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Miss Indian Nations crowned at United Tribes powwow
Monday, September 13, 2004

News from the United Tribes Technical College.

BISMARCK, North Dakota - A member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, whose singing career has taken her around the country, is the new Miss Indian Nations. Bobbi Rae Sage (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara) was crowned the thirteenth Miss Indian Nations on September 11 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Following three days of competition and judging, Miss Sage was presented to an appreciative audience at Lone Star Arena during the 35th United Tribes International Powwow.

“I’m so honored,” Sage told the powwow crowd that number over 4,000. “This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was 7 years old. I thank God for the blessings bestowed on me.”

Miss Sage, 17, a high school senior, has earned widespread acclaim as a talented country and gospel singer. She won her first award at age five in her home community, Mandaree, North Dakota. At age nine she was named North Dakota Indian Education Association Student of the Year, the youngest recipient to receive the award.

More recently she has traveled the nation making over 50 performances per year at schools, hospitals, sobriety conferences, rodeos and prisons. In 2003, she won a North Dakota talent search and auditioned for the television program “American Idol” in New York City. She has two compact disc recordings of gospel, patriotic and country music.

“Get a good education and follow your dreams,” said Sage as advice to young people. “I also feel strongly about the abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on reservations. The end result is never good. I’m proud to say that they’ve never been a part of my life.”

Miss Sage, who also claims Danish, Irish and French ancestors, is a senior at Mandaree Public School. She is the daughter of Willis and Corrine (Brugh) Sage, Mandaree, North Dakota. She is a member of the Three Clan; she has three brothers and one sister. Her Indian name is “Lead Woman,” given to her by her late grandmother, who said she will be “a helper to her people.”

Miss Sage thanked her parents and grandparents and members of her tribe for their support, and praised the other pageant participants.

After graduating from high school, Miss Sage plans to attend college in South Dakota and pursue an education in medicine and become an obstetrician.

Students attending Youth Day at the United Tribes Powwow selected Miss Sage for the Children’s Choice Award. Outgoing Miss Indian Nations Cody E. Harjo, Ada, OK, crowned her.

Competing for the national title were eight other candidates from tribes around the country. Named First Runner Up and winner of the talent award was Mialyn Spoonhunter (Northern Arapaho) Browning, MT. Selected Second Runner Up was Angela Picard (Nez Perce) Lapwai, ID. Third Runner Up was Autaquay Takemah Jai Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag) Chelsea, MA.

Jacqueline Tai Simpson (Nez Perce) Lewiston, ID, was named Miss Congeniality and also received the President’s Award. Patricia Amos (Jicarilla Apache/Mississippi Choctaw) Dulce, NM, received the Tribal Chairman’s Award.

Also participating were Mary Eagle (Standing Rock) Fort Yates, ND, Jamie Littlewolf (Ojibwe) Bemidji, MN, and Starla Moses-Hyipeer (Yakama) White Swan, WA.

With the title comes a scholarship, yearlong travel opportunities, sponsorships and numerous gifts. Contestants were judged on traditional skills, public appearance and presentations, communication skill and speaking ability, personal conduct, and answers to general and impromptu questions.

The Miss Indian Nations program is open to American Indian women ages 17 to 26. Miss Sage will serve for one year as a cultural ambassador. United Tribes Technical College coordinates her public appearances. Donations and sponsorships are welcome.