By Isabella Casilio
A new princess was crowned Friday at the annual Tuscarora Picnic, which has occurred for 172 years. Quinna Hamby of the Turtle Clan took the title. She recently graduated from Niagara-Wheatfield High School, where she was active in sports such as cross-country, lacrosse and basketball.
Hamby will attend Medaille College in the fall to pursue communications. She has travelled the country to represent her nation, and said she believes in educating and teaching people about the culture she's learned about her entire life.
This year, the finalists had to answer randomly selected questions asked by last year's princess. They described how proud they are to be part of the Tuscarora Nation. The ceremony also included traditional dances with male partners from the nation.
Each year, the ceremony involves young contestants from the Tuscarora Nation competing to become the princess, who represents the nation until the next picnic.
The 2017 picnic also included traditional foods and tents with various crafts, including moccasins, necklaces and dolls. Live entertainment by the Mark Porter Band followed the crowning of the new princess.
