Dodson Royalty

Leading the group of Fancy Dancers onto the gymnasium floor during the Native American Week Pow Wow at Dodson School two weeks ago was fifth grade Coyote Aliyah Wilson and atop her head sat the Ms. Mid-Winter Princess Crown she earned last February.

“I earned money and my crown,” Wilson said of her victory …adding that she was not awarded a princesses castle after being named victor, but she was okay with that. Wilson said that the money earned, $200, is all spent (keep in mind this was seven months ago.)

Wilson said in order to win the crown, she was tasked with performing Straight, Crow Hop and Foot Step dances.

“Straight is my favorite because I have more moves,” Wilson said of the three routines.

Wilson said she feels she did well at the contest which started out with 24 contestants, was whittled down to six and then three before she was crowned Ms. Mid-Winter Princess.

“In that first 24, I didn’t think my chances of winning where very good,” Wilson said. “I was surprised when I made the first cut. After that I started to get more confident, but I thought my cousin Jean (Jackson) was going to win.”

Wilson said she and Jean made the top three and Jean was happy for her in winning the crown.

When not dancing at Pow Wows, or being royalty, Wilson said her favorite pastime is riding horses and she can often be found at her Uncle Joey’s house riding her favorite steeds, Kit Kat or Sade.

“Sade is better because she doesn’t act up,” Wilson said. “Kit Kat doesn’t listen when you tell him to do things.”

Wilson is the daughter of Robert and Miranda Messerly of Lodge Pole.

Wilson said that she will continue to compete in upcoming events and added she isn’t concerned with winning or not, but rather just having fun.