The Miss Indian World pageant, a headlining event at the Gathering of Nations for over four decades, is coming to an end. Organizers announced that the final winner will be crowned in 2025, with the competition concluding this year. No specific reasons were given for the decision.
The pageant began in 1984 when Codi High Elk, then a shy teenager from the Cheyenne River Reservation, was encouraged by her brother to apply. She went on to become the first Miss Indian World, a title she credits with transforming her life and giving her the confidence to pursue higher education and a career in expanding credit access for Lakota people.
Contestants, who had to be single, childless Indigenous women aged 18 to 25, underwent an intense five-day process involving interviews, public speaking, and a traditional talent showcase. Winners used their platforms to advocate for causes such as language revitalisation, domestic violence prevention, and mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The beaded crowns, including those won by Dania Wahwasuck in 2024 and Tori McConnell in 2023, will be retired after the final event. Melonie Matthews, daughter of the Gathering of Nations founder, said the crowns may eventually be offered to a museum for display. The Miss Indian World title is trademarked by the Gathering of Nations, Ltd., and there are no plans for the pageant to continue elsewhere.
