The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas crowned a new Tribal Princess and Junior Tribal Princess at the tribe’s mini-powwow May 2 at the Multi-Purpose Center. Kaylani Stephenson was crowned Tribal Princess and Emilia Renfro was crowned Junior Tribal Princess.
The newly crowned princesses will reign during the tribe’s 56th annual Alabama-Coushatta
Powwow Friday and Saturday at the tribe’s Veterans Pavilion, helping host and welcome
visiting tribal royalty from across the United States and Canada. They will also represent the tribe at community events, tribal functions, and powwows at the local, regional, and national levels.
Stephenson is the 15-year-old daughter of James and Crystal Stephenson of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation. She attends Big Sandy High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She played on the Lady Cats softball team this year and earned First Team All-District as a third baseman. She has also been active in her community, serving as an intern for A.I.M. Team Camp and participating in Cats for Christ and the Liberty Church Youth Group. She plans to graduate from high school, attend college, and major in veterinary medicine.
“I hope to use my platform not just for recognition, but to create meaningful impact, inspire others, and grow into a leader who represents strength, responsibility, and positive change for our tribe,” Stephenson said.
Renfro is the seven-year-old daughter of Allene and Steven Renfro. She has one sister, Rylee Renfro, and is from the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation. She attends Big Sandy Elementary School and will enter the second grade this fall. As the new Junior Tribal Princess, she is honored to serve and is excited for the opportunities and experiences that await her during her year of service.
This year marks the tribe’s 56th annual Powwow, which is expected to host approximately 400 to 500 Native American dancers and singers, making it one of the largest powwows in theSouthern Region. Admission is $7 per day for ages 7 and older, and children ages 6 and under are admitted free. Food booths, including the tribe’s famous Indian frybread and Indian tacos, will be available for purchase, along with Native American arts and crafts vendors. This is a drug-free and alcohol-free event. The public is invited to attend.
For more information about the Alabama-Coushatta Powwow, contact Delvin Johnson at 936-252-1784 or check out the website at Alabama-Coushatta.com.
