Tashina Red Hawk, Miss Indian World 2022-23, is coming to the Western Experience

Goodwill Ambassador for Native American culture and traditions speaks and dances in Brabanthallen ‘s-Hertogenbosch on January 28 and 29, 2023.

The reigning Miss Indian World is coming to the Netherlands for the first time. Tashina Red Hawk was elected last April and is now coming exclusively to the Western Experience to introduce visitors to the different parts of Native American Pow Wows.

Tashina Red Hawk is 18 years old, Sicangu Lakota and lives on the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Reservation in Rosebud, South Dakota. Tashina is a strong young woman who has a special story to tell. She herself says with conviction: “I am proud to be Miss Indian World 2022-23 this year and I want to use this opportunity to promote cultural preservation, identity and education. To develop our Nations more strongly, we must have knowledge of both worlds and build a bridge of unification.”

“I love and cherish the Lakota way of life. Our people have been persecuted for many years and robbed of their dignity and pride. But this is the 21st century and I am the daughter and granddaughter of great leaders and strong women who have left me strength and perseverance.”

The Miss Indian World pageant is the largest and most prestigious cultural title for young Indigenous women. The elected miss becomes a goodwill ambassador for a year for all native peoples of North America and Canada (the First Nations). The participants are between 18 and 25 years old and must show knowledge of their tribe’s traditions, history, ancestors and culture. The Miss Indian World pageant takes place annually at the world’s largest Native American traditional gathering, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

More Native American Culture at the Western Experience

At the Western Experience festival, Tashina is accompanied by Native American Dancers who, in traditional clothing, show the authentic dances of the First Nations. The performances of the song, dance and explanation are presented several times a day.

Around the cultural theatre, there are various stands with information and traditional native arts & crafts. Visitors can also participate in a shamanic drum workshop or relaxing sound bath (upon registration) and the ‘reading dog’ is back for the children. Reading can be very frightening for children. Reading to a dog is different, a dog does not judge and listens attentively. Dogs do not laugh at mistakes and have a lot of understanding and patience. This helps children build confidence.

The Western Experience is one big experience

What else can you find at the 26th edition of the Western Experience? On no less than 7000 m2 you will find the largest western market in Europe, a selection of top country artists on several stages and real American food in food stands and food trucks. Western Ambiance at its best and all that at the Brabanthallen ‘s-Hertogenbosch!

In addition, one hall is completely dedicated to western riding with shows and competitions with a lot of prize money! The top riders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are lining up to participate in these competitions. A selection from the international bands: Ramblin’ Boots, Gone Country (Germany), Dixie Aces (very-very-very last reunion performance) and the sensation of Tex-Mex music and the obvious successor to Flaco Jiménez: Dwayne Verheyden (El Holandés ). Dwayne lives and works in America, but is coming ‘home’, especially for the Western Experience