Before Dania Wahwasuck was crowned the 2025-26 Miss Indian World, judges asked her what type of cookie she would choose to be.
Although silly on the surface, the answer could reveal a lot about a person. Contestants responded to impromptu questions as part of the pageant competition over the weekend.
“I had said that I would be a sugar cookie because I live every day in kindness and respect and loving and caring,” Wahwasuck said. “And even my tribe, the Prairie Band Potawatomi, one of our mottos, or you could say core values, is to live for the people but also for our ancestors and for those who live on, and so that’s what I talked about. And I felt like that’s a great embodiment of a sugar cookie.”
Wahwasuck, Prairie Band Potawatomi and Pyramid Lake Paiute, earned the prestigious title at the annual pageant for Native American women ages 18 to 24. It takes place at the Gathering of Nations, considered the world’s largest powwow, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Wahwasuck, 24, said she’d dreamt of becoming Miss Indian World from a very young age. Inspired by her mother’s career as a teacher, she based her platform on education. Her mother and sister, who she called her biggest supporters, were by her side throughout the competition.
“I want to uplift and inspire communities and especially our youth, because I think education is a tool that we can use to combat those difficult issues surrounding our Native communities,” Wahwasuck said.
Wahwasuck is currently pursuing her graduate degree in leadership in diversity and inclusion with an emphasis in Indigenous studies from the University of Kansas, on track to finish in spring 2027. She graduated with her undergraduate degree from KU in spring 2023.
As Miss Indian World, Wahwasuck assumes a cultural ambassador role. She will make appearances at various events, and hopes to host some at KU, while continuing her advocacy for youth education.
In addition to the impromptu question, contestants submitted an essay, did interviews, displayed a traditional talent and danced. Wahwasuck’s talent was a lesson about Anishinaabe regalia. She showed men’s and women’s styles from the 1800s while wearing a contemporary style herself.
A moment before the awards stuck with Wahwasuck. She said Miss Potawatomi Nation and her little sister, both of whom hold roles within their tribe’s traditions and ceremonies, approached her to give her jewelry and say she inspires them.
“At that moment, I knew there was just so many other youth looking up to all of us who were running and hoping to someday run as well,” Wahwasuck said.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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