Miss Navajo Nation pageant opens with sheep-butchering competition

Posted by Donovan Quintero | Sep 4, 2025 | News |

WINDOW ROCK

Dį́į́’, táá’, naaki, t’ááłá’í. “Nída’oołah!” called Zane James as the 73rd Annual Miss Navajo Nation sheep-butchering competition began.

Special to the Times | Karen Francis
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Cora Hubbard stirs a pot over an open fire during the traditional food portion of the 73rd Annual Miss Navajo Nation Pageant on Monday.

The four contestants – Cora Hubbard, Eriona Tapahe, Camille Uentillie and Taneesha Francis – took their positions at the Navajo Nation Museum grounds on Monday, Sept. 1. They had one hour to demonstrate a skill that carries both practical and ceremonial weight in Diné culture: the careful, precise butchering of a sheep.

The sheep-butchering contest has long opened the Miss Navajo Nation pageant. For the young women who step forward each year, it is more than a test of ability. It reflects teachings handed down through generations and honors their families and communities, said James, the event’s master of ceremonies.

Special to the Times | Karen Francis
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Taneesha Francis prepares tsííkáá’ bááh over an open fire during the traditional food competition at the 73rd Annual Miss Navajo Nation Pageant.

“What they’re showcasing here today has really been passed down from generation to generation,” James said. “Many of these young ladies are honoring their elders when they’re up here showcasing the talent that they have. So it’s a very emotional time but also a fun time.”

Niagara Rockbridge, the 2021–22 Miss Navajo Nation titleholder and this year’s event coordinator, reminded spectators that butchering is not about speed. “Just because one contestant finishes first, that does not mean that she is the next Miss Navajo Nation. That does not mean she is the best butcher,” she said. “It is about skill, it is about knowledge, and it is precision.”

To read the full article, please see the Sept. 4, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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