Miss Indian Northwest (MINW) was founded in 1969 by Barbara Alatorre (Klamath, Yakama), the President of the Portland American Indian Center. MINW has served as a platform for Indigenous women of distinction and honor for fifty-five years. As the oldest Native pageant in serving Northwest tribes in America, MINW crowns one tribal leader each year to serve as an ambassador representing all Northwest tribes. 

Each year, the elected Queen engages in outreach and cultural exchange with tribes throughout the region, beginning in 1969 with the crowning of Ramona Fry (Colville). In the years since, each MINW has gone on to educate and inspire generations of Native youth to preserve their traditions and sovereignty.

Franklin Pierce Northwest is proud to be working hand in hand with Becca Kirk (Klamath, Leech Lake Anishinabe), grandaughter of founder Barbara Alatorre and 2024 Director of the Pageant, to bring MINW back after many years of hiatus. FPNW has offered a GAAP grant and donations to help make this event a reality. This year, join us at City of Roses Delta Park Powwow in Portland, OR on Thursday, June 13th to witness the crowning of Miss Indian Northwest ‘24-’25! Enjoy live entertainment, refreshments, and the traditional talent segment presented by each of the contestants.

The Pageant will kickoff with the talent presentation Thursday, June 13th at 7pm!

Oregon OMSI Museum of Science, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Doors at 5pm, Pageant 7pm - 9pm