The Nuu-chah-nulth Princess Pageant has had a long history dating back to 1983 when Iris Thompson of Ditidaht was chosen to represent the Nuu-chah-nulth territory. The pageant was discontinued in 2003, but it is being restored this year under the organization of the Tlu-piich Summer Games committee as part of its 30th year anniversary celebrations.
Deadline to compete in this year’s pageant for girls, ages 13 to 16, is July 9. The Pageant will run alongside another contest for youth role models for males and females ages 17 to 24. The registration deadline is the same for this event.
See registration forms and rules: http://www.hashilthsa.com/news/2012-07-05/princess-pageant-and-youth-role-models-registration-and-rules
Caroyln Knighton of Ditidaht was the 1987 princess. She remembers the event, and her year of service to the Nuu-chah-nulth, as life changing.
“I was very shy,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa. But she said she pushed through that uncomfortable feeling to take part in the competition. She and her fellow contestants each had to make a presentation about an elder. Knighton chose to speak about her grandfather, the late Frank Knighton, hereditary chief of Kwabaduah (Carmanah).
After her win, Knighton went on to open the Indian games and other events throughout the following year. Her job was to make everyone feel welcome, she said.
“It was a very big learning experience,” said Knighton, adding she grew a lot with the responsibility of the title. It’s something she still has on her resume for work.
And the experience made her carry herself differently, she remembers, with respect in the deepest way. All eyes are on the pageant princess, and the honor stays with the winner throughout her life.
Anne Robinson is planning the Princess Pageant and Youth Role Model competition for the Tlu-piich committee.
See the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/119545931521761/
She said to grab a friend if you are too shy and register together, because there is a lot of fun to be had leading up to the contests.
The pageant and role model competition will take place on July 23, but first there is a two-day retreat in Port Alberni to be held July 15 and 16 (dates to be confirmed). The organization has arranged for cedar weaving instruction, and Toastmasters will come in to help youth with public speaking advice.
Come prepared for a slumber party and pizza night at Haa-huu-payak School. Nails will be done, and the Nuu-chah-nulth Song will be taught. There’s something planned for every waking hour of each day, Robinson said.
The retreat is undertaken to train the young people to be self-confident, intelligent, responsible and a person who can proudly represent home and community.
The responsibilities for the people who carry the princess title and youth role model position will be to open this year’s Tlu-piich Games and attend other events over the course of the year.
Contact Anne Robinson at 250-724-5757 for any additional information you may need and pass along this message to all the youth in your territory that would benefit from this experience and encourage them to register.
