From left, Develynn Hall shows an obsidian tool during her Traditional Talent, and Mauricea Two Eagle smiles during the Public Speaking event.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Develynn Hall and Mauricea Two Eagle were 2024 Miss Indian World contestants representing the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
Although neither of them came home with the crown, they both gained an unforgettable experience. They share their fondest memories of the pageant and what they’ve learned in the process.
Develynn Hall
Develynn Hall formed a great bond with fellow contestants.
“I think I finally know of the sisterhood that all of the past Miss Sho-Ban’s have told me previously. It was such an enlightening experience to be here representing us, Shoshone-Bannocks. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Hall.
Her favorite part of the competition was Traditional Talent Night where she showcased traditional obsidian tool making.
“Being on the stage with the lights and presenting something that was meaningful to me, as an individual but about the Tribe as a whole,” she said.
Her most challenging part was not knowing what to expect. So all she could do was speak from the heart and give the answers in the best way she knew how.
This experience has helped her overcome her self-doubt.
“With myself, I try to have really high expectations as to how I want something to go, how I envision it versus reality. I just want to thank everybody for your positive encouragement, just because, like I said it was mentally tough and I really appreciate all of the support back home. I hope I made everybody proud because I’m proud of myself. I’m proud of my sisters,” she said.
As reigning Miss Shoshone-Bannock, Hall is looking forward to the summer and hopes to cross paths with her 24 new sisters, whom she wants to network.
Mauricea Two Eagle
Mauricea Two Eagle is a three-time competitor for Miss Indian World and this will be her last attempt due to the age restriction.
Her memorable moment was presenting her traditional talent, which was singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider in the English and Washoe languages. She also sang a Washoe prayer song, composed by the late Adele James.
She reflects on the sisterhood.
“To me, it’s not really a competition, it’s the sisterhood, that’s why I kept coming back each year and to represent my tribes, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Washoe Tribe, and the Oglala Lakota Nation,” said Two Eagle.
Mauricea is the daughter of the late Robert Two Eagle and her mother is Connie Kaiser of Nevada-California.
“It was a wonderful experience and any girl from Sho-Ban or anywhere throughout the nation, you should run for Miss Indian World. It’s a good experience,” she said.
Last year she had the opportunity to meet former Miss Sho-Ban, Ontaria Arrow White, who she didn’t know was her cousin.
She said, “I get to meet family. I met new aunties, new sisters and that’s the thing, it’s sisters. You get to bond with one another.”
Mauricea is a business major at Lake Tahoe Community College and this experience helped her to speak more fluently and with communication. It also helped draw attention to the fentanyl problem she wants to bring awareness to.
Mauricea’s plans include running for the Miss Indian Northwest pageant in June and graduating from college next year.
Kassie John of Rock Point, Ariz. was crowned Miss Indian World on Saturday, April 27. She will be a cultural ambassador for Native people throughout the world. She will spend her year traveling and promoting cultural awareness, diversity, and the Gathering of Nations Powwow globally.