Jennie Whitehorse with her family.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Jennie Whitehorse was crowned Miss Shoshone-Bannock 2019, February 12 in the Tribal Business Center Council Chambers after Sequoia Pahvitse-Auck resigned because of illness.
Spring Creek Singers sang an honor song for the new queen and Fort Hall Business Council member Lee Juan Tyler gave the prayer.
Tribal Royalty Committee Chairperson Darla Morgan explained Pahvitse-Auck resigned because she believed she wasn’t able to fulfill her duties. “We wish her the best and prayer for her,” Morgan said. As first attendant, Jennie was called upon to step up and after one day of thought, she agreed.
Morgan asked former Miss Shoshone-Bannocks present to come forward and assist with the crowning. A rolling suitcase was opened where Morgan pulled out the crown and beaded sash. Louise E. Dixey helped in placing the crown on Jennie’s head, along with the beaded sash.
Whitehorse, 22, introduced herself in the Shoshone language advising of her parents Margie Jackson Whitehorse and Jackson Whitehorse. Her grandparents are Lillian Ramsey Jackson and the late Lavon Jackson Sr. She lives in the Bannock Creek District, has a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Liberal Studies and works at Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy.
Whitehorse said she’s honored to be given the opportunity to represent the title. “I want to thank the Creator and the continuous support from my family, friends and my community.” She noted there are always people who support her in every goal she has. “I do wish Sequoia Pahvitse-Auck the best and wish her a good blessing for her and her future endeavors.”
Jennie said she will do her best to represent as the Tribes ambassador and pledged to do her best to represent at as many functions she can. She expressed her gratitude to her family and the community members who showed up, took time from work to share her significant moment with her. “I pray to damme uppah to bless each and everyone here and wish they have a good and safe day today.”
Randy’L Teton of Tribal Public Affairs presented Jennie with tribal swag including a baseball cap, a pin, a Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School shirt, along with a coffee mug and Tribal Constitution and Bylaws.
FHBC Chairman welcomed her and said they really appreciate Whitehorse for stepping up to represent the Tribes as the queen is just as important as the council is. He noted Sequoia is not able to continue on and it goes to show how fragile tribal people are – prone to sickness but we continue to live on through prayer. He appreciated the prayer Lee Juan gave and the honor songs. “Hopefully our paths will cross when you’re out there and we’re out there,” he advised Jennie. “We might have to accompany you someplace, we always have to have our royalty with us because everybody like to look at you and not us,” he said.
Chairman Small called upon Spring Creek to sing another honor song while those present congratulated Whitehorse and took time to take photos. She said she intends to run for the Miss Indian World title to represent the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.