A record number of young people from Grand Portage came out to dance in the Grand Portage Princess and Brave Contest this year. After bravely dancing in front of the large crowd in the PowWow arena, the contestants celebrated as the Grand Portage Stonebridge Singers drummed a special honor song. (L-R) 2011 Tiny Tot Brave John Pierre, Rhonnie Poyirier (in front), Senior Brave Cody Tesser, Ariana Poyirier, 2010 Senior Princess Samantha Scalise, 2010 Senior Brave Jadin Aubid, 2011 Junior Princess Shaelynn Novitsky, 2011 Senior Princess Shianna Lien.
The Grand Portage Royalty pageant committee had an incredibly difficult job at the Grand Portage Traditional PowWow this year. They had more young people come out to dance in the competition than ever before. But as pageant organizer Vivian Carlson said, it is wonderful to see so many young people participating. “You all did a wonderful job,” said Carlson. “We are so proud of all of you.”
Competing were John Pierre, 5, for Tiny Tot Brave and Kassia Deschampe and Nashalla Deschampe, both age 4, for Tiny Tot Princess. Dancing to become Junior Brave was Patrick Pierre, 8. The Junior Princess competition saw three delightful young ladies who danced around the PowWow arena together—2010 Junior Princess Rhonnie Poyirier, 7; Ariana Poyirier, 8; and Shaelynn Novitsky, 9. Dancing to be Senior Brave were Cody Tesser, 11, and 2010 Senior Brave Jaden Aubid, 12.
Finally, in Senior Princess category, the dancers were Shianna Lien, 14, and 2010 Princess Samantha Scalise, 12.
A serious dancer, Patrick Pierre, was named as the 2011 Grand Portage Junior Brave.
The competitors bravely danced in front of friends, family, and the pageant committee—Carlson, Marlene Allard, former Grand Portage Princesses Jenna Dahl (senior princess in 2003), Brittany Deschampe (junior princess in 2002 and senior princess in 2005 – 2008) and Autumn Clearwater-Day (senior princess in 2009). They danced to two songs, one by each of the PowWow host drums—Minomin Creek and Lake Vermilion Singers.
After the dancing, Carlson announced the 2011 Royalty and crowns, sashes, and flowers were presented to 2011 Tiny Tot Brave John Pierre, Tiny Tot Princess Kassia Deschampe, Junior Brave Patrick Pierre, Junior Princess Shaelynn Novitsky, Senior Brave Cody Tesser, and Senior Princess Shianna Lien.
The young dancers were then joined by parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters for a celebration dance with the Grand Portage Stonebridge Singers. Congratulations to all!
Little Kassia Deschampe, just 4 years old, danced her style and was crowned Tiny Tot Princess 2011.
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