
NCAI put on by Native Threads. At the
beginning, a pueblo of New Mexico
performed a dance that I had never
seen before.
NAMMY (Native American Music
Association) nominees and winners sang,
plus there were speakers and comedi
ans. I had fun dancing with my new and
old friends. Celebrities like Adam Beach
and Litefoot attended this concert.
I bought a ticket thinking there
would be no alcohol at this fund-raiser
January 2004
* ' *
TM ' ‘
for NCAI. 1 was offended that there
was drinking at an event that Miss
NCAI, Cheryl Dixon, had to attend
because it supported NCAL Adults
showing and endorsing alcohol at this
event wasn’t a good way to influence
today’s teen-agers. I’m disgusted that
drinking was allowed at a concert that
included minors.
My friends and I were refunded our
money, but that doesn’t make it right.
Changes are going to be made with
NCAI and rules will be enforced. I
just can’t be silent about this event; I
want people to know that drinking
doesn’t always have to be at an event
to make it fun. I had the greatest time
that night without being under the
influence of alcohol.
The week ended great, seeing Old
Town and hanging out with friends. I
had a wonderful time representing the
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
of Oregon. Every chance I had, I spoke
on my values and on areas that need to
change with our tribes, whether it was
with Notah Begay III, a Warm Springs
elder, or a tribal chairperson.
It was cool meeting people like Wes
Studi, but I enjoyed it most when I got
to talk to leaders who influence Native
people today. I represented the Siletz
people to my best ability.
Thanks to God for saving my soul
and being there in a time of need. Also
thanks to my parents, Thomas and
Marlene Stuart; my chaperon (teacher,
helper, encourager, behind the stage
helper) Aunt Selene Rilatos; and to Rena
Brandt, Robert Kentta, Grandma Maxine
Rilatos, Aunt Valerie Hibdon, Brian James,
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
of Oregon, the Pow-Wow Committee, and
Craig Whitehead. May God bless every
one of you how he has blessed me.
I leave you with the Miss NCAI song,
Our Song of Nations (composed by
1982-1983 Miss NCAI contestants and
June K. Parisien-Randall):
“From the plains, from the
woodlands, and the prairies, we came.
Through the mountains and ocean,
desert, tundra, we claim. Over the hills,
through the valleys, out of south
everglades and here we unite, for this
special day.
“We strive for the knowledge of our
native ways, by listening to elders who
guide us each day. Sharing tradition and
values we hold, to plan for tomorrow
to help reach our goal. Our song of
nations has a meaning so rare that
brings us together to show that we care.
Our song of nations comes deep from
our heart; our love will grow stronger
all the days we’re apart.”
Hum’chi.
Tai Simpson (Nez Perce), Tiffany D. Stuart (Miss Siletz), Cheryl Dixon (Pueblo
oflsleta), and Gwen Peterson (Tlingit and Haida-Alaska) attend the NCAI Host
Tribe Reception. The host tribes were two publeos of New Mexico. Tiffany enjoyed
hanging out with her new friends and shared the Siletz culture with everyone.