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|History||Mission statement||Duties and responsibilities||Miss Navajo|
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The Long Walk
White Mountain Apache
Save the Peaks!
Beulah Melvin Allen, M.D. was the first Miss Navajo crowned during the Navajo Nation Fair in 1952. The selection process was simple. Contestants vying for the title would stand in front of the audience of approximately 10,000 people. The one who received the loudest applause would be crowned Miss Navajo.
For about five years, there were two contests: one for Miss Navajo and one for Miss Modern Navajo. Miss Navajo would represent the traditional Navajo ways of life, and Miss Modern Navajo would represent the modern ways of life.
Eventually the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant replaced the applause competition. This current competition encompasses both the Navajo and Modern way of life in traditional and contemporary skills, with talent competitions lasting several days. During the pageant competition, contestants demonstrate many beautiful traditional skills and talents. The most important qualification for the Miss Navajo Nation pageant contestants is to be fluent in Navajo and English languages. The contestants must also possess knowledge of the Navajo culture and tradition. Unlike most beauty pageants throughout the world, the Miss Navajo Nation pageant is of beauty found within oneself, instead of judging outward appearance only.
In keeping with Navajo culture and tradition, the role of Miss Navajo Nation is to exemplify the essence and characters of First Woman, White Shell Woman and Changing Woman and to display leadership as the Goodwill Ambassador. Miss Navajo Nation represents womanhood and fulfills the role of "grandmother, mother, aunt, and sister" to the Navajo people; therefore she can speak as a leader, teacher, counselor, advisor and friend. In March 1999, the Branch Chiefs of the Navajo government agreed that tone of the fundamental principals of the Navajo government should be the preservation of the Navajo culture. It shall be the mission of the Office of Miss Navajo Nation to encourage every Navajo to assist in the preservation of Navajo culture and Miss Navajo Nation will represent the importance of Navajo women with respect and honor.
Duties and responsibilities
1. To the best of her ability, represent the Navajo Nation as a goodwill Ambassador by educating the general public on the history, tradition, and culture of the Navajo people. The purpose and intent of the Goodwill Ambassadorship is to enhance the reputation of the Navajo nation and increase the number of patronage on the Navajo Nation; and
2. Participate in fund-raising activities for the Office of Miss Navajo and other charitable organizations at the choosing of Miss Navajo Nation to enhance the reputation of an increase the number of patronage on the Navajo Nation; and
3. Participate in other activities as authorized by the Office of the President and Vice President in accordance with Navajo Nation policies and ethics laws.
List of former Miss Navajo Nation1952-1953 Beulah Melvin Allen, M. D.
1953-1954 Ida Gail Organick
1954-1956 Charlotte Lawrence Greenstone
1956-1957 Emma Louise Anderson/Geraldine Morgan Pete
1957-1958 Charlotte Lawrence Greenstone
1958-1959 Dorothy Curtis Fixico/Vivian Arviso
1959-1960 Joy Jean Sells Hanley/Elsie Curley Raymond
1960-1961 Roseanne Kellywood Bahe/Bernice Skeet
1961-1962 Lois Haskie Kansaswood/Dr. Alyse Neundrof
1962-1963 Rowena Yazzie McCabe/Emma Joe
1963-1964 Anna Mae Begay Fowler
1964-1965 Sally Ann Zah Joe
1965-1966 Carol Ann Yazzie Showalter
1966-1967 Sarah Ann Johnson Luther
1967-1968 Thelma Pablo Francisco
1968-1969 Rose McCabe Wauneka
1969-1970 Rose Ann Bekis Kenneth
1970-1971 Linda Hanove Schweigman
1971-1972 Genevieve Lee Salt
1972-1973 Janet Yazzie Caller
1973-1974 Delphine Curley Ludlum
1974-1975 Gilene Begay
1975-1976 Angela Barney Nez
1976-1977 Rosita Tsosie Holiday
1977-1978 Marilyn Help Hood
1978-1979 Bobby Bia
1979-1980 Freda Jeli Nells
1980-1981 Sandra Eriacho
1981-1982 Dolly Manson Montoya
1982-1983 Sunny Dooley
1983-1984 Shirley Paulson
1984-1985 Lorene Lewis
1985-1986 Audra Arviso
1986-1987 Henrietta Jake
1987-1988 Wena Jesus
1988-1989 Sophina Shorty Brown
1989-1990 Geraldine Gamble
1990-1991 Jennifer Jackson Wheeler
1991-1992 Sharon Watson Murray
1992-1993 Tina James Tafoya
1993-1994 Tara Tsosie
1994-1995 Karen Leuppe
1995-1996 Audra Etsitty Platero
1996-1997 Josephine Tracy
1997-1998 Radmilla Cody
1998-1999 Sevaleah Begay
1999-2000 Victoria Yazzie
2000-2001 Karletta Chief
2001-2002 Jolyana Chief
2002-2003 Shaunda Tsosie
2003-2004 Marla Billey
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