FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 16, 2023
Contact: Ken Smith, Public Relations Director
kenneth.smith@klamathtribes.com; 541-783-2219 ext. 147
Michelle Ochoa, Klamath Tribes News Reporter
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Klamath Tribes Restoration Queens Contestants Gather Monday Night – Winner to be Presented at Restoration Powwow Aug. 26
CHILOQUIN, Ore. – On Monday, Aug. 14, a gathering was hosted by the Klamath Tribes Powwow committee at Gos olgi gowa for contestants of this year’s Restoration Ceremony Queen. Each contestant gave a presentation on their own personal cultural knowledge and experience prior to their interviews by the panel of four judges. The judges were Taylor Tupper, Natalie Ball, RaeDawn Weiser, and the previous Restoration Queen, AiYana Reyes.
The previous Queens from years prior mentor the new Queens in their new role. Some of the categories covered in their interviews were: what they see as the future of the Tribes and what they have personally contributed to their Tribes and community. They also make their own regalia, including their ribbon skirts. Reyes, the outgoing Queen, wished everyone “good luck.” The interview panel would tally their results at the end of the evening. They were each asked to present something that had meaning to
them.
Alivia Miller said she practiced Fancy dance with young girls and added, “I love dancing. I am very passionate, and I ask them to find their own purpose why they dance.” Her Grandmother had supported her all through her life and inspired her to dance.
Shayla Ochoa’s presentation was on the sweat lodge and its meaning. “It’s where we go to talk to the Creator and our loved ones who have passed on,” she commented. She further described how the materials were used and how the lodges were built, past and present. She then sang the closing song she learned growing up in the lodge.
Alexa Martinez, a pre-med college student studying to be a physician, sang three songs and told the audience that “when I sing, I feel the power of the people and my ancestors watching.” She brought out her drum, which she made, and necklaces she also made and ended with a Healing song. She also added how she enjoys learning her native language, “Every little bit is a start,” she said.
Natasha Roberson presented a slide show with photos of gathering first foods such as wokas and huckleberry. Other photos she presented showed the use of Tule reeds for making mats for houses, baskets, and duck decoys for hunting. She also shared her participation in ceremonies, sports activities, and work on the Youth Council, encouraging more public speaking. Her next adventure, she said, is to
learn to dance, and she added that she has been making her own regalia.
The girls will sell raffle tickets to raise money for the Restoration Powwow, and the new Restoration Queen will be announced at the Restoration Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 26, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The four Restoration Ceremony Queen contestants and outgoing queen. From left to right: Alivia Miller, Alexa Martinez, AiYana Reyes, Shayla Ochoa, and Natasha Roberson. (Photo courtesy of AiYana Reyes. Image available for media use).
