Choctaw Princess
![past_princess_230824](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/past_princess_230824.jpg)
Current Princess
2023 – 2024 Choctaw Indian Princess
Nalani LuzMaria Thompson
Nalani LuzMaria Thompson is from the Pearl River Community and is the 17-year-old daughter of Desmond and Kelli Jones. Her grandparents are Gilbert Thompson and Anita Jim and Jarrel and Annette Griffin. Her great-grandparents are the late Rosie Thompson, the late Hector Thompson, the late Dennis Jim, Sr., and the late Geraldine Isaac. Nalani has three siblings, Cara, Kai, and Ava. She has an orange tabby cat, affectionately named Jingy.
Nalani is a senior at Neshoba Central High School. After graduation, Nalani wants to attend the University of Southern Mississippi nursing program, where she plans on majoring in Geriatric Nursing. Nalani has a deep affection for the elderly, which was nurtured by her experience of going with her grandfather to deliver food to elderly family members.
Nalani’s hobbies include beadmaking, basketry, and Latin American dancing, such as the salsa and cumbia. She is a member of the Neshoba Central Lady Rockets basketball and powerlifting teams. Nalani’s favorite Choctaw cultural tradition is that every piece of traditional Choctaw attire is hand-crafted. The artistry in making beadwork, dresses, and baskets is what makes us uniquely Chahta.
Past Princesses
A tradition that started in 1955, the Choctaw Indian Princess is crowned each year on the first night of the Choctaw Indian Fair. The first official princess, Patsy Sam Buffington, was selected at the tender age of 12, thus beginning a distinguished legacy. The Choctaw Princess serves as the Tribe’s Ambassador.
![Patsy (Sam) Buffington](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0065_1_patsy-1955-1956.jpg)
Patsy (Sam) Buffington
1955 - 1956
Sponsor: Tucker Development Club
![Abbie (Gibson) Phillips](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0064_2_abbie-1956-1957.jpg)
Abbie (Gibson) Phillips
1956 - 1957
Sponsor: Conehatta Development Club
![Shirley (Chapman) Briscoe](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0063_3_Shirley1-1957-19582.jpg)
Shirley (Chapman) Briscoe
1957 - 1958
Sponsor: Bogue Homa Development Club
![Shirley (York) Kyle](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0062_4_Shirley-1958-1959.jpg)
Shirley (York) Kyle
1958 - 1959
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Donna (Farmer) Denson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0061_5_donna-1959-1960.jpg)
Donna (Farmer) Denson
1959 - 1960
Sponsor: Conehatta Development Club
![Earline Hickman](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0060_6_Earline-1960-1961.jpg)
Earline Hickman
1960 - 1961
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Annie Ryan (Bell) Billie](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0059_7_Annie-1961-1962.jpg)
Annie Ryan (Bell) Billie
1961 - 1962
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Loretta (Steve) Wilson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0058_8_Loretta-1962-1963.jpg)
Loretta (Steve) Wilson
1962 - 1963
Sponsor: Tucker Development Club
![Sally Ann (Bell) Bread](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0057_9_Sally-1963-1964.jpg)
Sally Ann (Bell) Bread
1963 - 1964
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Mary Ann (Henry) Mason](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0056_10_maryann-1964-1965.jpg)
Mary Ann (Henry) Mason
1964 - 1965
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Ruth Ann (Farmer) Ferris](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0055_11_ruth-1965-1966.jpg)
Ruth Ann (Farmer) Ferris
1965 - 1966
Sponsor: Conehatta Development Club
![Doris Ann Thompson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0054_12_doris-1966-1967.jpg)
Doris Ann Thompson
1966 - 1967
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Lois (Willis) Keats](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0053_13_Lois-1967-1968.jpg)
Lois (Willis) Keats
1967 - 1968
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Susie Mae Henry](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0052_14_susie-1968-1969.jpg)
Susie Mae Henry
1968 - 1969
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Joanne (McMillan) Cleveland](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0051_15_JoanneCleveland-1969-1970.jpg)
Joanne (McMillan) Cleveland
1969 - 1970
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Rena Jane Morris](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0050_16_RenaMorris-1970-1971.jpg)
Rena Jane Morris
1970 - 1971
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Lari York](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0049_17_LariYork-1971-1972.jpg)
Lari York
1971 - 1972
Sponsor: CCHS Honor Society
