Gathering of Nations: Miss Indian World Pageant

Miss Seminole Christine McCall Competes for the Crown

By Adelsa Williams

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Miss Seminole 2005-2006 Christine McCall along with many other Tribal citizens traveled miles from the state of Florida to the city of Albuquerque to attend the biggest Native American Pow Wow of the year. The 24th annual Gathering of Nations took place from April 27–29, at the usual spot, the University of New Mexico’s arena, best known as “The Pit.”

Thousands of Native Americans from all across the nation congregated for the renowned Native celebration to witness the crowning of a new Miss Indian World. The gathering also showcases different styles of Native dance competitions, Native art displays, staged Native American musical concerts and much more. Overall, a fun family three day event that’s rich in Indigenous culture.

For McCall it took early arrival to prepare for the jammed packed schedule of events for the Miss Indian World Pageant. There were rehearsals, meet and greet dinners, personal interviews, talent presentations and finally dance competitions prior to the crowning.

On April 29 Violet John, a Plains Cree/Taino from Kehewin, Alberta, Canada won the most desired title, Miss Indian World.

During the fierce competition, McCall recalls memorable moments. She describes her experience as a once in a lifetime joy that she will forever cherish.

“The first grand entry was exciting because everyone was ready to dance,” said McCall. “It was nerve wrecking because it was so packed.”

“I got to meet new people that I still keep in touch with,” she added.

This year marked the second consecutive year that McCall has had the opportunity to compete in the pageant. The prior year, McCall explained the dynamics on making Seminole clothing during the talent competition. However, this year she enlightened the rest of the Native population with the presentation of Seminole chickees. Chickee is a loose translation for the word “house.” It is a traditional structure constructed with cypress poles and palmetto fronds.

From the cooking, eating, sleeping and storage chickees, McCall proudly explained the purposes of each and how they were and still are utilized in the Seminole communities.

“I wanted Southwest people to know the difference between Seminole chickees,” she said. “We don’t live in teppees or pueblos.”

Talented and ambitious McCall is currently attending Florida State University where she is entering her sophomore year. She claims to have a full schedule of studies that include theater, one of her favorite classes. During her freshman year she recalls enjoying attending live plays after she finished reading the related book.

As persuasive as McCall seems to be, her efforts during the pageant earned her a Disney Cruise out of Orlando, Florida which she will take this summer along with the new Miss Indian World and the Miss Indian World Committee. She won the prize for selling the most raffle tickets. She sold tickets up until the day before she left Florida. She sold more than 4,000 tickets in the Seminole community. McCall was excited to say that a few Seminoles won prizes that were donated by the vendors. The raffle winners were announced at a banquet held at the Aquarium Restaurant in Albuquerque.

She thanks everyone for their support, including the Seminole princess pageant committee for helping with the sale of tickets as well as everyone who supported the sale. She thanked Hollywood Council Representative Max B. Osceola Jr. and Trail Liaison William Osceola a winner along with Steven Bowers., Alice Billie of Big Cypress and Suriya Smith of Brighton. McCall also extends her gratitude for overall support to the Seminole Tribal Council.

“Without the Tribal Council my participation in the pageant would not be possible,” said McCall.

While the Miss Indian World pageant took place other Tribal citizens were spotted enjoying the festivities. Tribal citizens Cornelia Osceola from the Hollywood reservation and her two sisters strolled around the outdoors of the arena sampling the many varieties of Native made foods while shopping from the many vendors selling popular tradition items.

Also, Tribal citizen Mary Billie and her family toured nearby and were spotted at the famous Old Town along with the out-of-the-norm crowd that visited Albuquerque during the city’s 300th birthday celebration.

While all the mentioned activities happened simultaneously, Tribal citizen Wanda Bowers, mother of McCall and Seminole Princess Pageant chairwoman, kept herself busy getting McCall to all the appointed contestant activities .Bowers was also appointed a Pow Wow dance judge by the Miss Indian World pageant committee.