Standing Rock Sioux wins Miss Indian World title

ALBUQUERQUE, NM-Danielle Ta'Sheena Finn from Porcupine, North Dakota and member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe was crowned Miss Indian World 2016 at the 33rd Annual Gathering of Nations, the most prominent Native American powwow in the world. Finn received the honor out of 24 Native American women representing their different tribes and traditions who competed in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, public speaking, and personality assessment. She is currently attending the Arizona State University College of Law.

"Miss Indian World is one of the most prestigious honors in the Native American and Indigenous world and the winner will serve as a role model for all Native Americans. Finn will travel the world educating others about tribal and cultural traditions, and bring together Native and Indigenous people," said Melonie Mathews, coordinator of the Miss Indian World Pageant.

Finn, 25, will travel to many Native and Indigenous communities around the world on behalf of the powwow. She is the daughter of Brenda One Hawk Finn and John E. Finn. As Miss Indian World, she represents all Indigenous peoples as a cultural goodwill ambassador for one year.

Chezney Martin, 19, from Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, and member of the Seneca Nations of the Haudenosaunee Tribe was named first runner-up at the pageant. She is currently attending Niagara College. Caitlyn Tolley, 25, from Kitigan Zibi, Quebec, and member of the Algonquin Tribe was named second runner-up at the pageant. She is currently attending the University of Ottawa. In case Miss Indian World cannot fulfill her responsibilities, the first runner-up will take her place. If the first runner-up is unable to fulfill her duties after having taken over for Miss Indian World, the second runner-up will take her place.