Chasenah Princess Steps Aside at Powwow, Aims for New Goals

On Saturday, December 14, Chasenah Family Princess Mercedez Banderas had an honor powwow at Apache Community Center; she gave up her title.

“I had it for quite a while now, since 2022,” Banderas said.

The best part of her reign was traveling to represent the Comanche Nation, and Banderas’ favorite event was the Gathering of Nations.

“I got to see a bunch of tribes, different tribes, different cultures. It was just fun being there at gatherings,” she said.

Banderas’ next goal is to become Miss Indian World to travel and visit other people from different tribes.

“I see all these young Indian girls go for that title, and especially our Comanche women, so that makes me even more, makes me want to push harder to go for the title,” she said.

Banderas said she felt great at the honor powwow.

“I'm glad everybody came out and showed their support, and it's an emotional rollercoaster, but I know that I have a lot of love and support from my family and everybody that showed up today,” she said.

Banderas wants to focus on her school work and prepare for Miss Indian World.

Banderas invited the youth mentorship, KCA Veterans and Apache Warrior Society.

Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin, Tiny Tots Princess Johnnie Shey McClung, Miss Native American OKCPS Vivien Parker, Walters Service Club Jr. Princess Tiana McClung, Kiowa Tribal Princess Daelena Tsonetokoy and Apache Princess Nevaeh Banderas were in attendance.