Photo left: Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, far left, and Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel, far right, crowned three princesses who will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the tribe for 2016-17. Chickasaw Royalty includes, left to right, Little Miss Chickasaw Lakala Orphan, daughter of Ruebin and LaTonia Orphan; Chickasaw Jr. Princess Keilyn "Keke" Factor, daughter of Stanley Factor and Gwendolyn Burris; and Chickasaw Princess Julie Underwood, daughter of Linda and Darrell Underwood.
ADA, OK-Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby crowned three young ladies Chickasaw Royalty during the 2016-2017 Chickasaw Nation Princess Pageant. The annual pageant was conducted at the Ada High School Cougar Activity Center on September 26.
Julie Underwood, 21, was crowned Chickasaw Princess; Keilyn "Keke" Factor, 13, was crowned Chickasaw Junior Princess, and Lakala Orphan, 11, claimed the Little Miss Chickasaw title. Each winner resides in Ada, Oklahoma and was congratulated by Gov. Anoatubby and Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel.
"It is gratifying to see all these contestants express such great pride in their Chickasaw heritage," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We believe these young ladies will do a wonderful job carrying on the tradition of Chickasaw royalty, because they epitomize the best qualities of the Chickasaw people. It is our hope that serving as goodwill ambassadors of the Chickasaw Nation will be a valuable learning experience for each of them."
Participants of the pageant were judged on one-on-one interviews, traditional Chickasaw dress, poise, responses to random questions and talent.
During their one-year reign these dynamic young ladies will take courses on language, culture and the history of the Chickasaw people. In addition to serving as young ambassadors of the Chickasaw Nation, the 2016-2017 princesses will see many places, serve as role models and represent the Chickasaw people.
The winners receive a crown, sash, trophy and gifts to prepare them for the upcoming year.
The reign of a Chickasaw Princess has been a Chickasaw Nation tradition since the 1960s. Chickasaw Princesses have historically played a vital role in representing the tribe.