![Ellen Gail (Farmer) Wilson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0048_18_EllenWilson-1972-1973.jpg)
Ellen Gail (Farmer) Wilson
1972 - 1973
Sponsor: Conehatta Development Club
![Linda (Willis) Alex](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0047_19_Linda-Alex-1973-1974.jpg)
Linda (Willis) Alex
1973 - 1974
Sponsor: Employment & Training Program
![Patricia (Martin) Gibson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0046_20_PatriciaGibson-1974-1975.jpg)
Patricia (Martin) Gibson
1974 - 1975
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Alma (Willis) Brennen](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0045_21_AlmaBrennen-1975-1976.jpg)
Alma (Willis) Brennen
1975 - 1976
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Velma (Sam) Henry](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0044_22_VelmaHenry-1976-1977.jpg)
Velma (Sam) Henry
1976 - 1977
Sponsor: Tucker Development Club
![Phyliss (John) Anderson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0043_23_PhylissAnderson-1977-1978.jpg)
Phyliss (John) Anderson
1977 - 1978
Sponsor: Red Water Development Club
![Brenda (Billie) Bernard](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0042_24_BrendaBernard-1978-1979.jpg)
Brenda (Billie) Bernard
1978 - 1979
Sponsor: Tucker Development Club
![Karen Lilly](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0041_25_KarenLilly-1979-1980.jpg)
Karen Lilly
1979 - 1980
Sponsor: Upward Bound Program
![Dee Ann (Gibson) McCoy](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0040_26_DeeAnnMcCoy-1980-1981.jpg)
Dee Ann (Gibson) McCoy
1980 - 1981
Sponsor: Family & Community Services
![Bernadine (Hickman) Dixon](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0039_27_BernadineDixon-1981-1982.jpg)
Bernadine (Hickman) Dixon
1981 - 1982
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Anita Jim](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0038_28_AnitaMcCombs-1982-1983.jpg)
Anita Jim
1982 - 1983
Sponsor: Department of Education
![Loriann (Denson) Ahshapanek](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0037_29_LoriannAhshapanek-1983-1984.jpg)
Loriann (Denson) Ahshapanek
1983 - 1984
Sponsor: Department of Education
![Marion (Ben) Sockey](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0036_30_MarionSockey-1984-1985.jpg)
Marion (Ben) Sockey
1984 - 1985
Sponsor: Department of Education
![Amanda Bell](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0035_31_AmandaWilliams-1985-1986.jpg)
Amanda Bell
1985 - 1986
Sponsor: Chahta Enterprise
![Iris (Wesley) Navarro](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0034_32_IrisWesleyNavarro-1986-1987-copy.jpg)
Iris (Wesley) Navarro
1986 - 1987
Sponsor: Family & Community Services
![Angela Sue Hundley](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0033_33_AngelaHundley-1987-1988.jpg)
Angela Sue Hundley
1987 - 1988
Sponsor: Chahta Enterprise
![Melanie Dianne Ben](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0032_34_MelanieBen-1988-1989.jpg)
Melanie Dianne Ben
1988 - 1989
Sponsor: Family & Community Services
![Shannon Jeanette Keats](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0031_35_ShannonKeats-1989-1990.jpg)
Shannon Jeanette Keats
1989 - 1990
Sponsor: Choctaw Residential Center
![Natasha Louann Willis](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0030_36_Natasha-Willis-1990-1991.jpg)
Natasha Louann Willis
1990 - 1991
Sponsor: Choctaw Pallet Company
![Chassidy Georgina (Bell) Wilson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0029_37_ChassidyWilson-1991-1992.jpg)
Chassidy Georgina (Bell) Wilson
1991 - 1992
Sponsor: Chahta Enterprise
![Ashley Allison (Hickman) Billy](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0028_38_AshleyHickman-1992-1993.jpg)
Ashley Allison (Hickman) Billy
1992 - 1993
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Misty Dawn Brescia](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0027_39_Misty-Brescia-1993-1994.jpg)
Misty Dawn Brescia
1993 - 1994
Sponsor: Choctaw Electronic Enterprise
![Chantell Blanche (Shumake) Bacon](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0026_40_ChantellShumake-1994-1995.jpg)
Chantell Blanche (Shumake) Bacon
1994 - 1995
Sponsor: Choctaw Manufacturing Enterprise
![Karla Monique Keats](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0025_41_KarlaKeats-1995-1996.jpg)
Karla Monique Keats
1995 - 1996
Sponsor: Silver Star Hotel & Casino
![Summer Raven (Saunders) Cole](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0024_42_SummerCole-1996-1997.jpg)
Summer Raven (Saunders) Cole
1996 - 1997
Sponsor: Choctaw Housing Authority
![Lynn Dena (Allen) Parkerson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0023_43_LynnParkerson-1997-1998.jpg)
Lynn Dena (Allen) Parkerson
1997 - 1998
Sponsor: Silver Star Hotel & Casino
![Lindsey Timple Gibson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0022_44_LindseyGibson-1998-1999.jpg)
