{"id":42011,"date":"2024-10-16T11:38:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T15:38:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/?p=42011"},"modified":"2024-10-16T12:38:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T16:38:28","slug":"cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Cronkite News: Miss Navajo Nation merges traditional and modern culture"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9\">\r\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aUNGMBXWJQw?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Cronkite News Video by Ignacio Ventura: <a href=https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aUNGMBXWJQw>Miss Navajo Nation Pageant<\/a>\r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n<div class=\"h1-responsive\">\u2018Bridge between the generations\u2019: Miss Navajo Nation merges traditional and modern Din\u00e9 customs<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"h5-responsive sub\">Six contestants vied for the crown of Miss Navajo Nation, a pageant that celebrates Navajo culture and tradition, and imbues the winner as a role model in the country\u2019s largest Native American tribal nation.<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"date\">Wednesday, October 16, 2024<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"byline\">By Brianna Chappie<\/div>\r\n<DIV class=source>Cronkite News<\/DIV>\r\n<DIV class=source-website><A \r\nhref=\"https:\/\/cronkitenews.azpbs.org\/\">cronkitenews.azpbs.org<\/A><\/DIV>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p><em>Cronkite News Editor\u2019s note: This article contains images of animal slaughtering.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>PHOENIX, Arizona &#8212;  By 7 a.m. on a Monday in early September, hundreds of people \u2013 some of whom had come out as early as 3 a.m. and traveled from states thousands of miles off \u2013 had gathered in the small town of Window Rock to watch the first day of the <a href=\"https:\/\/omnn.navajo-nsn.gov\/\">Miss Navajo Nation pageant<\/a>. The building where the event took place was filled to capacity almost as soon as attendees were allowed in, and hundreds more set up lawn chairs behind a roped off area to watch the pageant.<\/p>\r\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"166\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" allow=\"autoplay\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com\/tracks\/1923420500&#038;color=%23ff5500&#038;auto_play=false&#038;hide_related=true&#038;show_comments=false&#038;show_user=false&#038;show_reposts=false&#038;show_teaser=false\"><\/iframe>\r\n<figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Cronkite News Audio by Brianna Chappie: <a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/cronkitenews\/miss-navajo-nation-pageant-competition-merges-navajo-traditions-with-pageantry\" title=\"Miss Navajo Nation pageant competition merges Navajo traditions with pageantry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Miss Navajo Nation pageant competition merges Navajo traditions with pageantry<\/a>\r\n<\/figcaption><p><\/p>\r\n<p>All eyes were cast on the <a href=\"https:\/\/navajotimes.com\/reznews\/meet-the-6-young-women-competing-to-be-miss-navajo-nation-2024-25\/\">six young women competing<\/a>. Cheers erupted as they came out, waved to the crowds and took their spots by large wooden butchering stands, tied-up sheep close by. Behind them were kindling fires they had to start without the use of lighter fluid.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cMiss Navajo Nation \u2013 she\u2019s the bridge between the generations of the old and the young,\u201d said Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye, 26, who was selected as queen in 2023 and reigned until the end of this year\u2019s pageant.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-20\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42021\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1365\" height=\"2048\" data-attachment-id=\"42021\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-20\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-20.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1365,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye surveys the 72nd pageant as contestants vie to be the next one to wear the crown in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-20.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-20.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42021\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Miss Navajo Nation Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye surveys the 72nd pageant as contestants vie to be the next one to wear the crown in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>The pageant is an annual competition, where a new queen is chosen each year. Unlike most pageants, Miss Navajo Nation looks for the beauty \u201cwithin oneself,\u201d not merely physical beauty. The event also goes beyond just pageantry \u2013 the elected Miss Navajo Nation becomes a representative of the Navajo people, and she wields a strong political influence in the tribal nation.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cWe are the only Native American nation to have royalty,\u201d said Jonathan Hale, a former Navajo Nation Council delegate and current Head Start administrator who was the announcer for the pageant.<\/p>\r\n<p>This was the 72nd year of the annual Miss Navajo Nation. Though the pageant has gone through changes, the focus has remained the same: to empower young women throughout the Navajo Nation and uphold Din\u00e9 traditions so that they do not become lost.<\/p>\r\n<p>Miss Navajo Nation is tasked with promoting Navajo culture and language. This was reflected in 1963, when the <a href=\"https:\/\/omnn.navajo-nsn.gov\/History\">dual titles<\/a> for \u201cMiss Traditional Navajo\u201d and \u201cMiss Modern Navajo\u201d were merged back to a singular title, representing the crucial role Miss Navajo Nation must play in leading her nation forward but still preserving traditional customs critical to Navajo identity in the modern age.<\/p>\r\n <div class=row>\r\n <div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-05\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42033\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42033\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-05\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-05.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Quandinna Cheyanne Begay opens a bag of flour during the traditional foods competition. She was injured during the sheep butchering competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-05.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-05.