Ontaria Arrow White crowned 2021 Miss Shoshone-Bannock Queen
Ontaria Arrow White with a picture of her younger self wearing the Miss
Shoshone-Bannock crown and banner.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — It was a long-time dream come true for Ontaria Arrow White, who was crowned the 2021 Miss Shoshone-Bannock on Friday, January 15 at an honoring at the Tribal Council Chambers.
Fort Hall Business Council member Lee Juan Tyler offered a prayer song for the event.
Royalty Committee Chair Alex Alvarez welcomed those in attendance, which included members of the FHBC, Ontaria’s family and supporters and the royalty committee.
Alvarez acknowledged the outgoing Miss Sho-Ban Stormie Perdash for her service and wished her the best in her future endeavors.
She introduced Ontaria, who was the original first attendant to the crown. She explained when the Royalty Committee reached out to ask her if she would be willing to carry on the title she whole-heartedly agreed to it.
Alvarez said, “Our Miss Shoshone-Bannock ambassador and title carrier is more than just going to powwows. She serves as our ambassador for our people — she travels around carrying the news for the Fort Hall Festival; but more than that our Miss Sho-Ban’s have a platform that they share with our community.”
She said they can be asked to share their traditional knowledge with the community, students in schools, as well as have the opportunity to attend some of the tribal council meetings and events.
“Our Miss Shoshone-Bannocks are one of the most prestigious titles that a young woman can attain,” she said. “And we’re very excited and very honored to have Ontaria carry on this title.”
Spring Creek sang an honor song to mark the special occasion.
FHBC members offered their congratulations to Ontaria. Marlene Skunkcap thanked Ontaria and asked all former Miss Sho-Ban’s to stand up and be recognized. Chairman Devon Boyer thanked Ontaria for accepting the honor and was glad to see her family there to support her. He also thanked Stormie for her time as well. Donna Thompson said she saw Ontaria grow up and she was proud of her. She said she knew she would do a good job. Lee Juan Tyler thanked her for stepping up and said he looks forward to eating more of her Bannock Bread. Elma Thompson thanked her for coming forward to fill the role and said it was important to have good representation. Ladd Edmo congratulated her and wished her well.
Many in attendance took the opportunity to give Ontaria words of encouragement for her road ahead.
Ontaria was given time to introduce herself, she comes from the Fort Hall District and is a full-time student at Idaho State University pursuing her general studies. She is undecided on her major, but is taking a nutrition class that has her leaning towards the health field.
“I am very excited to accept the crown and the title of Miss Shoshone-Bannock. It has been my dream ever since I was 10-years-old to be Miss Shoshone-Bannock,” she said, as she held up a picture of her as a child wearing the crown, which at the time, was held by her sister, Natasha Watson.
“I’m proud to be a part of the legacy of a strong woman. I know it will be a busy year, but I look forward to working with our community,” she said.
Her goal as Miss Sho-Ban is to work with tribal programs, like the Elderly Nutrition, to be involved in community events, and to be a good role model. For her platform she wants to bring more awareness for diabetes prevention.
“I want everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
To stay close to her culture throughout the pandemic, Ontaria says she visits her grandparents and elders to talk to them and ask questions about the tribe, the ceremonies and language. She also uses social media to watch local tribal people who share their knowledge of the language. She wants to learn more going forward.
Ontaria was also gifted flowers, a shawl, a trophy, and luggage to be used for her travels.
The event concluded with cupcakes and drinks.
