Jimmie promotes positivity as princess

Elisah Monique Jimmie is in her second year as the Choctaw Indian princess.

For someone to serve as a princess for more than a year is first in the history of the Choctaw princess tradition. 

But these are unusual times. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of many events this past year. 

One of those events was the annual Choctaw Indian Fair where the new princess is decided. It did not take place because of the pandemic.

Jimmie said she was enjoying her first year as princess but realized that time was flying by and her year would soon be over. Then in May, she was asked if she would serve another year.

“I said ‘yes’ but then I had to put the phone on mute,” Jimmie said. “I was so happy, dancing and yelling. This came about due to tragic circumstances but I was proud to serve another year.”

Her second year has been different as compared to the first. The princess is a symbol and spokesperson for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Before the pandemic, she traveled around the state and attended many different events. She visited other Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

She also visited the Cherokees and the Seminoles and got to know their princesses and leaders.

“The second year been different because of the COVID-19,” said Jimmie. “I have been a spokesperson for the tribe to promote wearing masks and encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others through safe practices.

“We have made creative videos and reached out to our people in their homes. I became a virtual spokesman, That’s what we did and I had so much fun doing that.”

Jimmie has had another mission. She is a sophomore at East Central Community College and right now is majoring in culinary arts.

In a way, it has been an exchange of knowledge, Jimmie has learned to prepare and taste new recipes. And she has introduced her teachers and fellow students to traditional Choctaw favorites.

“I made some Choctaw meals they had never had,” Jimmie said. “And I have learned to expand my taste buds. We have a student who is from Germany in our class and she prepared chicken paprikash. I never thought I would eat German food but this was delicious. She showed us how to cook it.

“I am learning to cook like a chef but I also love baking and creating delicious desserts everyone can try. I created new designs on them so that has been fun,” Jimmie said.

When Jimmie completes her studies at ECCC, she plans to continue her education at Ole Miss.

“Hopefully, I will be with my brother at the University of Mississippi,” Jimmie said. “I plan to major in hospitality management. That is more about setting up and planning events, and being a speaker and a spokesperson. That is my passion that God has given me, to become a motivator. Being a princess has helped prepare me for that. But I won’t forget about culinary. I will find a school for that.”

She is from Bihhi Ayasha, or the Pearl River community, which is the largest of all Choctaw communities. She is the 21-year-old daughter of Karla Keats of the Pearl River community and Elijah Jimmie, also of Pearl River.