Native American Princess Pageants and Their Role in Maintaining Tribal Cultures

This study employs qualitative fieldwork experiences to assess the role of Native American princess pageants in maintaining tribal cultures and Native American identity. We first defined and described the term “princess” and the institution that is the Native American princess pageant. After completing an extensive literature review of beauty contests, Native American culture, Native American history, and Native American pageants, we developed seven themes and seven subthemes accounting for the role of the Native American princess pageant in the maintenance of tribal cultures. We employed participant observation to collect data over 28 hours of activities related to the public 2022 Miss Indian World pageant and the Gathering of Nations powwow, which included the introduction of the pageant contestants and crowning of the 2022 Miss Indian World. We focused on performances of culture and verbal depictions of culture. Our findings aligned with the seven themes and seven subthemes derived from our literature review and supported the role of the Native American princess pageant in maintenance of tribal and pantribal cultures.