Albuquerque, N.M. – The 32nd Annual Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people, announces it has begun accepting applications for the 2015 Miss Indian World competition. Every year, Native American women representing their different tribes and traditions compete for the title of Miss Indian World in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, public speaking, essay, and personality assessment. The 2015 Miss Indian World will serve as a cultural goodwill ambassador for all native and indigenous people on behalf of the Gathering of Nations for one year.
In order to compete for Miss Indian World 2015, candidates must meet specific criteria. The pageant is open to any single woman who is between the ages of 18 years old to 25 years old, has never been married, has no children, and has knowledge of tribal traditions. The application includes a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, a current photograph, and proof of tribal affiliation. All current tribal royalty and all young native ladies are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by March 20, 2015 at 3301 Coors Road NW, R300 Albuquerque, NM 87120, or sent by fax to (505) 839-0475.
Once selected, contestants will compete in a traditional talent presentation representing their tribe, public speaking ability, private interviews with the judges, a dance competition through powwow music based on expression and individual interpretation of the song.
The Miss Indian World Pageant begins with the talent presentations on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center’s Kiva Auditorium – Albuquerque and continues throughout the Gathering of Nations taking place at The University of New Mexico’s WisePie’s Arena (known locally as “The Pit”) in Albuquerque, N.M. With much fanfare, the new Miss Indian World will be crowned on Saturday, April 25 at 8:30 p.m. at the powwow. This year’s Miss Indian World Pageant will be hosted by Lisa Meeches, executive producer of Eagle Vision Inc. and Meeches Video Productions from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and Jason Whitehouse, a performer from the Native American Dance Theatre in Madison Heights, Michigan. This year’s event will also feature special performances by The Luna Blues Machine, a Chicago-based acoustic and soul band, as well as Native Pride, a renowned Native American dance troupe that has performed worldwide. Tickets to the Miss Indian World talent presentations are $14 at the door and can be pre-purchased online at http://www.gatheringofnations.com/tickets-and-travel/2015-gon-ticket-information/.
For more information about the Miss Indian World Program and for the online application, please visit http://www.gatheringofnations.com/miss-indian-world-information/.