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42033\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Quandinna Cheyanne Begay opens a bag of flour during the traditional foods competition. She was injured during the sheep butchering competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n <\/div> <div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-21\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42022\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"42022\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-21\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-21.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;A contestant prepares for the traditional foods competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-21.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-21.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42022\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">A contestant prepares for the traditional foods competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n <\/div><\/div><P><\/P>\r\n<p>As a matrilineal society, a Navajo person\u2019s clan and lineage comes from their mother. Traditionally, women have been thought of as the heads of their households and hold reverence in the Navajo Nation. The Miss Navajo Nation queen represents the cardinal role of \u201cgrandmother, mother, aunt and sister,\u201d acting as an important familial figure and friend to the Navajo people.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cGrowing up, you think of Miss Navajo as this woman that really can do anything,\u201d said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. The pageant \u201cjust really showcases how strong and resilient our Navajo women are.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>It\u2019s also a way to celebrate and encourage other Navajos to learn homesteading and traditional ways of life.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a way for our people to recognize and continue to celebrate our way of life \u2013 singing our songs, speaking our language, learning about how food is prepared, butchering,\u201d Nygren said.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-18\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42020\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2035\" height=\"2048\" data-attachment-id=\"42020\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-18\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-18.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2035,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Niaomi Ranae Benally looks back at the sheep she will be expected to butcher in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-18.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-18.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42020\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Niaomi Ranae Benally looks back at the sheep she will be expected to butcher in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption><p><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"h5-responsive sub\">The most anticipated event of the pageant<\/div>\r\n<p>The women\u2019s first big competition of the pageant: butchering a live sheep.<\/p>\r\n<p>Sage is used to bless the sheep and give thanks for the animals\u2019 lives before the competitors slaughter them. The women use a sharp knife to slit the sheep\u2019s throat, lessening the suffering of the animal and providing a quick death. They only have one hour to butcher their sheep.<\/p>\r\n<p>Each of the women were assisted by young volunteers, many of whom were also titleholders of various lower-division pageants throughout the Navajo Nation.<\/p>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-14\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42027\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42027\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-14\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-14.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Miss Navajo Nation contestants butcher sheep during the pageant\u2019s first day in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-14.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-14.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42027\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> The Miss Navajo Nation contestants butcher sheep during the pageant\u2019s first day in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>During the butchering, the women work methodically \u2013 despite the time limit, the sheep butchering competition is not about speed. It\u2019s about precision and skill. Sloppy cuts could cost the women points from the judges and be seen as disrespectful to the sheep \u2013 animals are highly regarded in Navajo culture.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThis is the most challenging \u2013 mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually,\u201d Dayhenoa Ch\u2019ikeeh Nizhoonii Yazzie, 20, said about the sheep butchering competition. Yazzie has held numerous pageant titles, including Miss Western Navajo 2022-23, and is currently studying at the Din\u00e9 College for her bachelor\u2019s degree in science public health.<\/p>\r\n<p>Begaye won the sheep butchering contest when she competed in 2023. She had little experience with butchering prior to joining the pageant, and in preparation she slaughtered 18 sheep ahead of her first competition.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cWithin our culture, the livelihood of some of our peoples still \u2013 they do take care of the sheep, and they do use that as a main food source,\u201d Begaye said. \u201cButchering a sheep isn\u2019t really a common thing now, so as we\u2019re going into the next generation, I stand by that our young girls should understand that this is, in a sense, a basic necessity that they should know.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<div class=row><div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-19\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42017\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42017\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-19\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-19.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Tools laid out before the start of the sheep butchering competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Many of the women used tools brought from home that had been passed down by family members for butcherings. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-19.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-19.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42017\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Tools laid out before the start of the sheep butchering competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Many of the women used tools brought from home that had been passed down by family members for butcherings. