University of Mobile
Student Miss Indian Alabama 2008

Mikayla Snow may have her speech professor partly to thank for her new role as Miss Indian Alabama. Her outstanding poise and talent didn’t do any harm, either.

Snow, a member of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians of Mount Vernon, Ala., competed and won the second annual Miss Indian Alabama Competition in Montgomery, Ala., on Nov. 10. The pageant, hosted by the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, was part of the festivities that commemorate Native American heritage during American Indian Heritage month.

The University of Mobile junior from Saraland, Ala., first recited in speech class an informative talk about her Native American tribe’s official regalia; then, she recited it on stage; the pageant stage.

Preparations for the competition included writing an essay; studying her tribe history; practicing her talent, which was signing to the praise song “Shout to the Lord;” and having her regalia outfit made. Scores were based on talent, evening gown, regalia, and an interview with the judges. To be eligible for the competition, each contestant must have a tribal roll card from either a state or federally recognized Indian tribe.

A 2005 graduate of Satsuma High School, Snow described the experience as exciting. When she was crowned Miss Indian Alabama, Snow said she was overwhelmed, then ecstatic. Becoming Miss Indian Alabama is “a great honor,” said Snow, the daughter of William and Claudia Snow.

As Miss Indian Alabama 2008, Snow will travel across Alabama, representing Alabama Indian tribes as a “goodwill ambassador” and attending powwows, a gathering which includes Indian dances, food and arts and crafts. She will also travel to the state capital for a photo opportunity with Alabama’s governor.

Snow has participated in traditional Indian dances since she was 5 years old and has served as the princess of her tribe numerous times.

In April 2008, Snow will compete with approximately 50 other contestants for the title of Miss Indian World. The competition is part of the 25th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M. The winner will travel around the U.S. representing Native American Indians.

After Snow graduates from UM’s five-year integrated accounting program, in which she receives both an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s in business administration (MBA), she will be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam. Then she said she plans to work in partnership with a local CPA, and eventually a larger corporation in Atlanta.

She said the University of Mobile has prepared her for her career by helping to shape her personality, character and beliefs. It has also helped her scholastically, because “it is a good school to go for accounting,” said Snow.

“UM has helped me be more goal-oriented,” she added.

Attending the University of Mobile is not the only activity that has been beneficial to Snow. Participating in the Miss Indian Alabama competition definitely has its perks.

“It was a great experience with great rewards,” Snow said.

The rewards: the honor of representing Alabama’s nine recognized Indian tribes and the dignity that comes along with the title.

An added bonus: a $5,000 scholarship to be used for her schooling at the University of Mobile.

For further information regarding the Miss Indian Alabama Competition, call the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission at 334-242-2831.

By Rebecca Capone, Senior, Communication