Cajuan Cleveland brings Miss Indian Rodeo crown back to Navajo Nation

By Lee Begaye
Special to the Times

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Cajuan Cleveland stood beneath the bright arena spotlights of the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center, taking in the moment after a long week of competition and a quiet triumph after a year of preparation.

Moments earlier, the announcer called her name as the new Miss Indian Rodeo 2026, the most prestigious Native American professional rodeo queen title in the world.

“It feels really amazing to bring the title back to the Navajo Nation,” Cleveland said. “I’m so fortunate to have represented the Eastern Agency and the state of New Mexico. I can’t wait to return home and celebrate with my family and supporters.”

For Cleveland, who hails from Towering House Clan, born for Bitter Water People, the journey to the INFR crown has been eight years in the making — from small-town rodeos and high school pageants to a national stage blending culture, horsemanship, and leadership.

A scholar and a competitor

A senior at Navajo Technical University, Cleveland studies Diné Culture, Language & Leadership while conducting research on “Incorporating Diné Bizaad into a Dataset Format for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Between classes and research, she competes in barrel racing under the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association banner.

“I spend my time balancing school, my research, and rodeo,” she said. “All of it connects — the language, the horses, the culture. That’s the Diné way.”

Her past titles trace her growth through every stage of life: Miss Indian Miyamura (2017–18), Miss Eastern Navajo Teen (2019–21), Miss Navajo Technical University (2021–22), and Miss Gallup Intertribal Indian Ceremonial Queen (2022–23). Each experience prepared her for this moment on the INFR stage.

A Week of Competition and Celebration

Held during the 49th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, the Miss Indian Rodeo Pageant tested contestants across ten categories emphasizing horsemanship, cultural knowledge, communication, and leadership.

Cleveland excelled, winning seven of the ten categories, including People’s Choice, Best Speech, Best Tradition, Photogenic, Horsemanship, and tying for Best Essay.

“This week’s experience was one to remember and reflect on,” she said. “I appreciated the memories, the support, and the chance to represent the Navajo Nation. I’m proud of the friendships we formed and how we supported one another.”

Bridging culture and the western way of life

Cleveland previously held the title of Miss Intertribal Rodeo, but she says the Miss Indian Rodeo crown carries a unique balance.

The difference is that my past titles revolved heavily around culture,” she said. “This title brings culture, tradition, and the sport of rodeo together — connecting our ancestral relationships with horses to today’s modern competition, science, and contemporary tribal identities.”

Learning from last year’s near miss

In 2024, Cleveland finished as first runner-up for Miss Indian Rodeo — a result that fueled her resolve.

“I felt the universe was telling me to work harder,” she said. “It was a mental challenge, but it encouraged me to raise the bar. I spent evenings studying for the pageant, especially horsemanship. I wanted to make an imprint when I came back this year.”

The horsemanship competition, she said, remains the most demanding event. “It’s where you truly showcase your relationship with your horse. You can tell so much about a person through their horsemanship.”

Carrying the crown forward

During her reign as Miss Intertribal Rodeo, Cleveland set a goal to attend 100 community events, promoting rodeo and cultural awareness. This year, her goals reach even further.

“As Miss Indian Rodeo, I plan to represent Professional Native American Rodeo in higher associations — like the IPRA and PRCA,” she said. “I want to work with our youth on holistic health with horses and livestock and create educational opportunities for everyone.”

She also plans to continue competing, raising her rodeo career to a higher level. “This title has so much to offer already,” she said. “I want to make the most of every opportunity.”

Inspiring the next generation

To the young girls watching from the stands, Cleveland’s message is clear:

“If you’re inspired to run for a pageant — do it! You wouldn’t have that thought if it wasn’t meant for you,” she said. “We need more representation, more diversity, and more influencers of Native culture. It takes consistency, practice, and commitment. You can do it — if I can, we all can.”

Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.

 

---