Tsé Nitsaa Deez’áhí daughter crowned Miss Navajo
WINDOW ROCK
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Newly-crowned 2024-25 Miss Navajo Ranisha Begay waves enthusiastically to a cheering crowd on Saturday evening at the 76th annual Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock.
In a night celebrated with tradition and pride, Ranisha Begay from Tsé Nitsaa Deez’áhí, Arizona, was crowned the new Miss Navajo for 2024-25 during the 76th Annual Navajo Nation Fair on Saturday evening.
As she stepped up to the microphone, Begay began her address by sharing her roots, listing her clans—Nát’oh Dine’é Táchii’nii, Ta’neeszahnii, Kinyaa’áanii, and Yé’ii Dine’é Táchii’nii—and honoring her parents, Christopher Begay and Roderica Descheny. Her warm words resonated with the audience as she recognized the other contestants who had participated in the five-day competition.
“Dimóo biis kání yę́ę́hdą́ą́h ádéílyaah. Ákó bááʼáhxéénśóo góó áté,” she expressed, highlighting the camaraderie built among the contestants during the arduous week of events.
Competing against five other passionate young women, Begay emphasized the shared goal of preserving and enriching Navajo culture and language.
“I just wanted to thank each and every single one of you. We made it through the week,” she said with heartfelt sincerity. “I know each of you know something special that your parents shared with you, and you presented that well.”
Begay’s vision as Miss Navajo centers on hane’, promoting the teachings passed down through generations.
“We have a lot of elders who tell us stories, and they guide us through our life. Hearing different perspectives is valuable,” she affirmed, expressing her commitment to sharing her own story alongside those of her community.
The coronation was held at the Navajo Square on the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in front of hundreds of family friends and Miss Navajo admirers.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow