Page 6 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - May 2024

6
Carrying Tamika Starr,

Mila Rogers,
Brooklyn
Klatush and
THE HONOR OF Madoleen
Goddard
our people represent their
will proudly
community
as the 2024
Tribal Royalty.

Impressive youth
crowned Tribal Royalty

By Bobbie Bush
The Chehalis Tribal Gathering
Room was full on Wednesday,
May 22, as more than 50 tribal
members and families witnessed
the crowning of the tribe’s 2024
Tribal Royalty.
There were four categories
and just four contestants for Miss
Chehalis, Junior Miss Chehalis,
Little Miss Chehalis Royalty and
Miss Head Start.
Before the contest began,
dinner from Lucky Eagle Casino
was provided. Guests enjoyed
chicken, fire-roasted corn, rice
pilaf, dinner rolls and scrumptious
dessert bites.
Daniel “Bones” Gleason blessed
the food for the community. After
the meal, it was time to introduce
the candidates. Chehalis Tribe
Chairman Dustin Klatush did the “My name is Brooklyn Sofia well-spoken and read for such a Elwha Klallam Tribes. My younger
honors. Klatush and I am running for young lady. brother and sister are from the
Bravery and poise Little Miss Chehalis. My parents Astounding presentation Brown-Jones family, so I hold a
tremendous amount of respect for
are Dustin Klatush and Beth
First up was Tamika Starr, Klatush. My grandparents are The fourth candidate Jake and June “Tiny” Jones as they
daughter of Deidre Hawkes and Bev and Amil, as well as Colleen, approached the podium. She was have referred to me as their great
Andrew Starr. She was a little Tammy and Chuck. I love my the tallest and oldest of the group. granddaughter. One thing I’m
shy and was happy when Mom, elders and helping at events. I will As she began her address, families always interested in is my family
Deidre, stepped up to help. represent the tribe well. I would and elders in the Gathering Room history. I know family history is
Tamika ran for Miss Head Start love to be considered Little Miss hushed quickly and listened with important and is something that
Chehalis and won! Chehalis. Thank you so much.” astounded recognition. needs to be passed down for all of
Second was Mila Rogers who Her campaign speech was very Madoleen Goodard won the us to know and understand our
had a prepared speech: “Hello, contest through her impressive family trees. I am currently in
Chehalis tribal elders. My name cultural knowledge. As she the 10th grade. I play basketball
is Mila Rodgers. My parents spoke, the elders were blessed in and softball. Along with playing
are Candace Brown and Kevin recognition that she spoke our sports I also like doing all types
Rodgers. My grandparents are language. of different art. After high school,
Carmen Brown and Dexter Madoleen then switched to I plan to further my education
Newton. My great grandfather is English: “My family has been here by attending college to study
Kenneth Brown. My great, great since immemorial documents psychology. By representing our
grandmother is Gladys Brown. tracing back as far as the 1800s. tribe, I carry the honor and history
I am running for Junior Miss From my mom’s side of the family, of our people. It is my duty to
Chehalis. Some of the things I I am from Walker, Hayden, uphold the traditions and cultural
enjoy doing are cooking with Youckton, Capoeman, Etoak, heritage that have been entrusted
my grandmother, reading and Edward, Underwood, Goddard, to me by generations past. In every
spending time with my friends. I Jones, Aripa and Tao families. action I take and every word I
would be honored to represent the My fifth great grandfather is speak, I aim to reflect the pride
Chehalis Tribe. Thank you for your Chief Joseph from my pawpaw and spirit of our community,
time and please vote for me.” Derwin’s side of the family. My ensuring that our collective voice
Brooklyn Klatush was the third other side of my family is from is respected and our identity
candidate to introduce herself: Colville, Montana, and the Lower continues to thrive. Thank you.”