Enumclaw resident Jolene Lozier will join 16 other Native American women who are competing 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 will gather 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 from that tender 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’s looking forward to connecting with other young women at the powwow but admits that portions of the competition make her a bit nervous. Bright lights and a large crowd at the talent segment can be mildly overwhelming, she said.

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

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

The 2013 Miss Indian World pageant begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and continues until 7:30 pm on Saturday, when the winner will be crowned.

For those who want to experience the event and cheer on an Enumclaw native, live streaming will be available online at powwows.com.