Canadian is crowned Miss Indian World

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On April 27, the New Miss Indian World for 2002/2003 was chosen out of 24 contestants. Twenty-one-year-old Tia Smith of the Cayuga Wolf Clan from Six Nations won the coveted title of Miss Indian World. The runner-up is also originally from Ontario, Kinwa Bluesky.

The former Miss Indian World for 2001/2002 was Ke Aloha Alo of mixed ancestry from the Apache, Hawaiian and Samoan Nations. Smith said, "I have big shoes to fill. From what I hear, she was a great Miss Indian World."

Smith had a lot of support from her family and community who had come down to attend the Miss Indian World contest at the Gathering of Nations Powwow. Smith said, "My goals are to represent people, my community and all Native peoples in general. I want to thank my people back in Six Nations for all your support and I can't wait to get back home."

It was Smith's first year attending the Gathering of Nations Powwow. She said, "It's awesome there is so many people, everyone is so nice, there's so much positive energy here."

The Bear Creek Singers from Ontario sang an honor song for the new Miss Indian World.