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/div><div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-08\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42030\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42030\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-08\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-08.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;A contestant prepares the intestines of the sheep she butchered during the first day of the Miss Navajo Nation pageant in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-08.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-08.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42030\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> A contestant prepares the intestines of the sheep she butchered during the first day of the Miss Navajo Nation pageant in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p>The competition is a testament to their resilience. During the sheep butchering competition, Kiana Omi Toadlena sustained serious burns to one of her arms, and Quandinna Cheyanne Begay had to temporarily leave the competition to get stitches on a hand. But both persevered throughout the rest of the competition and pageant.<\/p>\r\n<p>Begaye was present for the entirety of the pageant and during the sheep butchering contest, she could be seen offering words of encouragement to the competitors. Whenever the women started to falter from their laborious task, the announcer would urge them to continue forward.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cKeep going, just keep going,\u201d Hale chanted.<\/p>\r\n<p>Dark flecks of blood could be seen across the women\u2019s pink blouses and skirts as they continued butchering. Niaomi Ranae Benally, 18, the youngest competitor at this year\u2019s pageant, <a href=\"https:\/\/hpd.navajo-nsn.gov\/Portals\/0\/Files\/TCPBook.pdf\">donned red ochre clay<\/a> on her face \u2013 which is called ch\u00ed\u00edh. It has long held spiritual significance with the clan Benally belongs to, the T\u0142\u2019\u00e1\u00e1shch\u00ed\u2019\u00ed, or \u201cRed Bottom Clan,\u201d who have used it for sacred ceremonies.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cGo, Niaomi, go!\u201d her family members frequently yelled from the audience.<\/p>\r\n<p>When the hour was up, the women were instructed to begin cleaning the intestines of the sheep and preparing for the second competition of the pageant\u2019s first day, the traditional cooking competition.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-10\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42028\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42028\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-10\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-10.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Niaomi Ranae Benally holds the intestines of her butchered sheep in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-10.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-10.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42028\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Niaomi Ranae Benally holds the intestines of her butchered sheep in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>For this portion, Begaye explained, the pageant\u2019s traditional coordinator assigned each of the women a traditional cuisine they had to prepare using parts of the sheep.<\/p>\r\n<p>After the first day, the women had four more competitions ahead of them throughout the week: A business interview competition, a Navajo traditional knowledge competition, a contemporary skills and talent competition, and a traditional skills and talent competition.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cMy ancestors did not survive a millennial of genocide for me to do the bare minimum,\u201d Toadlena, 24, said during the pageant. On the third day, the women participated in a traditional and contemporary skills competition. Competitors went on stage and demonstrated two different skill sets \u2013 one of which is directly tied to Navajo traditions, and one modern skill.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-15\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42018\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42018\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-15\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-15.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye, middle, gives a pep talk to Kiana Omi Toadlena in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-15.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-15.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42018\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye, middle, gives a pep talk to Kiana Omi Toadlena in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>Toadlena had already made a name for herself in the Navajo pageant world as a child, reigning as the Ts\u00e9hootsoo\u00ed Din\u00e9 Bi\u2019\u00f3lta Little Queen, the Miss Ts\u00e9hootsoo\u00ed Middle School and Miss Window Rock High School before moving to attend school at Northern Arizona University as a first-generation student, where she studied health science. \u201cI always do the bare maximum,\u201d Toadlena said.<\/p>\r\n<p>Taneesha Francis, 19, showcased her artistic side when presenting on the pageant\u2019s third day. For traditional skills, Francis spun sheep wool to make yarn. Afterward, she demonstrated her crocheting skills as part of her contemporary skill set.<\/p>\r\n<p>To compete for Miss Navajo Nation, women have to be unmarried, have no dependents, be between the ages of 18 and 25, be an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.<\/p>\r\n<p>Before the competition, the women have to self-isolate for a week and can\u2019t communicate with loved ones. This isolation acts as both a spiritual cleansing and reflecting practice, allowing the women to prepare themselves for the challenging week, and the responsibilities they will take on representing the Navajo Nation.<\/p>\r\n<div class=row>\r\n<div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-11\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42026\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42026\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-11.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Kiana Omi Toadlena\u2019s family cheers for her from the stands in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Her mother, Erin Toadlena-Pablo, middle, is the Gallup police chief and first Din\u00e9 woman to lead the city\u2019s police force. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-11.