Photos provided by the 5th Annual University of Nevada Reno Powwow. Thank you to The Center for Student Cultural Diversity, UNR Native American Alumni Chapter, and the Native American Student Organization.

A member of the Hupa (Hoopa) Valley Tribe in Northern California, 23 year old Brooke Grant is also of Yurok, Karuk and Chippewa descent. She is the daughter of Lisa Marie Grant  and the late Byron Lane Grant, Jr. and the granddaughter of both Byron Lane Grant, Sr. & Eileen Grant and Mike & Barbara Ferris, all of Hoopa, California. She has two younger sisters, Lindsay Rae and Barbara Eileen, of Sacramento, California.

Being raised by a single parent since the age of 10, with many uncles who became “second Dads” to her; Brooke especially appreciates her Mothers strength and the support of a large family. Always striving to learn and enjoy life, Brooke enjoys reading, cultural learning (language/traditions), big dinners with close friends, laughter, cheering on the LA Lakers, and the special bond shared with her grandparents.

When Brooke was 19 years old, her aspiration to become Miss Indian World began when, as a former Miss NCAI, she participated in a youth empowerment mentorship program which highlighted youth suicide prevention. The youth’s feedback had a strong impact upon her spirit and inspired her to continue national community initiatives for Native/Indigenous peoples. After making the decision to participate in the Miss Indian World program and seriously considering the responsibilities, Brooke prepared, with her mentor Callie Lara, for more than a year. Equally important to Brooke was to promote cultural awareness of the Hupa Tribe and honor her ancestors. Thus, Brooke represented her Tribe traditionally dressed and barefoot throughout the competition and Powwow. This has been a positive move as by doing so, many inquiries were received about her traditional dress and she offers this description:
 
“The Hupa ceremonial regalia is common to the Native Tribal river communities of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. During ceremonial dances, women wear a buckskin apron and skirt usually adorned with culturally based significant items such as: shells, abalone, pine nuts, cedar berries, dentalia, and bear grass. The skirt, worn around the waist and upper body, is covered with multiple necklace strands fashioned from the same materials utilized on the skirt and apron. Not common to other Tribes, traditionally women did not wear a bra under the strands of necklaces; however, in modern times, a buckskin bra has been adapted and worn when appropriate and a show of respect. Tightly woven caps, made from willow sticks are worn and hair is traditionally either braided or tied in a bun. If braided, fur hair wraps are appropriate. Women and men both traditionally are barefoot as a result of our calm climate.”

As the 2009-2010 Miss Indian World, Brooke is humbled, honored, and feels blessed to have the opportunity to represent her people, her community, and Native/Indigenous Peoples worldwide. She also sends prayers, special appreciation and acknowledgments to her MIW “sisters” who beautifully shared their languages, regalia, laughter and hugs adding “any one of them could be Miss Indian World”.
 
Brooke humbly expresses her thanks to her family, her mentor Callie Lara, Gathering of Nations, Miss Indian World Staff, Emergence Productions, and to the many who offered prayers, support and good words.