BIG CYPRESS — Since the Seminole Tribe of Florida was recognized by the U.S. government in 1957, the matriarchal tribe has celebrated its women through the annual selection of Miss Florida Seminole, who represents its traditions and culture.

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is honoring that legacy with an exhibit titled “Beautiful and Proud” which will run through the summer of 2026. The museum hosted a grand opening event May 28, at which 18 former and the current Miss Florida Seminole and Jr. Miss Florida Seminole attended.

JoJo Osceola, Miss Florida Seminole 2004 and assistant director of the museum welcomed the crowd to the celebration with a summary of what Miss Florida Seminole means to the tribe.

“These special women have gone on to become tribal leaders, community leaders, businesswomen, aunts, mother and grandmothers,” Osceola said. “To our future generations of aspiring Miss Seminoles to come, be proud and remember where we come from. Our intention with this exhibit is to honor our Seminole women and to inspire our young people to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

The first and second Miss Florida Seminoles, Connie Frank Gowen and Mary Motlow Sanchez, were appointed by Chairman Bill Osceola in 1957 and 1958 respectively. A contest to choose from a group of young tribal women began in 1960, with Lawanna Osceola Niles being crowned.

The contest, or pageant, is a chance for contestants to showcase their knowledge of Seminole culture, tradition and history. The pageant is run by the Princess Committee, consisting of a group of women who are former Miss Florida Seminoles who volunteer their time.

“This means a lot to me, to be a part of this sacred covenant,” said reigning Miss Florida Seminole CeCe Thomas. “All the women here are strong. We honor those who have done this before and I hope this legacy will be here forever. These ladies all mean something to our tribe and I’m thankful to be among you.”

A few former Miss Florida Seminoles spoke at the ceremony.

“So many women have been a part of the program, it has touched so many lives over the years,” said President Holly Tiger, Miss Florida Seminole 1992. “It’s our version of royalty, but is so much more than that. They are our ambassadors. I look at my time as Miss Florida Seminole with gratitude. The program empowers our ladies to chase their goals, gives them an opportunity for personal growth, a chance to see the world and the country, gives another perspective and opens new doors.”

“The program gives you a voice, what life does is give you something to do with that voice,” said Tina Osceola, Miss Florida Seminole 1986 and the tribe’s executive director of operations and THPO officer. “The program taught us not to forget where we come from, taught us responsibility and the importance of public service. We learned how to get up and stand on our own. I look across the room at Council meetings and I see women I got to know through the program. We have a legacy to hand down; it’s about public service.”

“I never had the honor of being Miss or Jr. Miss, but it’s a good opportunity to learn public speaking by being that spokesperson for the tribe, your family and yourself,” said Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie. “You are all beautiful and proud and I love hearing Creek and Mikasuki here today. We are one tribe, but we have two languages.”

The exhibit meanders through the museum galleries with displays of crowns, clothing, photos and videos. One area of the exhibit was designed for more photos to be added.

“We have the “great wall” where we want former princesses to add their own photos from their experience as Miss Florida Seminole,” said museum director Gordon Wareham. “The exhibit is supposed to grow all year long. We want your memories and your photos.”

As the former princesses explored the exhibit they reminisced about their time as Miss Florida Seminole.

“It’s so cool to see the different crowns, but we all represented our tribe and became its ambassadors,” said Thomas, whose cousin D’Anna Osceola wore the crown in 2008 and her grandmother Dorothy Tommie ran for the title the first year a pageant was held.

Another feature of the exhibit is a video of former Miss Florida Seminoles talking about what serving as princess meant to them.

“You represent it every day with or without the crown,” said Gowen, 1957. “I still feel like I’m representing my tribe,” said Niles, 1960. “Miss Florida Seminole meant more to me because I felt like I was doing something for my tribe.”

“It [the pageant] was pretty small back then,” said Wanda Bowers, 1969. “One year it would be in Hollywood, then the next year in Big Cypress and then in Brighton. Now it’s gotten so big.”

“Once a princess, always a princess,” said Mercedes Osceola, 2001.

“Miss Florida Seminole gave me a voice for myself,” said Kirsten Doney, 2016. “I was shy but it gives you confidence to always be a voice for yourself and the tribe.”

“I was able to connect with other tribal royalty and build a community outside of Florida,” said Cheyenne Kippenberger, 2018. “I know who I am and where I come from.”