"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Little Miss and Mister Cherokee Ambassadors Chosen

The Cherokee Nation recently held the Little Miss and Mister Cherokee Ambassador Competition in Tahlequah, in conjunction with the 57thAnnual Cherokee National Holiday. Winners were chosen in three separate categories, ages 4 – 6, ages 7 – 9 and ages 10 – 12.

“These young Cherokees serve as Ambassadors to our Nation,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We are very proud of all of our young citizens who take pride in their culture and want to become involved.”

There were a total of 14 participants in this year’s event. Each participant serves as an Ambassador for the year, with winners being selected as the Lead Ambassadors for their age category. All Ambassadors participate in different activities throughout the year, and the leaders represent the Cherokee Nation at special events and on special visits to schools, community groups and other functions.

In the age 4 – 6 years category, Aurora Gibson was selected as the Little Miss and Aaron Fischer as the Little Mister leaders. Aurora is the daughter of Randy Gibson and Melody Farmer of Tahlequah, and is in the 1st grade at Greenwood Elementary. She has participated in Cherokee marble making, storytelling, and has been in Cherokee Nation video productions. This is her second year to participate in the Little Ambassador program. Aaron is the son of Aaron Fischer and Gayla Mink of Tahlequah, and attends the Cherokee Nation Immersion School. He has participated in the Native American Language Fair, stomp dance, stickball and clay pot making activities.

In the age 7 – 9 years category, Sinihele Rhoades and Garrett Neugin were selected as the Little Miss and Mister leaders. Jinihele is the daughter of Teri-Lee Rhoades of Tahlequah and is a second grader at the Cherokee Nation Immersion School. A Cherokee language speaker, Jinihele can also read and write in Cherokee. She has participated in the Native American Language Fair and has participated in Cherokee art and storytelling activities. Garrett is the son of Emily Gourd of Tahlequah and attends the Cherokee Nation Immersion School. He has been a participant in the Native American Language Fair and enjoys traditional Cherokee bows and hearing and sharing stories of the Cherokee ways.

In the age 10 – 12 years category, Madison Whitekiller was selected as the Little Miss leader. Madison is the daughter of Suzy Whitekiller of Claremore. She is in the 5th grade and has participated in Cherokee cultural learning camps and immersion programs. She is also a second-year member of the Cherokee Nation Children’s Choir. She enjoys singing and building on her Cherokee language.

“All the participants in this year’s event were impressive,” said Mandy Scott, coordinator for the event. “We are fortunate to have all of them as Cherokee Nation Ambassadors for the coming year.”

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. With its exciting array of entertainment, cultural and athletic events, it has grown into one of the largest festivals in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world. This year’s theme is elohi nusdidanv degadelaquasgesdi (“I learn from all that I observe”), reflecting the Cherokee Nation’s long held belief in education as a means to uplift individuals and their communities. The 57th Cherokee National Holiday is a smoke-free event. For more information about the Cherokee National Holiday, please call 918-453-5536 or visit http://holiday.cherokee.org.