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Inupiaq Eskimo Woman from Fairbanks Bound for Miss Indian World PageantElizabeth Rexford, 25, will compete in the pageant as part of the annual Gathering of Nations.In just a few days, a local Alaskan will compete for one of the most prestigious honors in the Native American and indigenous peoples community—Miss Indian World. Elizabeth Rexford, a 25-year-old Inupiaq Eskimo from Fairbanks has been heavily involved with the native community throughout the years. But now she is looking to take the tools she has learned in her life to become a role model for indigenous people throughout the world. “We are looking to be ambassadors of our culture,” said Rexford. This week, she will compete in the Miss Indian World pageant, which is part of the annual Gathering of Nations, known as the most prominent Native American Powwow in the world. “A lot of these girls are very involved in their culture, education, and sports and in their communities too," said Rexford. "I believe this will be one of the most amazing weeks and one of the most amazing events that I’ve ever taken part in.” Twenty-six Native American women representing different tribes and traditions will compete for the title. Contestants will be judged on cultural tribal knowledge, dancing ability, public speaking and personality. The Miss Indian World will advocate on behalf of indigenous tribes throughout the world, attend powwows, and conferences and be a voice for native peoples and native issues. As a little girl, Rexford said many of her role models included native activists who would speak at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference. Regardless of the outcome, Rexford said she's honored to have the chance to represent her state and potentially be a voice for the native community. The Miss Indian World pageant is set for Thursday, April 28, in New Mexico; the winner will be crowned April 30. |
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bagtitako said on Monday, Apr 25 at 11:47 AM
When will the Miss Caucasian World pagent be held? It is disgusting that Alaska Natives and other Native Americans can have indian only hospitals, federal funding, etc. all based on their race. Could you imagine if a "whites only" private hospital was opened up in Alaska?
65718289slt said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:25 PM
I agree. I thought discrimination was abolished...
65721147Kabooboo said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:27 PM
I agree with you bagitako, There would be 100 lawsuits if we held a caucasian beauty pageant....what a friggin joke!
65721334yupiik said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:30 PM
another envious commenter,bagaboo go home.. really proud of miss Rexford. good luck to you.support your people well.
65721497bbbbbb said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:31 PM
Bagtitako I understand your frustration, but if you look at the history and understand it maybe there will be better clarification. Many cultures deserve the federal funding given. Also in history there have been many "white only" businesses, many things were taken from many cultures, this is a way to give back to these cultures.
65721617all-for-it-nate said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:45 PM
Ha, a miss Caucasian Pagent, that is a joke. What would they wear?? What would be thierIts when someone organizes something I would think that it would happen. T-R-A-D-I-T-I-O-N-S is where it starts. Go Miss Rexford!
65722607Get a life... said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:53 PM
This is for bagtitako. The hosoitals I attend that are for "native's only" do have white and black people taken care of if that is their choice of hospital to recieve care. If you are not aware of some of the public information and education that Alaska Native Medical center in Anchorage supplies with pamphlets you will gain awareness and understanding that there is a purpose for free public health care for native people. That was in exchange for land the federal government recieved in exchange for that. What a rip off for us natives...get a life...
65723252Tired of the Ignorance said on Monday, Apr 25 at 12:56 PM
bagtitako - read the laws of ANCSA before leaving ignorant comments. It's not discrimination, it's recognizing the culture of the Indigenous First Americans. Alaska Natives did not go to the country your grandparents people are from and form a government that took away their idigenous rights. Also, ANMC is not a Native only hospital. Do research on that as well. If there were a Miss Celtic Heritage or Miss Scottish Heritage pagent (which there probably is) I think it would be/is a wonderful way to recognize the beauty of those cultures as well. You may benefit from watching the movies Black Robe and Rabbit Proof Fence while you're at it.
65723532bagtitako said on Monday, Apr 25 at 1:11 PM
Just for those of you that think I'm not open to multi-cultural issues, I am married to someone who is not caucasian. In fact, I embrace many cultures and attend several events throughout Anchorage each year to celebrate diversity. It is time to move on from the injustices of the past and not perpetuate them by allowing the pendulum to swing to far in the other direction. I'm for true equality. And for you "all-for-it-nate", you blind to think white people do not have culture with deep historical significance.
65724519mikey372002 said on Monday, Apr 25 at 2:00 PM
Well you can tell who might have little or no education, understand how russia sold alaska tot eh united states, but native alsakans land was not the russians to sell. Someone stole the land, Its hard to explain to someone with a lack of education.
65728002Love it Or Leave said on Monday, Apr 25 at 2:28 PM
This is Alaska, there will be native people from the Athabaskan, Inupiaq, Yupik, cultures that you will encounter. They will be homeless, successful, beautiful, ugly, rich, poor, religious, atheist, agnostic, gay or straigh, smart or dumb just like any other race. If I were racist I would just admit and and get over it. I hate white people, I admit it, it is dumb but I aim to change by awareness and acceptance that I cannot retaliate. I will learn to love it and if I cannot I will leave because white people are everywhere just like native people are everywhere...where will I go? There is nowhere to run, just accept it....I will....will you?
