Dawnae Yazzie crowned 2025-26 Miss Western Navajo

TÓNANEESDIZÍ

When 19-year-old Dawnae Yazzie walked across the stage to accept the Miss Western Navajo crown Saturday afternoon, her mother, Victoria Yazzie, watched from the audience, proud as she remembered her own turn as Miss Navajo Nation 25 years earlier.

“I was always (taught) at a young age to know our Navajo culture, our Navajo language, and to be a leader in the community,” Dawnae said. “That’s what my mom instilled in us, to speak up for what we believe in.”

The coronation, held Oct. 11 at Tuba City Boarding School, marked a generational moment for the Yazzie family of Cane Valley, Arizona. Victoria served as Miss Navajo Nation from 1999 to 2000, the “millennium queen,” as she was called, and has raised her three daughters – Dayhenoa, Dawnae and D’Aaliyah – to serve their communities, preserve the Navajo language and work toward a doctorate by 25.

Dawnae is Kinłichíi’nii and born for Tábąąhá. Her maternal grandfather is Bit’ahnii, and her paternal grandfather is Kiyaa’áanii. She is originally from Lók’aa Haaghai and calls Tsébii’ndzisgaii home. She is the daughter of Francis III and Victoria Yazzie.

Platform of language, health

Dawnae, a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying pre-medical sciences, plans to use her title to promote Navajo language revitalization and youth health.

“My platform is to promote Navajo language and health to the youth,” she said. “I want to visit schools in the Western Agency and create programs that help students explore careers while also learning the language. I’m still learning (myself), and I know there are other kids out there doing the same.”

Her long-term goal is to become a pediatrician and return home to serve Diné families.

“We don’t have many Native doctors,” she said. “I want to be that example that it’s possible for the younger generation. This is just the start of my career, and I hope it enlightens someone else’s.”

Lessons from home

Victoria said her daughters’ success comes from simple teachings learned in rural life, hauling water, tending livestock and beginning each morning with a prayer.

“I always tell my kids, every time you get up early, make sure you say your prayers and blessings, not only for yourself but your family and community,” she said. “Those daily acts are the essence of walking in beauty.”

Her words have carried into every step her daughters take in pageantry and school. She said the blend of Navajo life and the Western world has shaped her daughters into who they are. She added that the crown represents self-respect and the teachings they carry.

Sisters and symbols

For Dawnae, the pageant carried the presence of her sisters and the memory of her late grandmother. Her outfits were chosen and sewn with family guidance. Her mother provided the jewelry, and her grandmother’s handiwork was woven into the designs.

“Every outfit I wear, I make sure to wear something of hers,” she said. “I like to incorporate everyone in what I wear.”

Her older sister, Dayhenoa, 22, is the newly crowned Miss Utah Navajo and has published her first book of poetry. Her younger sister, D’Aaliyah, 15, passed on her Monument Valley High School princess title just a week earlier.

“I look up to my whole family,” Dawnae said. “My sisters and my mother inspire me to keep pushing forward and to give back to my community.”

Crown with responsibility

Victoria said the family’s path reflects the principle of Sa’ą Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón, which is the essence of harmony and peace, a teaching that Dawnae articulated with ease during the pageant’s questioning.

“It was beautiful that she knew what that meant,” Victoria said. “And I was very proud and honored to hear her answer that question because not a lot will answer that question the way she did, and she answered it.”

As Miss Western Navajo, Dawnae will represent the 18 Western Navajo chapters, where she plans to speak with students, encourage health awareness and advocate for cultural education.

Her day and reign, respectively, began with rain Saturday, which her mother took as a blessing. “We began our morning with the beautiful rain, the blessings to Mother Earth,” Victoria said.

For Dawnae Yazzie, the title is not just a crown. It is a continuation of family legacy, a calling to serve and a commitment to carry Diné Bizaad forward.

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