Adult Princesses Proudly Represent the Poarch Creek Indians
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Each November, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians selects Princesses to serve as the Tribe’s ambassadors throughout the year. The Princesses range in age from childhood to elders and are chosen through a point system, which includes an interview process, talent demonstration, appearance and knowledge of cultural items. Meet this year’s adult Princesses:
Christina Flint-Lowe – Senior Adult Princess
Christina became interested in participating in the Princess program after discovering it had been expanded to include the senior adult category. She was also inspired to participate to better understand what it means to be a Tribal Princess and ambassador for the Tribe. She wanted to have the ability to answer, from experience, the many questions from non-Natives about the role. This inspired the poem she wrote for Talent Night which is part of the Princess competition process.
While preparing for the program, Christina learned the importance of the Tribal community. She could only participate and complete the many cultural activities with the community support of family, friends, and the excellent staff in the Tribe’s Cultural Department. She is grateful to everyone who has supported her during the process.
This year, Christina would like to continue to learn and grow her cultural knowledge to connect future generations with Poarch Creek culture. She is also interested in learning more about the Mvskoke Creek language.
Her favorite part of the role is having the opportunity to participate in Tribal functions and events as a representative for the Tribe. She also enjoys learning about Tribal crafts such as basket weaving, sewing moccasins, and finger weaving.
Bertha Sarah Stacey – Elder Princess
Bertha has always wanted to know more about her ancestors and the culture and hardships they endured. She loves learning about the deep roots of her Tribal heritage and sought to pass down the cultures to her family as well to the first and second generation Tribal citizens so they too can pass down these traditions.
Competing in the PCI Princess contest gave her the opportunity to learn the art of finger weaving a belt, the different styles of baskets that were made and what they were used for, weave a basket purse, learn the type of moccasins’ worn, and how to sew them as her ancestors did. She made jewelry from beads and china berries. Bertha also enjoyed learning the meanings behind the dresses, patchwork, and ribbons. She has enjoyed the opportunity to learn some of the Mvskoke Creek language and several songs that have blessed her heart.
She feels very honored to represent the Tribe as the Elder Princess. Bertha has learned how far the Tribe has come given their many obstacles. She’s also learned how her ancestors never gave up hope and never lost their faith in God.
Her favorite part of the role is meeting other Tribal Citizens during the annual Pow Wow events and creating a loving bond through fellowship and additional education about the Tribe.
For more information on the Poarch Creek Indians, please visit poarchcreekindians.org.