Title
Information
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You are so privileged
to represent a proud and honorable tribe. We as
Kiowa people lift you up because we are proud
of who we are. Always know we are behind you,
supporting you, and are proud of you.
This honor lasts your lifetime... Remember, you
were chosen. Remember, there are a lot of little
girls looking at you and dreaming about being
just like you. Encourage young girls to keep our
culture alive by continuing the traditions, language,
and dances we were taught. Just always stand up
and be proud to be Kiowa.
~Lois
(Haumpy) Swift (KTP '80), KTP Sorority President,
quoted in the Principal People Times,
January 2003 |
Kiowa
Tribal Princess Q&A
What
is the history of the Kiowa Tribal Princess title?
The
title of Kiowa Tribal Princess evolved out of the selection
of American Indian Exposition Princesses from 1934-1942.
Merylene Bointy Taptto Spottedhorse was selected as
the first Kiowa Tribal Princess title in 1943 to represent
the Kiowa people in the American Indian Exposition.
(More about the Expo)
Although
acting as a delegate at the Expo is still a requirement
of the Kiowa Tribal Princess, her duties now include
attending the annual dances of Kiowa organizations and
acting as a representative at other intertribal events.
How
long is the term of the Kiowa Tribal Princess?
Terms
last one year, although some princesses have served
double terms.
How
are Kiowa Tribal Princesses selected?
The
selection process for the Kiowa Tribal Princess is unique
because it may vary from one year to the next. The most
common means of selection in the past two decades has
been the tribal election, where any enrolled member
of the Kiowa Tribe over the age of 18 may vote on a
candidate who has met qualifications and submitted an
application to the American Indian Exposition Kiowa
Tribal Director for. However, it is the prerogative
of the director to choose another method of selection.
Other selection processes have included audience applause,
more common in the earlier years of the title and not
likely to be revived, and individual appointment by
the director, which most recently occured in 2004, 2005,
and 2006.
Who
is eligible for the title of Kiowa Tribal Princess?
The
following guidelines are standard for becoming a candidate
in every Kiowa Tribal Princess Election or being considered
by the director for selection:
- Candidate
must be enrolled in the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma,
- Candidate
must be 16-21 years of age at the time of the election,
- Candidate
must have earned or be in the process of earning a
high school diploma,
- Candidate
must never have co-habituated, been married, or been
pregnant.
More
specific qualifications may be added at the discretion
of the Tribal Director, and the age limit has been known
to be extended up to 22 years. The 2006-2008 Kiowa Tribal
Director is Adolph Paukei.
How
does a candidate increase her chances of winning an
election?
The
candidates are allowed to distribute handbills describing
her family and educational background, her picture,
and a statement declaring why she is pursuing the title.
Previous campaigns have also included the distribution
of fruit, fans, and other promotional items, which is
also allowed. Attending powwows and gatherings in the
weeks prior to the election in order to greet and get
to know the tribal members is an important part of the
campaign.
The
final phase of the campaign entails the family of the
candidate setting up and maintaining a table at the
Kiowa Tribal Complex on the day of the Kiowa Tribal
Princess election. Campaign materials, photo displays,
records of the candidates' previous honors, and light
refreshments are most often included on these tables.
What
are the duties and responsibilities of the Kiowa Tribal
Princess?
The
following are requirements and expectations for the
Kiowa Tribal Princess during her term:
- She
MUST represent the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma at events
during American Indian Exposition in Anadarko, OK,
including, but not limited to, parades, pageants,
grand entries, fashion shows, and receptions.
- She
MUST NOT co-habituate, marry, or become pregnant.
- She
is expected to attend major Kiowa ceremonials and
annuals and acknowledge "Special/Invited Guest"
positions at other events.
- She
is expected to attend high school or a institution
of higher education during her reign OR hold employment.
- She
and her family are expected to host an outgoing dance.
What
are the induction dances and outgoing dances?
The
election dance allows the Kiowa tribal members one last
chance to get to know the candidates and evaluate their
credentials as well as observe their behavior in the
dance arena and Kiowa community. If the director chooses
to personally select and no election is held, a coronation
dance is held for the incoming princess. Either type
of induction dance is traditionally held in March or
early April at the Kiowa Tribal Complex.
The
outgoing dance is held on one of the weekends before
or after the Kiowa Tribal Princess coronation. This
is hosted by the family of the outgoing Kiowa Tribal
Princess as an expression of gratitude for allowing
the honor of representing the tribe. When held before
an election dance, this is an important event for Kiowa
Tribal Princess candidates to attend to greet tribal
members as part of their campaign.
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Every year each member of the Board of Directors
of the Exposition selects an Indian Maiden to
represent his tribe as Princess at the Exposition.
To qualify for this distinct honor the young lady
must possess a pleasing personality, be single...
and be able to dance the Indian dances... To be
selected as Princess to represent her tribe at
the Exposition is an honor coveted by the most
beautiful maidens of the tribes, and with so many
aspirants for the honor it is sometimes difficult
for a tribal leader to make his selection.
~The
1956 American Indian Exposition Official Program |
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