Terilynn Charley crowned 2024-25 Miss Eastern Navajo

By Nicholas House
Navajo Times

CROWNPOINT

Terilynn Charley, 19, was crowned the 2024-25 Miss Eastern Navajo Friday night.

“It’s such a surreal moment,” Charley said during the Ha’a’aahjígo Diné Bich’eekį coronation at the 46^th Annual Eastern Navajo Fair. “I came in to this (Miss Eastern Navajo Pageant) last minute.

“I came in to it with a lot of confidence,” she said. “I’m very proud to represent the Eastern Agency.”

The new Miss Eastern Navajo acknowledges her family – parents, maternal grandparents, and siblings – that shaped her upbringing and helped her reach her goals.

“They really encouraged me a lot to take that big step to do something and represent a large agency,” Charley said.

During her office, she plans to encourage young Diné women to find the courage and determination to participate in a pageant that will help build their confidence.

“And not to be afraid to try new things,” she added.

Her platform will focus on culture and community, including helping older men and women, and the Diné youth.

“I plan on, as Miss Eastern Navajo, to focus more on the elderly and the youth,” Charley said.

Terilynn Charley is the daughter of Terry and Jennifer Charley of Ramah, New Mexico. She is Hashtł’ishnii and born for Ta’neeszahnii. Her maternal grandfather is Tódích’íi’nii and her paternal grandfather is ‘Áshįįhí.

Read more in the Aug. 1, edition of the Navajo Times.

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