ADA, Okla. — The Chickasaw Princess Program is a long-standing annual tradition that selects young women who demonstrate the core values to serve the Chickasaw Nation.
Applications are now open for young Chickasaw ladies, ages 7-25, to enter the 2026 Chickasaw Princess Pageant. Those crowned will experience an opportunity of a lifetime as they become a part of a tradition bigger than themselves. Jalena Walker, princess program manager, said the program is an incredible leadership opportunity.
“They share Chickasaw culture in various cultural and ceremonial activities, enhance their leadership skills, improve Chickasaw language knowledge, nurture cultural health, provide service to the Chickasaw community, and serve as goodwill ambassadors,” Walker said.
The women selected will serve as tribal royalty at events across the U.S. to advocate for their tribe and communities, exemplifying servant leadership.
“The program encourages young Chickasaw females by building their confidence and by providing a supportive environment,” Walker said. “They contribute to sharing and preserving Chickasaw culture and generate pride within the Chickasaw Nation.”
Walker said there are also many networking and relationship-building opportunities during the reign of a Chickasaw princess.
“The program works with several departments within the Chickasaw Nation to enhance their personal and professional development,” she said.
Chickasaw Princesses are selected each year at the Chickasaw Princess Pageant during the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival. Every applicant must have traditional dress, be at least one-quarter Chickasaw, reside within the Chickasaw Nation, and currently be enrolled in an educational institution or employed in a professional capacity.
Young girls ages 7-11 can apply for Little Miss Chickasaw, 12-16 for Chickasaw Junior Princess and young women ages 17-25 can apply for Chickasaw Princess. Every applicant must provide their CDIB card, Chickasaw citizenship card and three reference letters from nonrelatives.
“After you apply for the pageant, you will attend orientation, compete in the Chickasaw Princess Pageant and potentially become the next Chickasaw Princess,” Walker said.
The deadline to apply for the pageant is July 15. The Chickasaw Princess Pageant will take place Sept. 28, 2026.
To complete an application or for more information, visit Chickasaw.net/Princess or call (580) 436-7258.