Four contestants to compete for
Miss Navajo Nation title

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Four young Diné women have stepped forward to compete for the Miss Navajo Nation crown.

 

Representing the Chinle Agency is Taneesha Francis of Fish Point, Arizona. The 20-year-old is the daughter of Thomacina Francis and the late Jayce Francis. She is Tséńjíkiní and born for Yoo’ó Dine’é Tódích’íi’nii. Her maternal grandfather is Tó’aheedlíinii, and her paternal grandfather is ‘Áshįįhí.

Taneesha previously competed in the 72nd Miss Navajo Nation pageant and is returning with renewed determination.

“I know it’s really hard and it’s a challenge to run,” she said during a meet-and-greet with President Buu Nygren on July 11.

Representing the Fort Defiance Agency are three women known for their advocacy in cultural education, language revitalization, and youth empowerment:

Cora Hubbard, 24, of Kinłichíí’, is Tséńjíkiní and born for Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii. Her maternal grandfather is Tsi’naajinii, and her paternal grandfather is Tábąąhá.

Eriona Tapahe, 25, of Tséhootsooí, is Honágháahnii and born for Táchii’nii. Her maternal grandfather is Kinłichíi’nii, and her paternal grandfather is Tódích’íi’nii.

Camille Uentillie, 25, of Kin Da Łichí’í, is Tsi’naajinii and born for Tł’ááshchí’í. Her maternal grandfather is Tó’áhání, and her paternal grandfather is Tó Dík’ǫ́zhí.

All four contestants are preparing for a week of rigorous tests in public speaking, traditional skills, and fluency in Diné Bizaad, ahead of the crowning in September during the 77th Annual Navajo Nation Fair.

To support their preparation, President Nygren has arranged for Peter Thomas, his Navajo language and cultural advisor, to meet with the contestants twice weekly for 90-minute Q and A sessions. He also gave them a reading list that includes “The Stone Cutter” by Vee Browne, “Beauty Beside Me” by Seraphine G. Yazzie, and “Becoming Miss Navajo” by Jolyana Begay-Kroupa.

“You should have no problem reading those books in seven weeks,” Nygren told the contestants that Friday. “Naturally, that’s going to really help you elevate yourself and bring a lot of confidence as well.”

The Miss Navajo Nation pageant, or Naabeehó Bich’eekį’, now in its 73rd year, is one of the most culturally significant competitions in Indian Country. Unlike mainstream pageants that emphasize appearance, Miss Navajo centers on cultural knowledge, spiritual integrity, and community leadership.

Contestants must speak fluent Diné Bizaad, demonstrate traditional skills such as food preparation, discuss Navajo philosophy and governance, and perform the butchering of a sheep.

Established in 1952, the Miss Navajo title was created to reflect the role of women as cultural carriers and caretakers in Diné society. Winners serve as ambassadors of the Navajo Nation, attending community events, visiting schools, and advocating for health, education, and cultural revitalization.

Outgoing Miss Navajo Ranisha Chrislyn Begay focused her reign on language and outreach. Her successor will serve a one-year term.

This year’s pageant arrives during a broader cultural resurgence across the Navajo Nation, as leaders invest in youth programs, traditional farming, and immersion schools to combat the decline in fluency in Diné Bizaad.

While each contestant brings a unique story, all four share a common purpose: to lead with culture, serve with humility, and represent the values the Miss Navajo crown embodies.

The Navajo Times reached out to the Miss Navajo Office on July 16, asking one question each of Carletta Benally, the program supervisor, Miss Navajo Ranisha C. Begay and the four contestants. The contestant questions focused on their motivations and the cultural responsibilities associated with the Miss Navajo pageant. Follow-up calls and messages were made to Trey A. Dahozy, the office specialist, on July 18 and July 21. As of deadline on Wednesday, July 22, none of the six women had responded, and the office did not provide a reason for the lack of response.

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