Miss Keetoowah Delia Smith emphasizes involvement in tribe

Delia Smith rides through the Tulsa Indigenous Peoples' Day Parade.

After holding two titles for UKB, Smith admires the importance of representing the people.

By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla- Having a big brother to motivate her to get involved in the tribe, is all she needed before her 2017 reign as Jr. Miss Keetoowah and 2023-2025 reign as Miss Keetoowah.

“He wanted all of us to be very involved with the tribe, and so if it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would be where I’m at today in this position.” Delia Smith said about her brother Caleb Grimmett-Smith. “He pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me with public speaking, so he really did a lot for me and in this aspect of things.”

Caleb Grimmett-Smith is currently seated as the UKB Tribal Secretary on council. Several years before, he served on the council as the Delaware District Representative.

Running for titles like the Jr. Miss Keetoowah and Miss Keetoowah, gives young girls experience with public speaking and meeting new people. It brings out the shyness in girls, which Delia has stated.

“I was so terrified doing the whole pageant thing, but it was so nice to see how supportive our people were with having youth representatives and ambassadors for them,” Smith said. “With representing in both positions, it opened up opportunities, gave me new perspectives on life and be more open.”

As she has represented as an ambassador, Smith loved meeting people within the tribe. She truly encourages younger ladies to run for Miss Keetoowah and Jr. Miss Keetoowah. Smith feels the pageants get smaller and smaller each year and believes the youth should be more involved because UKB is already a small tribe.

As Miss Keetoowah, it is important to express a certain topic that best represents you. Smith’s platform for her reign was focused on drinking and driving.

“It was two summers ago, when I was involved in a very bad car accident with a couple of friends. My car got hit head on by a drunk driver with me and another friend inside,” Smith said. “We were pretty banged up, but everything is okay now. I thank God that we made it out alive.”

While holding this title, Smith seemed to find herself busy with work and school so there were only a few times she got to share her platform. She is hoping to continue sharing as an advocate after handing the Miss Keetoowah title down to the next young lady.