Interview with 2022 Ethete Celebration Queen, Chris Singer
It’s a tradition for the Powwow Queen to honor her grandparents and parents. Would you like to name and honor them now?
Sure! I am the Daughter of Richard Singer and Elena Goggles-Singer. My Paternal Grandparents are Janice King-Singer of Fort Belknap, Montana, and the late Victor Singer of Crow Agency Montana. My maternal Grandparents are Gloria Runsclosetolodge-Goggles of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and Gary Goggles of Ethete, Wyoming.
What is a Powwow Queen? What does it mean to be selected to represent a powwow as the Queen? What does it mean to you?
Personally, I feel like a powwow queen is a representative of their respective powwow. Being selected as queen means you were found to be a community member who can set a great example for younger kids. Personally, I feel like it’s given me a bigger opportunity to spread awareness about our community and powwow. I also think it’s given me the opportunity to encourage younger dancers to reach for their goals.
What did you do to prepare to run for the 2022 Ethete Celebration Queen?
I honestly had the idea of running for Miss Ethete celebration in June and hadn’t made my mind up till the week of the powwow. I started by repairing some of my outfit and practicing what I’d say during the royalty contest.
What will your duties be over the next year? What powwows do you plan to go to?
I’d love to do a lot of community service, the arbor this year looked a lot better than it has, and I’d love to start working on getting grass in the arena. As of right now, I’m going to Milk River Indian days in Fort Belknap, Montana. Over the next four weeks or so, I’ll also be attending Oglala Lakota Nation in Pine Ridge, Twin Buttes Celebration in North Dakota, and I’ll be ending August with Crow Fair.
You’re a part of the Northern Arapaho Nation and the Crow Nation. How do you honor both of your heritages?
Growing up in two very different cultures was a lot at first, but I try to balance it by spending time with my family in both states. I try to speak as much Arapaho and Crow as I can in everyday conversation. For the past couple of years, I’ve been dancing crow style; I have a crow style outfit and a Lakota/Arapaho outfit. Another thing I really like to do is read books by indigenous authors about my tribes.
Besides being selected as the queen, what was your favorite memory at this year’s Ethete Celebration powwow?
Being able to actually have an Ethete celebration this year was my favorite thing overall but also just being able to enjoy myself in my hometown was really great. I saw a lot of friends that I haven’t had the chance to catch up with because of the pandemic, so that was really great too.
You’re a great artist! Are you working on any projects now?
Thanks! I’ve been working on a new set of Lakota beadwork for a little while now, but I’m always making different things like earrings, pop sockets, necklaces, wristlets, medallions, and stuff like that. Sometimes I take a break and let my creativity come back. I love beading, but I’ve been getting back into painting and drawing.
Who made your powwow regalia? Did you help?
I have two different outfits, but my mom, Aunt Jenn, and grandma Gloria made most of my Lakota outfit. A lot of the newer accessories were made by my mom and my belt was made by my late grandpa Keith Goggles. Some of my crow stuff, like my belt, were originally gifts from my paternal grandparents to my mom when my parents married. My leggings were made by a grandma on my dad’s side. My mom mostly did the work, and I like to help where I can.
Are you currently in school or working? What are you pursuing?
I’m attending United Tribes in the fall and spring to earn a general associate's degree, then I’d like to transfer to either Montana State or the University of Wyoming to get a bachelors in museum studies. I’ve always been interested in museums and anthropology in general. When I was younger, my family would go to Cody Powwow, and on the side, we’d go to the Plains Indian Museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Growing up and seeing native artifacts was cool but not seeing them with their respective tribe also hurt a little. After I get my degree, I’d like to set out for my master’s and even a doctorate. My two long-term goals I set for myself after I get my education are to help more tribes with repatriation and reclaiming of items. At some point in my lifetime I’d like to get a museum with its own building dedicated to my Hinono’ei people.