Enumclaw resident Jolene Lozier joined 16 other Native American women who competed for the title of Miss Indian World 2013.

The Miss Indian World Pageant is a part of the Gathering of Nations, the largest powwow in North America. People from different indigenous nations throughout North America gathered at the University of New Mexico’s University Arena – also known as “The Pit” – in Albuquerque April 25 to 27.

Lozier, 25, is a member of the Muckleshoot and Yakama tribes. She grew up in Enumclaw and now attends the Muckleshoot branch of Northwest Indian College. She hopes to work with tribal youth as an educator in her near future.

Lozier traveled to the gathering as a young girl and said from that age she knew that someday she would compete herself.

“I knew I wanted to run, to be like those young woman and inspire other youth to strive for something and chase their dreams,” she said.

She enjoyed connecting with other young women at the powwow but admits that portions of the competition made her a bit nervous. Bright lights and a large crowd at the talent segment were mildly overwhelming, she said.

Miss Indian World contestants competed in several capacities such as; tribal knowledge, public communications and traditional talent ability. As part of the competition, each girl danced to powwow music in traditional regalia. In the event of a tie, the girls use points acquired from the sale of raffle tickets.

The 2013 Miss Indian World pageant began at 7 p.m. April 25 and continued until 7:30 p.m. April 27, when Kansas K. Begaye was crowned.

Begaye will serve as an ambassador for the Gathering of Nations as she journeys to indigenous communities all over the world.

Pictures and videos from the Gathering of Nations, as well as a nationwide schedule of powwows, can be found at powwows.com.