The Miss Indian America archive contains materials pertaining to the Miss Indian America pageant held during All American Indian Days in Sheridan, Wyoming from 1954 to 1984. This pageant was envisioned as an alternative to the Miss America pageant. Contestants in both pageants were young, unmarried women who represented their land of orign. Miss America contestants represented their home states and Miss Indian America contestants represented their tribe. The pageants were very similar and contestants in both demonstrated their talents onstage. Miss Indian America contestants did not wear swimsuits but instead wore traditional tribal dresses. The winner of the Miss Indian America pageant embarked on a speaking tour in order to gain awareness for a charity of her choice and also met with the winner of the Miss America pageant. The Miss Indian America pageant was one of the main events of the American Indian Days which celebrated tribal traditions and events over the course of three days.

2.5 Linear Feet (5 boxes: 3 archival boxes and 2 flat boxes)

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The materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.