65729722Cal said on Monday, Apr 25 at 2:52 PM
Way to go Ms Rexford, ignore the negative comments, it is being made by negative people who need to seriously get a life. You are a culture bearer for our people and you make me proud. Smart and beautiful, what a great combo. Howie must be proud. :)
65731212Ghost Bike Killer said on Monday, Apr 25 at 3:11 PM
Race Race Race! Its too bad that people in general have to label others. The reason racism still exists is because people of other cultures and religions cant get along well enough to overlook their differences. Racism will always exist. I sure wish it didnt but we dont live in a fairy tale world where every one can see each other as people instead of....Black,White,Native American and so on and so forth.
65732259Alaska Native said on Monday, Apr 25 at 3:22 PM
Read, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
65732857notthelastofourkindyet said on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 10:47 AM
instead of trolling out indifference and hatred why not see it for what it is, pride in whats left of our cultural identity. this is still our land our people. this is not based on skin color but a truthful this is us. some expect us natives to just be quiet and go away but we are still here in our conquered country dealing with surviving in the new civilized world best we can and trying to keep our identity. Im proud of anyone that can identify with their heritage, Irish, Indian or whatever it may be. so stop telling our people we cant be proud of who we are and be supportive of whatever your beliefs may be , after hundreds of years when can you leave us alone and concentrate on yourself
65793219Connection? said on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 11:56 AM
What is the connection between an Eskimo Woman and a pageant designed for the competition of Indian Women? I’m sure they use the term “Indian” loosely to identify their target demographic. If the connection is that of "indigenous women" from around the "World", wouldn't any woman of any race qualify to compete regardless of their indigenous origin? If the title of “Miss Indian World” was decided on in order to limit or specify their target then my question is how does an Eskimo fit their requirements more than any other indigenous person (regardless of red, brown, black, yellow or white)?
65798917Jerry said on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 1:05 PM
'We dont live in a fairy tale world' - Id really have to disagree with that statement because everyone that watches television, movies, listens to the radio, and even believes them, then yes, they do live in a fairy tale world because that is what 'they' have given us. Sex ,drugs, and rock & roll; everywhere I look, EVERYONe is in a fairy tale world, because the deception of the charmers, enchanters, and occultists have blinded and deafend all man and woman kind to believe that this 'competition' even has to EXIST! ONLY way to STAY CONQUERED is to be and REMAIN DIVIDED..Want self determinism? Best wake up from hollywoods dreamcatcher.
65805057Donna said on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 3:07 PM
Being a mother of a large family, a friend asked me what she should do to encourage her young daughter. My reply was that she should emphasis on her relationship with God and her self identity. In any culture you have to have a balance to survive. Elizabeth has and will be blessed with many oportunities to share her culture and hopefully bridge relationships with people who enjoy learning new things. Knowledge is power, and the more we are open to learn about each other, life itself gets a little easier and manageable. So, my daughter, Elizabeth, share your voice, your gifts, and especially your kindness through your smiles. We are very proud of you and love you very much!
65814007jobojean said on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 3:35 PM
Another young woman from Alaska will be at this same event. Marjorie Tahbone won a local pagaent in Nome (Miss Arctic Native Brotherhood) and went on to win the title of Miss WEIO (World Eskimo Indian Olympics) held in Fairbanks last July. I wish both of these ladies luck!
65815577snowalker said on Wednesday, Apr 27 at 1:48 PM
Why can't everyone just celebrate the fact that she is attending and representing our great state? I don't see what difference it makes whether this is a pageant for Miss Indian World or Miss Timbuktoo World. I'm a white chic and I say GO GIRL GO!!!
65904194Anonymous said on Saturday, Apr 30 at 11:55 AM
I am so proud of you Elizabeth, we wish you the very best! from your family in Barrow!
66133057you may do what ever said on Saturday, Apr 30 at 2:49 PM
you may do what ever in your own native land, in your home, but please respect your host!!! AND ADMIT THAT YOU ARE A GUEST AND TRYING TO INVADE OUR PRIVACY IF YOU TRY TELLING US WHATS RIGHT OR WRONG. HOW RUDE CAN U GET. NATIVE AMERICANS ARE HOSTS OF OUR HOME!!
66138737you may do what ever said on Saturday, Apr 30 at 3:12 PM
DO NOT STEAL FROM OTHERS HOMES, IF YOU HAVE RETURN WHAT YOU HAVE STOLEN, IF YOU HAVE SOLD WHAT IS NOT YOURS RETURN IT. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR HOME, AND FOREVER TRY TO BE BLIND AND HUMBLE OUR SELVES FOR ALL THE DISRESPECT AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF. LOOK AT THE PFD PPL COMPLAIN WHO SHOULD GET IT AND WHO SHOULD NOT GET IT. IF PPL WANT TO FIND TRUE WAY OF LIVING RIGHTEOUS THE TRUE HUMAN RIGHTS LAW COULD BE FOUND IN THE BIBLE
66139429maed said on Monday, May 2 at 1:15 AM
Yeah, probably like the whites only world that has been. When natives were herded like cattle to live in pitiful situations. where they could not go into white public places or get health needs taken care of. All the while, what they had was taken away. But the love and pride in their heritage lives on today. I love my ancestors and am so glad they hung taught me the love of Christ.
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