Cranbrook sisters crowned Miss and Lil’ Miss Kootenai

ELMO — Two young ladies from Cranbrook, British Columbia who are outstanding students are the 2012-2013 Miss and Lil’ Miss Kootenai.

Eleven year-old Raven Fisher-Feltham will be entering the 7th grade at Parkland Middle School in Cranbrook, British Columbia. She was named the best female athlete at her school this past year and carries an “A” average.

Shadaiah “Shady” celebrated her 14th birthday on July 28th and will be entering the 9th grade at Parkland Middle School. Her top priority is school; she takes a lot of pride in education and carries an “A” average. She strives to be a great role model to her sister Raven, as well as all her younger cousins.

These young ladies are from the Akisqnuk-First Nation band. They prepared for the trip to Elmo by selling raffle tickets. Traveling with their family drum group, “Bloodline,” these young ladies plan to represent the Ktunaxa Nation at many powwows and gatherings. They also plan to continue to learn their language and culture to carry on to future generations.

The royalty competition took place during the 33rd Annual Standing Arrow Powwow, July 20–22. The competition included: an interview, dance, speech, and participation in There were five young ladies who competed for this year’s honors of Lil’ Miss and Miss Kootenai. Miss Kootenai runner-up, with a two-point difference, was Megan Caye of Ronan. The two runner-ups for Lil’ Miss Kootenai was Anastassia “Ana” Michel from Dayton, and Shylei Tenas from Polson.