Maykh’ Nuchu, family, and friends,
My name is Olyvia Watts, and I am the outgoing Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate 2024-2025. I am 10 years old and in 5th grade at Ignacio Elementary School. I am a member of the Ignacio Elementary Student Council and the current Elbert J. Floyd Award recipient. My father is Orion Watts, my mother is Jalisa Paul, and I have one sibling named Orion Watts Jr. My paternal grandparents are Bo Watts and Laurie Monte, and my maternal grandparents are Jimmy Paul (deceased) and Tara Vigil.
This is my final quarterly report, please enjoy the list of events I have attended during the months of June, July, August, and September.
June:
- 11th-12th: Opening of the “Ute Exhibit” at the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. I participated in daily introductions, dance performances, and hosting Ute Jeopardy.
July:
- 3rd: Fort Duchesne Youth Powwow.
- 4th: Pageant and Crowning of the new Fourth of July Princesses. Congratulations to the winners!
- 4th-6th: Fort Duchesne Fourth of July Celebration.
- 7th: Opening Ceremony for the Tri-Ute Games in Fort Duchesne, Utah. I also played basketball at the Tri-Ute games on team “Ute Tribe.” It was great to make new friends from our sister tribes.
- 10th: Closing Ceremony for the Tri-Ute Games.
- 18th: Southern Ute Graduation Banquet at the Double Tree in Durango, Colo. Congratulations to all graduates!
- 26th: San Ignacio Parade.
August:
- 1st-2nd: Ute Mountain Casino Powwow and crowning of the new Miss Indian Colorado in Towaoc, Colo.
- 8th-10th: Shoshone Bannock Festival in Fort Hall, Idaho.
- 22nd: Employee Appreciation Day at Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colo.
September:
- 12th: I attended the Southern Ute Fair Kick Off Meal at the Multi-Purpose, hosted my Farewell dinner at the Sky Ute Downs, then led in the first Grand Entry of the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Powwow before passing my crown down to the next Little Miss Southern Ute Alt.
This past year was filled with lots of great travels and events. A few of my favorites were the Seminole Powwow in Florida, Denver March Powwow, and the Miss Indian World Talent Presentation in Albuquerque, N.M.
I would like to conclude this report by expressing my gratitude.
To my fellow royalty, Maleina, thank you for guiding me and always being so nice. Leandra, I’ve gained a role model and a big sister in you. Malia, my bestie! Thank you for making this year so much fun, I can’t wait to dance with you again. And Theoden, you’re so cool, I love watching you dance and will always cheer you on.
Thank you to all my family, especially my mom, dad, Grandma Tara, Grandma Laurie, Grandma Darlene, Aunt Dona, and the best aunties in the world, Alana and Tricia. I have learned so much from each of you. Thank you for always wanting to travel with me and getting me what I need for my regalia.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and for the many kind words I received throughout the year. I had so much fun and hope I get the chance to represent my people again.
Tog’oiak’,
Olyvia Watts
Outgoing Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate
2024-2025