Congratulations to our new Miss Indian OCU Grace Mertz! She was crowned March 8 by former Miss Indian OCU, Sydney Wahkinney at a ceremony at the Wilson House on the OKCU campus.
鈥淢iss Indian OKCU serves as an ambassador for not only the Native American Society but also for the university throughout Indian Country,鈥� said Russ Tallchief, director of student engagement, inclusion and multicultural programs. 鈥淲ith the title she earns a great deal of respect among the Native students on campus, as well as alumni, and community members.鈥�
The Native American Society has included the title of Miss Indian OCU for many years. Most universities with active native student organizations have princesses, which represent their organizations. Miss Indian OCU will represent the Native American Society at the annual powwow as well as other powwows across the state.
鈥淭he position is historic in that there is only one Miss Indian OCU each year, thus Grace has secured her place in the history of OCU Native American life. When she wears her traditional Choctaw clothing to events, she wears a beautiful silver crown, which is handmade for the position of Miss Indian OCU. She also wears a sash that bears her name, tribe, and title for all to see,鈥� said Tallchief.
Coming to a school in Oklahoma provided me with more options to be connected.
鈥淚鈥檓 from Northwest Arkansas so I did not have many opportunities to be involved with my tribe. Coming to a school in Oklahoma provided me with more options to be connected. I joined the Native American Society (NAS) here on campus in the fall in hopes of learning more about my heritage and Native American life,鈥� said Grace.
鈥淲hen the role for Miss Indian OCU became open, I was encouraged to take this role by my peers in NAS. At first I was hesitant because I felt unprepared, not having grown up actively involved in a Native American community,鈥� said Grace.
I realized this was an incredible opportunity for me to embrace my heritage and learn as much as I possibly can while representing my fellow Native students at OCU.
鈥淏ut I realized this was an incredible opportunity for me to embrace my heritage and learn as much as I possibly can while representing my fellow Native students at OCU. For me this is an opportunity of a lifetime. During my reign, I hope to encourage more students to join the Native American Society so they too can learn more about the rich cultures of Native Americans.鈥�
