Elgin JOM Hosts Organizations' First Powwow
Elgin Johnson O’Malley (JOM) held its first powwow on Saturday, May 4, at the Elgin High School gym.
Elgin JOM Princess Cambree Mahsetky said the event was important for the future.
“It's basically like setting it up for our youth, like, the ones that are coming up, so that they can be able to experience this program, and then they can have the experience…that JOM brings for our kids,” she said.
Mahsetky said powwows are important to her because of the family.
“They say it's medicine and it is, as soon as you step in the arena, that is medicine,” she said. “So, you're basically stepping into an arena with a bunch of people you love, a bunch of people you care about, your family, friends. So, I feel like it's like really connecting, like you get to bond with them in a different type of way that you really can't get outside of the arena. So, I think it's very important to me because it brings me closer together with my people.”
At the event, Mahsetky held a special for her brother, who is the JOM brave and in kindergarten while she is a senior.
“Having something to do, like, for both of us is…really good,” she said.
Mahsetky will graduate on Friday, May 10 and said she’s enjoyed being the JOM princess.
“I've had Bella; she's been like my little sidekick throughout all these powwows,” she said. “So, we go around, you know, it's always a good experience being with her. And then I've also got to meet, like, new princesses and make those friends within, like, our powwow arena. And it's always, it's a good experience.”
Mahsetky said she plans to continue going to powwows after graduation.
“I've always stayed connected within my culture because of my family,” she said. “But I do plan to do more princess titles and start getting into royalty. I feel like this, like the JOM title, has definitely sparked something for continuing on to princess titles.”
Mahsetky said the powwow went well and wants to encourage Elgin youth to join the JOM program.
Comanche Nation Princess Bluesky Tosee and Jr. Princess Arlene Schonchin, as well as other royalty, were at the event.
