1969: “most history books do not give us a sense of pride at being Indian. We were a very civilized culture, not savages, during the early part of American history.” - Thomasine Ruth Hill

Miss (Indian) America Tries

to Erase the Warpaint Image 

by Arleen Von Breens

1969 April 21 The Los Angeles Times 

      "I was afraid of Indians until I met you," a child said to this year's Miss (Indian) America, Thomasine Ruth Hill.

      Spreading the word that today's 600,000 American Indians have more than tomahawks and war paint, 21-year-old Miss Hill has crossed the country nine times and to Europe once since she was crowned...

       ....."Miss Indian America must be dedicated to her own people as well as all other races; she must be of good character, she must have reached a high level of educational achievement and I think she has to be physically strong," said this year's winner.
      …… “most history books do not give us a sense of pride at being Indian. We were a very civilized culture, not savages, during the early part of American history.”       

1969 April 21 The Los Angeles Times