TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A Kansas woman earned a prestigious title at the 2025 Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this year.
“Growing up, I always looked up to any kind of royalty, especially Miss Indian World,” says Dania Wahwasuck, Miss Indian World 2025.
Wahwasuck was among 23 women vying for the title of Miss Indian World at this year’s Gathering of Nations.
It’s the largest powwow in North America, bringing together tribes for a dazzling celebration of native culture.
“When I first heard Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, that’s when I got a little emotional,” she says.
Pageant contestants showed their skills in four categories.
Wahwasuck won the essay portion with a powerful message about education, which is at the center of her platform.
“I think generational trauma has a lot to do with that because we have this connotation and what our ancestors lived through was boarding schools,” Wahwasuck says. “Things change and now we can use that as a weapon to empower our communities.”
She’s currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Kansas and has plans to complete a PhD after that, but Wahwasuck’s perspective on education is far broader than a college campus.
“Education is not just schooling, that could also mean learning more about your language and your culture as well,” she says.
Her second win came in the dance category.
Dancers learn footwork and moves like spins and kicks but there’s no choreography.
“When you actually get out there to dance it just comes from the heart,” she says.
Competing in the pageant did more than earn her the title of Miss Indian World 2025.
“It inspires you to learn more about your traditions and your culture and where you come from and who you are,” Wahwasuck says.
Wahwasuck now serves as an ambassador for the native community.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will host a powwow June 6-8 at Prairie People’s Park in Mayetta.
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