By AMORIE GUNTER
MISS CHEROKEE 2016-17
Siyo nigada,
Hello everyone, my name is Amorie Gunter and I am the 21-year-old daughter of Frank and Angie Gunter, and we are the proud residents of the Birdtown Community. I am your new 2016-2017 Miss Cherokee.
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, I competed against three very talented and beautiful young women. I am extremely honored and blessed to be the one that will represent and be an ambassador for our tribe over the course of this next year. The day after I was crowned, a full week was ahead of me.
Miss Cherokee Amorie Gunter (far left, back row) is shown with the other EBCI royalty with David Archambault II, Standing Rock Sioux Tribal chairman, during the opening day of the USET Annual Meeting at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Monday, Oct. 24. Shown (left-right) back row – Miss Cherokee Amorie Gunter, Chairman Archambault, Teen Miss Cherokee Jade Ledford; front row – Junior Miss Cherokee Alitama Perkins and Little Miss Cherokee Nevayah Panther. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, I had the honor of attending the 17th Annual Prayer Breakfast. That night, I had the pleasure of being joined be our newly-crowned Teen Miss Cherokee Jade Ledford and Little Miss Cherokee Nevayah Panther. On Thursday, Oct. 6, I attended Elders Day. I loved this day because I was able to talk to many of them, and I even had the pleasure of serving some. Our elders are the backbone of this Tribe and I am so happy that we have a day devoted to them!
That night, Teen Miss Cherokee, Little Miss Cherokee, and myself welcomed our final sister Junior Miss Cherokee Alitama Perkins. The next day, Friday, Oct. 7, I attended Veterans Day, and I was able to talk to some of the brave men and women who have fought for our country. That night, I was asked to perform in a traditional wear fashion show. I wore an early 18th century outfit that our ancestors would have worn. It’s always rewarding when I get to teach other people about my cultures traditions, and this was a fun way to do that.
The last day of the fair was Saturday, Oct. 8, and it was also Community Day. I had the honor of participating in a prayer circle. This was a very powerful ceremony and one that I look forward to participating in again. This brought so many of our community members together and showed that, no matter if we live in different places, we are all still one big community.
USET began on Monday, Oct. 24, and I had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremony and got to meet many tribal officials from many different tribes. I look forward to traveling and making memories with the other beautiful royalty, as well as representing my tribe. If anyone would like for me to attend an event, then please email ebcimisscherokee@gmail.com.
Sgi. Thank you!
