Uncle who raised 2026-27 Miss Navajo Nation says prayer carried the family through loss
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Miss Navajo Nation 2026-27 Rochelle Francisco, wrapped in a Pendleton shawl, waves to the audience after being crowned Saturday evening, Sept. 12, during the 74th Annual Miss Navajo Nation Pageant at the fairgrounds in Window Rock.
WINDOW ROCK
When rain fell on the day of the sheep butchering competition, Jonathan Francisco told his niece what he believed the rain meant.
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Miss Navajo Nation contestants Rochelle Francisco, left, Tonana Ben and JoAnni Begay stand together Saturday evening, Sept. 12, before the crowning during the 74th Annual Miss Navajo Nation Pageant at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock. Francisco was later crowned the 2026-27 Miss Navajo Nation.
“I said the rain was a reminder to us that it’s probably your mom, your dad, and (her grandparents) that are here blessing you and watching you and proud of you,” said Jonathan, who raised Rochelle Francisco and her two younger sisters after their parents died.
On Sept. 12, Rochelle was crowned the 2026-27 Miss Navajo Nation at the Navajo Nation Museum auditorium. The crowning closed a weeklong competition in sheep butchering, traditional foods, essay writing, interviews and traditional skills and talent.
Rochelle is Bit’ahnii and born for Bįįh Bitoodnii. Her maternal grandfather is Hashk’ąą Hadzohó and her paternal grandfather is Kinyaa’áanii.
Tonana Ben was first runner-up and JoAnni Begay was second runner-up. Rochelle also won best butchering skills and best essay. Ben took best traditional food, Begay was named Miss Congeniality and Ben won best interview.
To read the full article, please see the Sept. 17, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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