09/30/2026
Irene Spotted Bear is the daughter of Lindsey and Bo Spotted Bear. She is 10 years old and a fifth-grade student at Newkirk Elementary School. Her Indian name is Misáigè, meaning “Shimmering Moon.” Irene is an enrolled member of the Kaw Nation and also proudly carries Ponca, Osage, and Oglala Lakota heritage. She belongs to the Kaw Black Eagle Clan, Osage Eagle Clan, and Ponca Half-Breed Clan.
Irene is the 2026–2027 Kanza Language Princess and is very excited to represent the language program that has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She began participating in the Kanza language program when she was just three years old and has continued learning and participating throughout her childhood. Over the years, Irene has taken part in the Annual Oklahoma Youth Language Fair with her language program, where she and her fellow language students have earned placements.
Irene also participates in powwows and enjoys dancing and taking part in cultural activities. One of the things she especially enjoys is helping children younger than herself learn about their culture and encouraging them to participate. As Kanza Language Princess, Irene looks forward to representing her language program at cultural and community events, continuing to strengthen her knowledge of the Kanza language, and encouraging other Native youth to learn about and carry on their language and culture.
Outside of her cultural activities, Irene enjoys playing soccer and loves being creative through arts and crafts and baking. She also loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking, exploring new places, and spending time at the beach.
Irene’s family is incredibly proud of her commitment to her language and culture, her willingness to help younger children learn, and the young Native woman she is becoming. They look forward to watching her continue to learn, grow, and proudly represent the Kanza Language Program throughout her year as Language Princess.
