2026 Kainai Princess Pageants Showcases Talents of Aspiring Youth
by Blood Tribe Communications Officer Henry Heavyshield
The 2026 Kainai Princess Pageant, held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Standoff Multi-Purpose Building brought together contestants and their families, community members, and supporters for an empowering evening that celebrated Blackfoot culture.
Selena Medicine Shield, Princess Pageant Coordinator/Manager, emphasized what stood out most about this year’s group of talented contestants.
“The importance of culture, a lot of the contestants really emphasized their culture, traditions, and elders. Especially in their speeches, they were able to tell us where they came from, who their grandparents were, how they are involved in our culture,” said Medicine Shield.
“It’s important that Kainai people come together for these types of events, especially the families of the contestants, and I think it’s a nice way to have the contestants grow comfortable to enter any other pageants in the future,” added Medicine Shield.
The event began with warm introductions from the organizer, Selena Medicine Shield, and the master of ceremonies Tony Delaney, as well as introductions from the current year’s Kainai Princesses. They welcomed all attendees and participants’ families and acknowledged the importance of encouraging the next generation to embrace their culture with pride and confidence.
Current Kainai Senior Princess Kodi Plume had the following words of encouragement for contestants.
“A pageant is a learning experience. You learn so many new things when you run for a title. You learn confidence. You learn to face your fears, and it’s okay to put yourself out there and do these things, and even if you don’t win, you guys are all winners by heart, and I’m just happy that you girls decided to run,” said Plume.
This year featured 17 contestants from each of the three categories: Tiny Tots, Junior Princess and Senior Princess. They each had the opportunity to introduce themselves by reading a prepared speech, demonstrating their proficiency in Blackfoot, and showcasing their dancing abilities within their respective categories. The drum group Little Rock kept the songs going all evening.
The pageant highlighted both the participants’ individual talents, while also serving as a living example of our Blackfoot values and teachings. The generous encouragement shown by family members and community supporters created an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere for all in attendance.
The Kainai Princess Pageant committee would like to extend a thank you to all the generous sponsors whose support helped make this event possible: Blood Tribe Administration, Doug’s Sports, Florals By Kennedy Blood, Blood Tribe Communications and Blood Tribe Chief and Council.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to all organizers, volunteers, master of ceremonies, judges, including Trissly Black Water, Santanita Oka, Iinakay Mountain Horse, Tatiana Weasel Moccassin, Sierra Shade, and Jaimes Big Sorrel Horse, and everyone whose work behind the scenes made this pageant a brilliant success.
Lastly, congratulations to all contestants and thank you to their parents and families for their continued encouragement and commitment. Your support helps preserve and celebrate our Blackfoot traditions while inspiring future generations to carry them forward. To read profiles on all of this year’s contestants, please visit the Kainai Princess Pageant Facebook page.
Medicine Shield had the following words of inspiration for anyone considering entering next year’s pageant.
“To any young girl thinking about entering the Kainai Princess Pageant, I encourage you to go for it. It isn’t about being perfect, it’s about having the courage to put yourself out there, learn more about your culture, build confidence, make new friendships, and create lifelong memories. Every contestant has something unique to offer, and simply stepping onto that stage is something to be proud of. Whether you leave with a title or not, you’ll gain an experience that will stay with you for years to come.”
The crowning ceremony will take place this Saturday at the Kainai Powwow and Celebration at Red Crow Park on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
