'To all, be safe this holiday season'

By Marlyssa Ann Jim
Miss Navajo Nation Powwow Princess
Ya’at’eeh Shi Kei Doo Shidine’!
My name is Marlyssa Ann Jim, Tódik’ózhi (Salt Water Clan) Nishli, Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan) Baashishchiin, Naaneest’ézhi Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Red Running Into the Water People Clan) Dashicheii, Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan) dashinali.
I am 25 years young and I’m from Cornersprings, Ariz., within the Whippoorwill Springs Chapter community in Central Agency. I currently work and live in Leupp, Ariz.
My mother is Phyllis M. Begay of Cornersprings, and my father is Zearl Jim Begay of Blue Gap, Ariz. My grandmother is Mary Mike of Cornersprings, and my grandfather is the late Thomas Emerson Mike of Low Mountain, Ariz. My paternal grandmother is the late Anna Jim Begay of Blue Gap, and my paternal grandfather is the late Isaac Begay of Upper Burnt Corn Valley.
I currently represent the title of Miss Navajo Nation Powwow Princess 2015-2016. I represent the nation within the powwow circle as an ambassador to show other tribes, nations and provinces about our Diné people and way of life through traditional dress attire, language and knowledge.
I have danced in powwows since I was 2 years old starting with the jingle, fancy, and now currently dancing in women’s northern traditional cloth.
My platform is to promote anti-bullying, having to promote and encourage our youth, teenagers and all adults to speak our Diné language, a healthy lifestyle through dancing in the circle, cultural teachings and to be artistic in beading, drawing, weaving, and more.
I want to send the message to the people of the great Diné Nation in forms of family, relatives, relations, and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
To all, be safe this holiday season. Christmas and New Years is upon us again. When traveling a far distance for work, school, ceremonies, or with family and friends, please drive carefully for we have many areas on our reservation and beyond that have snow, icy roads and livestock and animals such as deer, elk and more.
Please care for our grandmothers, grandfathers and nalis. Bring them food, firewood and check on them and their animals and water so they do not freeze and will not get hungry or thirsty.
Please keep your children warm with jackets, gloves and beanies. Encourage each other every day to do more, love each other and remember to pray as a family and to be there for each other.
Please tell your children to care for others and not to put others down for how they look, dress or talk, this goes for all ages. Speak our beautiful language and participate in our cultural ceremonies and learn our history.

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