Lindsey Timple Gibson
1998 - 1999
Sponsor: Silver Star Hotel & Casino
![Erica Lenore (Dan) Farve](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0021_45_EricaFarve-1999-2000.jpg)
Erica Lenore (Dan) Farve
1999 - 2000
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Latisha Denell Stephens](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0020_46_LatishaStephens-2000-2001.jpg)
Latisha Denell Stephens
2000 - 2001
Sponsor: Choctaw Electronics Enterprise
![Shawntye Nicole (Vaughn) Johnson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0019_47_ShawntayeVaughn-2001-2002.jpg)
Shawntye Nicole (Vaughn) Johnson
2001 - 2002
Sponsor: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club
![Cheriena Brooke Ben](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0018_48_CherienaBen-2002-2003.jpg)
Cheriena Brooke Ben
2002 - 2003
Sponsor: Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
![Lena Latoya Tucker](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0017_49_LenaTucker-2003-2004.jpg)
Lena Latoya Tucker
2003 - 2004
Sponsor: Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
![Delana Nastassia Willis](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0016_50_DelanaWillis-2004-2005.jpg)
Delana Nastassia Willis
2004 - 2005
Sponsor: Youth Opportunity Program
![Jessica Nichole (Greer) Black](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0015_51_JessicaBlack-2005-2006.jpg)
Jessica Nichole (Greer) Black
2005 - 2006
Sponsor: Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
![Ahinah Bree Alex](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0014_52_AninahAlex-2006-2007.jpg)
Ahinah Bree Alex
2006 - 2007
Sponsor: Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort
![Kristen Dawn Tubby](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0013_53_KristanTubby-2007-2008.jpg)
Kristen Dawn Tubby
2007 - 2008
Sponsor: Applied Geo Technologies
![Tia Faye (Anderson) Grisham](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0012_54_Tia-Anderson-2008-2009.jpg)
Tia Faye (Anderson) Grisham
2008 - 2009
Sponsor: Applied Geo Technologies & Chahta Enterprise
![Famie Cheyenne Willis](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0011_55_FamieWillis-2009-2010.jpg)
Famie Cheyenne Willis
2009 - 2010
Sponsor: Red Water Development Club
![Mahlih Rene (Vaughn) Bowden](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0010_56_MahlihBowden-2010-2011.jpg)
Mahlih Rene (Vaughn) Bowden
2010 - 2011
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Kursten Nicole Watkins](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0009_57_KurstenWatkins-2011-2012.jpg)
Kursten Nicole Watkins
2011 - 2012
Sponsor: Choctaw Tribal Schools
![Shaye MacKinzie Scott](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0008_58_ShayeScott-2012-2013.jpg)
Shaye MacKinzie Scott
2012 - 2013
Sponsor: Choctaw Health Center Employees Association
![Lanena Grace John](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0007_59_Lanena-John-2013-2014.jpg)
Lanena Grace John
2013 - 2014
Sponsor: MBCI Boys and Girls Club
![MeShay LeAnn Jimmie](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0006_60_Meshay-Jimmie-2014-2015.jpg)
MeShay LeAnn Jimmie
2014 - 2015
Sponsor: Bogue Chitto Development Club
![Emily LeAnn (Shoemake) Wilson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0005_61_Emily-Shoemake-2015-2016.jpg)
Emily LeAnn (Shoemake) Wilson
2015 - 2016
Sponsor: Trustmark Bank
![Autumn Diane McMillan](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0004_62_Autumn-McMillan-2016-2017.jpg)
Autumn Diane McMillan
2016 - 2017
Sponsor: Youth Opportunity Program
![Kassie Lann Cox](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0003_63_Kassie-Cox-2017-2018-copy.jpg)
Kassie Lann Cox
2017 - 2018
Sponsor: Red Water Development Club
![Sydni Jade Tangle](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0002_64_Sydni-Tangle-2018-2019.jpg)
Sydni Jade Tangle
2018 - 2019
Sponsor: Standing Pine Development Club
![Alice Monique Keats](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_8277-copy-2.jpg)
Alice Monique Keats
2019 - 2021
Sponsor: Pearl River Development Club
![Shemah Ladania Crosby](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/princess_0000_66_ShemahCrosby-2021-2022.jpg)
Shemah Ladania Crosby
2021 - 2022
Sponsor: Pearl River RV Park
![Cadence Raine Nickey](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/230320_nickey_300.jpg)
Cadence Raine Nickey
2022 - 2023
Sponsor: Tucker Development Club
![Nalani LuzMaria Thompson](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/princess-_300_230824.jpg)
Nalani LuzMaria Thompson
2023 - 2024
Sponsor: Morton Construction
![st_logo_vert_230504](https://91pbb7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/st_logo_vert_230504.png)
©2024 Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians