2023-2024 Pawnee Nation Princess

Karen Rice

Karen Rice, "Ta ha stu weri-u-terit" which means “Standing Waiting To Go In” is serving as the

2023-2024 Pawnee Nation Princess. She is the daughter of Mark and Michelle Rice-Reed and sister to Sabryna Rice. Karen is the granddaughter of Ronald James Sr. and Minnie Ruth Horsechief-Rice, and the great-granddaughter of Delbert and Elizabeth F. Justice Goodchief-Horsechief. Her paternal grandparents are: Charlie and Freda Lida Ridingin-Rice and great-great grandparents are:  William and Mae Ridingin, William Justice, and Dolly Moore.  Karen proudly represents all four Bands of the Pawnee Nation.

Karen is a Senior at Santa Fe High School where she is involved in the Indian Education Program and the Multicultural Club. She will be a college freshman this fall, and her goal is to major in Business and minor in Finance. Her future plans are to obtain a degree as well as her nail license and then have her own nail salon business.

Karen enjoys participating in all tribal activities and dances such as hand games and powwows. Each summer she enjoys attending and camping at the annual Pawnee Wichita Visitation.

She also loves animals and has two cats named Bibi and Jalapeño.

Karen is looking forward to learning more about her culture and representing the Pawnee Nation especially in memory of her Uppit (Ronald Rice Sr) who she recently lost. She discussed with him that she wanted to run for Pawnee Nation Princess, and he strongly encouraged her to reach for her goals and was her biggest supporter.

It is with great honor and gratitude that Karen has accepted this responsibility and opportunity as Pawnee Nation Princess. She will do her very best to fulfill this title and legacy of the family and Nation.