Little Miss Cherokee Marcela Garcia introduces herself at the NCAI Conference in Reno, Nev. (Photos courtesy of Melissa Garcia)
Thank you papa!
Little Miss Cherokee meets with NCAI president Jefferson Keel (right).
I would like to take this time to thank my papa, who is also one of my sponsors, for allowing me to go with him to the NCAI Conference in Reno, Nev. I got to meet the President of NCAI, Jefferson Keel. He was a very nice man, and I have a lot of respect for him and what he does for Indian country. It was an amazing experience for me. I introduced myself to the NCAI panel and all of their guests. I also met different members from Alaska, New Mexico and even one from Cherokee. I also got to meet a good friend of my papas, Billy Mills. Thank you Papa for this great experience! I had an awesome time and it is something I will never forget. It was an honor for me to go and represent the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians! I am doing my best to represent my people and I have loved every minute of it!!!
Much love and respect
Marcela Garcia
2012 Little Miss Cherokee
Little Miss Cherokee and her family meet with Billy Mills, 1960 Olympic Gold medalist and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Shown (left-right) back row – Joe Garcia, Mills; front row – Emiliano Garcia, Little Miss Cherokee Marcela Garcia, and Oneva Garcia.
