The Miss ANB Pageant will be held at 7:00 p.m. June 12 at the Mini Convention Center in Nome. Organized by Janet Tobuk and her daughter Marsha Tobuk, the event highlights the traditions and cultural knowledge of contestants from the Bering Strait region.
This year all contestants are first-time participants, adding fresh enthusiasm to the event.
According to Janet Tobuk, the pageant was first started in the 1960s. She said that unlike other pageants, the event is more than a beauty contest; it’s a celebration of culture.
“Some people, when they think of the word pageant, they think that it’s a beauty show,” Marsha Tobuk explained. “What the organization is looking for is participants who have knowledge of tradition and culture and are expressing a desire to share that and represent it to the rest of the state.”
Contestants donning traditional kuspuks, mukluks, and mittens will deliver a self introduction and answer questions in front of a team of three judges. Contestants are encouraged to deliver their introduction in their native language.
The winner will go on to represent the region at World Eskimo Indian Olympics (WEIO) in Fairbanks. With help from local sponsors, the winner will make the trip to Fairbanks in July where they will also demonstrate a talent. Should the winner take the title at WEIO, they can advance to the national Gathering of Nations Powwow next year.
“This is how people around the world get to know Alaskans, to know the culture and to understand what a creative and impressive people this region is full of.”
– Janet Tobuk
In addition to the honor of representing Nome, the winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continued education. Admission to Wednesday night’s event at the Mini Convention Center is free.
