Hello, my name is Yllana-Chanelle Nanacivuchi Howe. I am Little Miss Southern Ute 2012-13.

I would like to update all the tribal members on what I have been doing to represent as an ambassador for the Southern Ute Tribe.

On Sept. 8, 2012, I was crowned Little Miss Southern Ute 2012-13 at the Southern Ute Tribal Fair. On Thursday, Sept. 27, I was part of the “hand-holding” along the Animas River Trail during Durango Connect, for which more than 9,000 people linked hands to commemorate a seven-mile stretch of paved trails.

From that event, I traveled to California to attend the Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow in Cabazon on Sept. 28-30.

In October 2012, I was one of the Bobcats of the Month at the Ignacio Elementary School. Students were honored for being helpful, having a good attitude in class, and showing a willingness to learn. On Sunday, Oct. 21, I helped escort Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in a procession from St. Ignatius Catholic Church through downtown Ignacio and back to the church. On Oct. 29, I participated with other Southern Ute Royalty members in the Southern Ute Police Department’s Halloween Carnival at the SunUte Community Center.

On Friday, Nov. 2, youth bull riding finals came to Ignacio’s Sky Ute Fairgrounds; I helped during the event’s welcome with other Southern Ute Royalty members and elders. On Saturday, Nov. 3, I traveled to Meeker, Colo., to attend the blessing of the Capitals Christmas Tree, dance performances, and a parade.

On Saturday, Nov. 17, I greeted tribal members at the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. On Tuesday, Nov. 20, other dancers, royalty members and I demonstrated a variety of traditional dances and a round dance with students for Native American Heritage Month at the Ignacio Elementary, Intermediate and High schools.

On Nov. 24, I danced with my family and other cultural dancers at the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum during a Native food tasting.

On Dec. 7, 2012, I traveled to the first annual Hustle Your Bustle Powwow at the Denver Indian Center.

On Jan. 12, I met with Okesene Marino and his group, who were visiting from Samoa, and had lunch. They gave me a name, Tausala, which means “princess.” They toured the museum and we took group pictures.

Thank you,

Yllana Howe

Little Miss Southern Ute 2012-13