The Cherokee Nation has adopted a Declaration of Designed Purpose that articulates attributes of Cherokee leadership. The Miss Cherokee program is a method to select from candidates who are young Cherokee females that best exemplify those attributes, which includes integrity, communication skills and respectfulness.

Miss Cherokee serves as a goodwill ambassador and messenger to promote the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee people. As an ambassador and messenger of the Cherokee people, the representative is a role model and is expected to exemplify the best qualities of Cherokee youth.

During her reign, Miss Cherokee attends various events throughout the Cherokee Nation, such as community meetings, parades, and schools to share her “message.” She may also attend statewide and national events at the discretion of the Miss Cherokee committee.

Eligibility requirements for Miss Cherokee are: (1) Must be between 18 and 22 years of age before the date of competition (17 year olds are also eligible if they are high school graduates); (2) Must be ¼ degree, or more, of Cherokee blood; (3) Must be a high school graduate or have attained a GED; (4) Must not have been married or have ever cohabited; (5) Must not have children; (6) Must not have previously served as Miss Cherokee.

Info provided by the Cherokee Nation Cultural Resource Center. For information regarding culture and language, please contact:

cultural@cherokee.org

Miss Cherokee 2004-2005

ASHLEE KAY CHAUDOIN

Ashlee is a Sophomore at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Pre-Law. She is a member of the Student Alumni Association, Delta Gamma Sorority, Native American Club, American Indian Student Association and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Ashlee has knowledge of and can demonstrate basket weaving, stickball, marbles, blowgun and preparing Indian dishes.

Ashlee has chosen the importance of Education as her platform.