IJRA celebrates 50 years, honors champions at Red Rock banquet
Courtesy | Indian Junior Rodeo Association
Collin Begay (second from left) poses for a photo during the IJRA awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the Red Rock Park. He is pictured here with IJRA timed events director Ivan Becenti, Miss 2026 IJRA Queen Leilani Lee and IJRA CES Kayla Bia.
By Quentin Jodie
Navajo Times
WINDOW ROCK – The Indian Junior Rodeo Association marked its 50th Golden Anniversary last year, capping the milestone with an awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the Red Rock Park in Church Rock, New Mexico.
Newly appointed president Benny Yazzie said the motto of the IJRA is “enhancing the lives of our Native youth through the sport of rodeo.” The founder of the association, Eugene Charley of Kayenta, also attended.
“He was there, and he gave a speech to the kids,” Yazzie said. “He was the one that started all of this in 1975, and we are continuing his vision.”
To read the full article, please see the Jan. 29, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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