"They grow as speakers, as leaders”: A case study of experiential leadership in the Miss World Eskimo–Indian Olympics pageant

Williams, Caroline ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0617-7486 (2019) "They grow as speakers, as leaders”: A case study of experiential leadership in the Miss World Eskimo–Indian Olympics pageant. American Indian Quarterly, 43 (2). pp. 204-235. ISSN 0095-182X

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Abstract

This research explores the adaptation of traditionally objectified women's spaces into an arena for community leadership. Indigenous pageants offer a place for women to become spokespersons on social justice issues without the sexual objectification associated with beauty pageants. Within Native nations, we see examples of youth creating a better life for their community through Indigenous pageants. There is a growing literature among Indigenous studies scholars on community-based women's leadership. Wilma Mankiller offers a theory on Indigenous women's leadership that centers the community at the heart of decision making. The winners of the Miss World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO) all share this common feature; they want to better their communities, and they view the pageant as an opportunity to do so. The women who undertake the weeklong experience participate in community service events in the Fairbanks region. These leaders are immersed in experiential learning, an invaluable opportunity that cannot be replicated through theoretical knowledge. The women are presented with situations in which they share cultural experiences and give advice cross-culturally and cross-generationally. Gaining the opportunity to be a voice for their peoples, the women must quickly consolidate their knowledge and sharpen their communication skills as they are repeatedly questioned about Native Alaskan societies. Using Wilma Mankiller's ideas on community-centered leadership, this article explores the case study of community service events featured in the Miss WEIO contest to illustrate that Native Alaskan pageants can provide youth with an invaluable opportunity for experiential leadership that is intrinsically linked to promoting community well-being.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of Art, Media and American Studies
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Related URLs:	https://muse.jhu.edu/article/722419
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2022 15:30
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2023 03:24
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/88057
DOI:

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