Daisa One Feather ’10

Hometown

Pine Ridge, South Dakota

About

Last August, Daisa One Feather was selected to represent her tribe as Miss Oglala Lakota Nation, a crown given to one young woman from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation who exemplifies leadership within her community and pride in her culture. A senior at Red Cloud High School this fall, anyone who’s met Daisa knows that her personality is bright, her laugh is contagious and her fashion sense is impeccable. Recently, she took a moment to reflect on her year as Miss Oglala Lakota Nation.

Asked and Answered

What was it like representing your tribe this year?

It was an awesome, exciting experience. I had a lot of fun, attending a number of different events around the country. Certainly, the support I received from both the tribe and the people I met with contributed to this wonderful year.

Was there a particular event you enjoyed attending this year?

There were so many events that it’s hard to pick just one. A highlight, for sure, was dancing at University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals NFL team. It was the first time that a powwow was held in a NFL stadium—that, in itself, I thought was pretty cool.

Any other highlights that come to mind?

The local powwows on the reservation are also really special to me, as they allow me to be amongst close friends, my family and my people. I really love this. As I look back on my reign, I am humbled by the support and recognition humbled upon me by my people.

Besides representing the tribe at powwows and other special events, what did you do to keep yourself busy this year?

School. No really, it kept me super busy. I am involved in many clubs at Red Cloud High School: drama, yoga, math, ceramics, service, student council and dance. I am able to learn so much by being part of these groups. After school, I also take piano classes and just enjoy spending time with my family.

If you had to pinpoint one thing that you learned this year as Miss Oglala Lakota Nation, what would that be?

Learning about different cultures is very important. As Miss Oglala Lakota Nation, I was introduced to many new people, and new ideas. And that’s really what it’s about—the exchange and sharing of one’s history, one’s culture, and life experience. As I prepare to crown at new Miss Oglala Lakota Nation, I look back and think about how proud I am to be from this beautiful nation of people.

Do you have any advice for future Miss Oglala Lakota Nation winners?

Just go for it! I think that goes for anything in life. To those competing for the honor: This crown will only make you want to be better and do more for your tribe. I wish this year’s contestants the best of luck. It’s only a few more days until the 24th Annual Oglala Lakota Nation Powwow, and for you to give up your crown.

How do you feel?

I am very excited! I have been traveling non-stop all year. The culmination of the year is this weekend. I love this powwow, and I love the good times and the good people it brings. I just can’t wait because this will be the last time that I represent my tribe with this crown on, and I want to make the most of it.

Do you have any special plans for this years’ powwow?

My family and I are hosting a Women’s Northern Style Traditional Special Contest with two separate categories in cloth and buckskin. We will also be having a special performance with the eagles from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, on Friday night.

What’s next for you, post-Miss Oglala Lakota Nation?

My senior year at Red Cloud. And then I’ll go to college to study fashion design.

 

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