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-11.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42026\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Kiana Omi Toadlena\u2019s family cheers for her from the stands in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Her mother, Erin Toadlena-Pablo, middle, is the Gallup police chief and first Din\u00e9 woman to lead the city\u2019s police force. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-06\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42036\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42036\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-06\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-06.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Kiana Omi Toadlena in an emotional embrace with her mother, Gallup Police Chief Erin Toadlena-Pablo, after the sheep butchering event. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-06.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-06.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42036\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Kiana Omi Toadlena in an emotional embrace with her mother, Gallup Police Chief Erin Toadlena-Pablo, after the sheep butchering event. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p>The contestants are expected to be fluent in the Din\u00e9 language and culture. Din\u00e9 translates to \u201cthe people.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Judges gruelingly test the women on their Navajo fluency as they cut and prepare their sheep. The women have to reply back with fluency; if the competitors stumble in their Navajo or switch to English when responding, or don\u2019t give satisfactory answers, the judges will dock them points.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cIf selected as Miss Navajo, one of my biggest accomplishments is to preserve language, tradition and culture for the younger generations to come,\u201d said Quandinna Begay, 23, who had earlier gotten stitches in the sheep butchering competition. \u201cBecause \u2013 for me, at least \u2013 it is hard to learn our language.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Navajo language is considered endangered by linguists and only had around 170,000 speakers left in the country in 2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/content\/dam\/Census\/library\/publications\/2022\/acs\/acs-50.pdf\">according to the U.S census<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n <div class=row>\r\n <div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-12\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42025\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42025\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-12\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-12.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Assistant Penelope Joe holds up an organ of the sheep butchered by Niaomi Ranae Benally, right, in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-12.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-12.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42025\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Assistant Penelope Joe holds up an organ of the sheep butchered by Niaomi Ranae Benally, right, in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n <\/div> <div class=col-6>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-16\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42024\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42024\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-16\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-16.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Niaomi Ranae Benally, left, along with her volunteer and crew from Window Rock\u2019s fire department, hang Benally\u2019s sheep from the butchering stand in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-16.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-16.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42024\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Niaomi Ranae Benally, left, along with her volunteer and crew from Window Rock\u2019s fire department, hang Benally\u2019s sheep from the butchering stand in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/div><\/div><p><\/p>\r\n<p>Loss of Navajo language can be traced back to assimilatory boarding schools, which thousands of Navajo children were forced to attend between 1869 all the way up to the 1960s. Students were often beaten or punished if they spoke their native languages.<\/p>\r\n<p>Despite this, the number of Navajo speakers has steadily increased since the 1980s.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cI can truly say that the people in my generation, we are making an attempt to preserve our culture,\u201d said former queen Begaye. \u201cWith myself, I\u2019m not fluent in the language. But when I came into this position, it was a requirement. And I thought, \u2018OK, I have to learn. I have to be open. I really have to do this.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Begaye said seeing both her generation and those younger than her actively trying to learn and speak Navajo and preserve the traditional Navajo way of life makes her \u201chopeful.\u201d<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-07\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42031\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42031\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-07\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-07.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Taneesha Francis tends to her fire in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-07.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-07.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42031\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Taneesha Francis tends to her fire in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<div class=\"h5-responsive sub\">More than just a pageant winner<\/div>\r\n<p>Miss Navajo Nation isn\u2019t just a pageant winner. She also becomes the goodwill ambassador for the Navajo Nation. She serves as a role model for the largest Native American nation in the United States, which spans across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico and has 110 chapters.<\/p>\r\n<p>During her time as queen, Begaye has traveled around the country to represent the Navajo Nation. Begaye spoke to Big 10 universities to establish Native American centers and foster communities for Native American students. She traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier in the year to speak with members of Congress about the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and others for the Navajo Nation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Begaye earned her undergraduate degree from Utah Tech University and is now a master\u2019s student at Arizona State University studying to become a dietician.