ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – Two Muscogee Hokte’s (women) represented the Muscogee Nation at the Miss Indian World Pageant at the Gathering of Nations annual celebration on April 28-30.
Brittany McKane and Jessica Frazier felt honored to have had the opportunity to compete for the most prestigious Native American pageant title.
McKane reigned as the Miss Muscogee Nation 2016-17 where she had her first experience at the Miss Indian Worlds Pageant as a spectator.
Five years after, around the same time of year, McKane began thinking the MIW pageant and realized she was reaching the age limit requirement of 25 to apply.
Her 25th birthday was six days shy of the deadline.
“If that wasn’t a sign,” McKane said with a giggle.
After years passing from her the princess title to serving in other leadership positions, McKane claims she wanted to continue to serve and use her voice.
“It had honestly been a dream of mine since I served as Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” McKane said. “I wanted to be able to continue to advocate for my people, for youth especially.”
When she had learned of her acceptance, McKane was reminded of the past roles she has had and what they meant to her.
“It was a full circle moment for me,” McKane said.
“No matter what I do, I need to walk with that dignity and with that respect for my people.”
Frazier grew up in Wetumka, OK and her descent comes from the Kialegee tribal town though she is an enrolled member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
In 2016-17, Frazier served as Miss Kialegee Tribal Town and several local pageants during her undergraduate years at Northeastern State University.
She currently resides in St. Louis attending school for a masters degree in social work.
For Frazier, applying for the pageant was a very last minute decision that she felt like she was called to do.
“If you are being called to do it, then do it,” Frazier said.
Her passion for pageantry and her history with pageants gave her more confidence to submit the application.
Each contestant wore the sash of their representing tribal nations; Frazier wore both the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Kialegee Tribal Town of the Muscogee Nation.
“Its exciting for me because I think sometimes we only think to put one tribe,” Frazier said. “I want to make sure that both of my communities are represented.”
Promoting identity and cultural awareness are important for Frazier.
The categories for the Miss Indian World competition are a traditional talent presentation representing your tribe, public speaking, personal interview, a dance demonstration through Powwow music and raffle ticket sales. The point system runs off each of the categories listed, the application noted the raffle points are used only for tiebreakers.
Winning was not the important thing for either girls.
Frazier and McKane represented the Muscogee Nation with pride and grace.
It was Sicangu Lakota woman Tashina Red Hawk who was crowned as Miss Indian World 2022-2023.
