Onawa Lyn Lacy Visits FEWF


	HOME \| ABOUT FEWF \| INGRID WASHINAWATOK EL ISSA \| MENOMINEE NATION \| CONTACT US

Miss New Mexico, Onawa Lyn Lacy Visits FEWF
at the American Indian Community House

An Interview by Steve Cowley

Feb. 24, 2006 NY. NY

Miss New Mexico 2006, Onawa Lyn Lacy, was in town as she prepares to compete for the Miss USA^® 2006 title to be held this April in Baltimore, MD. Onawa Lacy is the first American Indian of Navajo origin to win the Miss New Mexico title. The first in her family to graduate from college, and a former Miss Indian World titleholder, this young, proud and beautiful Navajo woman is sure to create a tremendous impact in whatever she plans in her future. This was Onawa’s first visit to New York City.

What are your goals following the Miss USA^®2006 pageant, will you be working with national indigenous women’s issues and/or organizations?

My job as the state titleholder is helping the Miss USA^®organization accomplish the goal of increased education, awareness and also legislation dealing with breast and ovarian cancer. My being on a national stage to compete for the Miss USA^® title of course, would be beneficial for issues involving indigenous women simply because of the empowerment of having an indigenous woman in a national spotlight. This is certainly something [indigenous issues] I would like to bring to the Miss Universe organization... in which I will also be competing. The Miss Universe pageant has representation from so many countries and there are so many indigenous peoples all over the world. My personal goal is not only to increase the awareness and information [of these cancers] but also to raise important awareness about native peoples, indigenous peoples.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue concerning indigenous women’s rights?

I believe it all comes down to women at home being respected. Many of our Native American women are either in, have been in, or will be in relationships, where they have been victims of abuse on so many different levels; physically, mentally and emotionally. I feel it all begins there. We have to know how to respect ourselves as women and to be treated with that respect; respect in our homes, in our most private situations, before we can step foot out into the world. We need respect from everywhere, in our relationships with people.

What do you know about Ingrid Washinawatok El Issa?

As a recent graduate at the University of New Mexico where I received a degree in Native American Studies, it’s odd for me and unfortunate, that only in coming to New York – it was really the first time I’ve have had any knowledge of Ingrid. I feel very cheated that I wasn’t taught about all these amazing things that she stood for… all the work she was able to do and is still able to do - although she isn’t with us here, physically. I believe, at my university, it would be important to implement her story into introductory classes for Native American studies. [Stories about] powerful Native women are important to learn. It’s essential, especially when you’re learning about Native Americans. I am very inspired and moved by Ingrid’s story as well as The Flying Eagle Woman Fund, which allows her work to continue.

What has been your NYC experience like?

A half a day wasn’t nearly enough time. It’s exciting for me to see [on this trip], hopefully, where I’ll be living as of April 21^st, during Miss USA^® pageant. Immediately thereafter I plan to relocate to Manhattan. I’ve been on the Staten Island ferry; I was on the subway - that was exciting, we don’t have them in New Mexico. Seeing all the different fashions of New Yorkers. It’s been an exciting experience, an exciting place to be.

How was your visit to the American Indian Community House?

I felt at home. Anytime I go anywhere and I’m around Native American people I feel at home. I was excited first of all to come and meet Soni Moreno (of Ulali) and finding out she works at the American Indian Community House, coming in and being introduced to everyone. I felt right at home in the community. I came here still needing funding for my dresses, makeup, and wardrobe. It just seems that whenever I’m around Native people, things have a way of sorting themselves out. There are so many people who want to lend a hand and help you in your time of need. That’s just the nature of our people. It’s been very nice, very fun, warm and welcoming.

Revised: 05/13/06