Miss Navajo hosts egg hunt in home community

Posted by Krista Allen | Mar 31, 2016 | Community |

TOLANI LAKE, Ariz.

Navajo Times | Krista Allen
Miss Navajo Nation Alyson Shirley welcomes children and adults alike to her community Easter egg hunt March 27 in Tolani Lake, Ariz. More than 3,000 actual and candy-filled plastic eggs were hidden and scattered in two designated areas near the chapter house.

While the rest of the country had the Easter bunny, a rabbit that carries a basket of decorated eggs and candy, this small community had Miss Navajo Nation, who helped hunt for eggs and counted them after “hunters” claimed them.

Naabeehó Bich’eekį’ Alyson Shirley, 69th titleholder, on Sunday hosted the first-ever community Easter egg hunt here. More than 3,000 eggs were hidden and scattered in two designated areas near the chapter house where dozens of people had an Easter luncheon before adults and children alike took part in the hunt.

“Alyson wanted to host a community Easter egg hunt, so we planned it as a family,” said Leona Shirley, Alyson Shirley’s mother.

Miss Navajo walked gracefully among the dried cheat grass and the subtle colors of winter vegetation. It was obvious she very happy about being home, and had a gracious manner.

“I’m so happy I’m in TL (Tolani Lake),” said Alyson Shirley, who hails from this community and is from an area called Ałchíní Dah Naháazą́, about 9 miles north of the chapter house. “This morning I got out of my own bed, showered in my own shower – I’m so happy!”