Return of Miss Native ISU at the 2026 ISU Powwow

Idaho State University is proud to announce the return of Miss Native Idaho State University, a leadership and cultural ambassador role that has not been held since 2016–2017. The title will be reinstated during the 2026 ISU Powwow, taking place April 3–4 on the Pocatello campus.

Miss Native ISU serves as a representative for Native American Student Services (NASS) and the Native American Student Council (NASC), as well as the University, helping to elevate Native student leadership, cultural visibility, and engagement across campus and in the broader community. The role includes participation in key university events such as Spring and Winter Commencement, Indigenous Peoples Day, and outreach activities that strengthen connections with Tribal partners.

The Miss Native ISU title is also part of a broader tradition seen at many university powwows across the country, where Native student royalty serve as cultural ambassadors. These roles help promote cultural awareness, strengthen community connections, and provide leadership opportunities grounded in Indigenous values and traditions.

The 2026 crowning ceremony will be especially meaningful, as former titleholder Yvonne Warjack (2016–2017) will return to crown the next Miss Native ISU. Warjack, a Shoshone-Bannock tribal member and current graduate student at ISU, continues to demonstrate leadership through her academic work, community engagement, and service as a representative on the Tribal University Advisory Board.

“Bringing back Miss Native ISU is about more than restoring a title, it’s about creating space for Native student leadership, cultural visibility, and representation at Idaho State University,” said Echo Marshall, director of tribal relations. “We are especially proud of Yvonne and the way she has continued to lead, represent, and give back to her community. It is an honor to see her pass on the crown and support the next generation of leaders who will carry this tradition forward.”

Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the ISU Powwow and support this important cultural and student leadership initiative. The crowning of Miss Native ISU will take place following the Friday Grand Entry on April 3 at 7 p.m.

For more information about the ISU Powwow, please visit their website.