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-09\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42029\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42029\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-09\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-09.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Pine holds up time cards to show how much longer contestants have to finish the sheep butchering competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-09.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-09.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42029\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Miss Navajo Pine holds up time cards to show how much longer contestants have to finish the sheep butchering competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cA lot of our kids, they sometimes become lost, and they need that little encouragement,\u201d Begaye said. \u201cSo I did a lot of promoting higher education within the nation.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>In July, Begaye traveled to France and represented the Navajo Nation at the 2024 Paris Olympics.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cSome of the questions I was asked every now and then was, \u2018Are you Peruvian? Are you Spanish?\u2019\u201d Begaye said, sharing how many people in Paris couldn\u2019t tell what her ethnicity and culture were. \u201cHaving to explain, \u2018Oh, I\u2019m Native American,\u2019 and having to share that part of my hometown with Europe was really nice.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cI heard Amy went to Paris,\u201d Miss Baker Middle School Nala Nelson, 12, said to the audience. \u201cShe let the Paris people know that the Navajo Nation is still here and that we still talk our Navajo language.\u201d<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-04\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42035\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1889\" data-attachment-id=\"42035\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-04\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-04.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1889\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Baker Middle School Nala Nelson sang for the audience in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-04.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-04.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42035\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Miss Baker Middle School Nala Nelson sang for the audience in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"166\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" allow=\"autoplay\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com\/tracks\/1923419768&#038;color=%23ff5500&#038;auto_play=false&#038;hide_related=true&#038;show_comments=false&#038;show_user=false&#038;show_reposts=false&#038;show_teaser=false\"><\/iframe> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Cronkite News Audio by Brianna Chappie: <a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/cronkitenews\/navajo-pageant-princess-sings-during-miss-navajo-nation-pageant\" title=\"Navajo pageant princess sings during Miss Navajo Nation pageant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Navajo pageant princess sings during Miss Navajo Nation pageant<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>Besides education, Begaye has used her platform to promote health and wellness for the Navajo Nation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Begaye\u2019s grandfather was one of the many Navajo workers who developed cancer and other serious health conditions from working in uranium mines \u2013 health effects the U.S. government had failed to make Navajo workers aware of. Begaye said her grandfather\u2019s plight was a heavy influence on her decision to go into the health sector and promote wellness for her people.<\/p>\r\n<p>First lady of the Navajo Nation and former Arizona Rep. Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, who sat front row with her husband during the first day\u2019s pageant, called Miss Navajo Nation a \u201ccoveted role.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s nothing like I\u2019ve seen in other tribal communities or even communities that I\u2019ve visited,\u201d Blackwater-Nygren said. \u201cWe call them royalty, but they\u2019re kind of like cultural ambassadors.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of younger titleholders that are here,\u201d Blackwater-Nygren said, gesturing to the dozens of young girls \u2013 some of whom were volunteers \u2013 wearing brightly colored traditional dresses and crowns similar to the one Miss Navajo Nation wears.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s really big in middle school, high school, and then we have the regional pageants as well. There\u2019s a Miss Northern Navajo, a Miss Eastern Navajo, a Miss Western Navajo. And then Miss Navajo is kind of like the ultimate titleholder. So a lot of the young titleholders that are here \u2013 that\u2019s their long term goal, to become Miss Navajo,\u201d Blackwater-Nygren said.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-03\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42032\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42032\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-03\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-03.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Eastern Navajo Terilynn Charley, right, speaks during the first day of the pageant in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-03.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-03.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42032\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Miss Eastern Navajo Terilynn Charley, right, speaks during the first day of the pageant in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>Terilynn Charley, 19 is the reigning Miss Eastern Navajo.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThis is a lot tougher than what I went through,\u201d Charley said. \u201cBut it does give me an eye-opener on what\u2019s ahead of me and what I could be doing later on in the future,\u201d she continued, saying she wouldn\u2019t rule out the possibility of trying to compete later on for Miss Navajo Nation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Charley also liked the immediate impact of the pageant on the youths who attended.