2009 Miss Manito Ahbee
Miss Manito Ahbee
Ryanne White
Boozhoo, my name is Ryanne White. I am a 16 year old Lakota/Ojibway currently living in Whitefish Bay, Ontario, with my parents and brother. My father Ryan, an Ojibway from Whitefish Bay, is the Health Director for Whitefish Bay Health Center and also sings with the Whitefish Bay Singers. My mother, Prairie Rose, a Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, works with Child and Family Services, was Miss Indian World. My brother, Darryan, is currently in the 7th grade and is learning to sing, alongside my dad, uncles and Grandfather Andy White.
I carry the same Anishinaabe name as my great grandmother, Maggie White which is Mizhikiiaytamook (Descending Cloud Woman). I also was given the honor of carrying the staff that she carried, through a ceremony which included the elders of Whitefish Bay. The staff I carry is my ndizhiun.
On my mother’s side, my grandparents are Eddie Little Sky, a Lakota Sioux from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, who grew up an actor and starred in many movies and television shows such as The Car, Heart Break Pass, Cimarron, Fantasy Island, Gilligan’s Island and Bonanza. My grandmother Dawn Little Sky, a Lakota from Cannonball, North Dakota, grew up an artist and like my grandfather was in many films and television shows such as Apple Dumpling Gang and Cimarron.
On my father’s side, my grandfather is Andy White. He is an Ojibway, former Chief of Whitefish Bay and one of the founders of the Whitefish Bay Singers. Andy currently resides in Whitefish Bay and carries his tradition and culture with pride and shares it with any person that asks. My grandmother is Caroline White, an Ojibway as well, and is a residential school survivor. Caroline is a jingle dress dancer and carries many teachings regarding the dress.
My families from both sides of my parents have been participating in extracurricular activities such as volleyball, basketball, girls club and track and field. I am involved with leading certain activities within the school like prom, school functions and out of school activities.
My goals and aspirations for the future consist of attending and completing University, majoring in Kinesiology. The Universities I would like to attend are the University of Manitoba or Lakehead University, where my father attended, and graduated. I think that the title of Miss Manito Ahbee will give me a chance to be a role model to my peers and girls of all ages. I feel I am a good role model because I live a drug and alcohol free lifestyle, I am an athlete and I try and do exceptionally well in school. As Miss Manito Ahbee it will be my pleasure to represent the Felicia Soloman family, Miss Manito Ahbee and First Nations people with a focus on youth.
For more information on the 2009 Miss Manito Ahbee Pageant or the International Competition Pow Wow, email powwow@manitoahbee.com
