Press Room: Contestants Sought to Compete for Miss Cherokee Title

Press Room:Contestants Sought to Compete for Miss Cherokee Title.

Sidney Kimble, Miss Cherokee 2011-2012

I find this press release from the Cherokee Nation relevant on multiple levels. It not only shows a perpetuation of their tribal culture, particularly a nod to their matrilinear roots, but also it incorporates a mainstream American event. The winner of this beauty pageant does not represent a state or region, but an entire tribe. She comes to symbolize what the Cherokee believe and what they hope to accomplish. Moreover, all candidates “must be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who resides within the tribe’s jurisdictional area.” Once again, organic and synthetic jurisdiction overlap in this description. The winner will represent Cherokee culture, but must live in the actual tribal territory. Miss Cherokee will not come from Arkansas, Georgia or any other state, but Oklahoma. Organic jurisdiction would transcend the lines on the map, allowing any Cherokee girl to compete for this award. Perhaps, the synthetic jurisdiction guideline keeps the title from being contested too heavily or it simplifies the application process. It seems to constrict what the pageant is really about – facilitating and nurturing Cherokee culture.