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“There are so many Native students who never get through college, so it’s really important to highlight their achievements because it’s a big achievement just to even be here in the first place,” Pinkerton said.

Mr. and Miss American Indian will be crowned in the first pageant to be held in years. Due to the lack of pageant participants in the past and no form of competition, the actual pageant process has been on pause.

Pinkerton is excited to bring this year’s pageant back and celebrate the cultures of the different tribes.

“It’s a place to show your culture and wear your regalia if you don’t get to wear it often, you know, show what you know,” Pinkerton said. “And then also just share what you’re passionate about, and it’s really nice to have that space to share your culture with everybody.”

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Last year’s Miss American Indian, Gabrielle Tiger, along with the 2022 Mr. American Indian, ran unopposed. Despite not taking part in what a normal pageant might entail, Tiger looks back on the experience as a fun and stress-free experience.

“I have a lot of pride getting to have that title for this last year and making my tribes proud,” Tiger said.

As Miss American Indian, Tiger is in charge of orchestrating the pageant at the Honoring Ceremony this year. As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, she hopes to see people from all backgrounds at Saturday’s event. She hopes they experience the diversity with an open heart. news.ed@ocolly.com

“I wish to say that anyone and everyone is welcome to come to the Honoring Ceremony and pageant on Saturday, April 29 at 3 p.m.,” Tiger said. “Anyone can come but also anyone’s welcome to come to any NASA meetings, to come here to the Center for Sovereign Nations. Whether you’re tribal affiliated or not, we’re so welcoming,” Tiger said.