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cI really do like how there were a lot of little kids here, and I did hear how in the stands, \u2018Oh Mom, how do I do this? How do I do that?\u2019 And I really do like that because they\u2019re teaching them,\u201d Charley said. \u201cMy message to them would be to overcome their fears; we all try new things.\u201d<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-13\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42019\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42019\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-13.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Sheep intestines are cleaned during the butchering contest in Window Rock, on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-13.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-13.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42019\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Sheep intestines are cleaned during the butchering contest in Window Rock, on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p>The importance of teaching was reiterated throughout the pageant. As the women were butching, they were encouraged to explain the process to their young volunteers, and the audience was implored to educate their children on the practices.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThis experience is a valuable education. Keep it alive, keep it a good practice. Carry on tradition,\u201d Hale said to the crowd.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cA lot of the social challenges that we face across Navajo \u2013 like alcoholism, drug addiction, kids that are by themselves or foster kids \u2013 that all comes back from building that strong foundation,\u201d Nygren said.<\/p>\r\n<p>On the last day of the pageant, Ranisha Chrislyn Begay, 23, was crowned the 72nd Miss Navajo Nation. She had won the traditional foods and best-essay competitions earlier in the competition.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cI am very proud and honored to be part of the Miss Navajo Nation contest,\u201d Ranisha Begay said shortly after completing the sheep butchering contest on the first day of the pageant. \u201cIt\u2019s a very big opportunity to present what I know and what I\u2019ve learned from my family, from my parents and grandparents.\u201d<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-17\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42023\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42023\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-17\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-17.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Judges observe Ranisha Chrislyn Begay as she butchers her sheep in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-17.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-17.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42023\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Judges observe Ranisha Chrislyn Begay as she butchers her sheep in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<br \/><\/figcaption>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<p>Ranisha Begay said she enjoyed being questioned by the judges, as it allowed her to \u201creflect\u201d on the teachings that her elders had shared with her. \u201cA lot of those questions are what they shared with us as we were butchering with family,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n<p>As Miss Navajo Nation, Ranisha Begay said she would use her platform to continue to encourage youth to learn about their culture and the Din\u00e9 language.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cI think that\u2019s the most important thing that we have as Din\u00e9 people,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have lost so many ceremonies, prayers, and all we have to do is continue to uphold what we have left for our youth.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThat is what brings power to our Navajo people and reflects who we are as people.\u201d she continued.<\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-02\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42034\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42034\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-02\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-02.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye wears the Miss Navajo Nation crown in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-02.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-02.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"   class=\"size-full wp-image-42034\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye wears the Miss Navajo Nation crown in Window Rock on September 1, 2024. Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p>For the next year, Ranisha Begay will be the one to wear the Miss Navajo Nation crown, which weighs two and a half pounds and is pure silver, adorned with turquoise and imbued designs that hold deep religious and spiritual significance to Din\u00e9 people. Various parts of the crown pay homage to female deities including Yoolgai asdz\u00e1\u00e1, or \u201cWhite Shell Woman,\u201d billed as the creator and sustainer of life; Asdz\u0105\u0301\u0105\u0301 N\u00e1dleeh\u00e9, or \u201cChanging Woman,\u201d who is said to have created the first Navajo people and represents fertility and rejuvenation; and Na\u2019ashj\u00e9\u2019ii Asdz\u00e1\u00e1, or \u201cSpider Woman,\u201d who is believed to have woven the web of the universe.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cI just wanted to thank each and every single one of you. We made it through the week,\u201d Ranisha Begay said, acknowledging the five other women she competed alongside. \u201cI know each of you knows something special that your parents shared with you, and you presented that well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-01\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-42037\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" data-attachment-id=\"42037\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2024\/10\/16\/cronkite-news-miss-navajo-nation-merges-traditional-and-modern-culture\/missnavajonation-01\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-01.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Miss Navajo Nation\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Miss Navajo Nation&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Ranisha Chrislyn Begay butchers her sheep during the pageant\u2019s first competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024 Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-01.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-01.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Navajo Nation\"  class=\"size-full wp-image-42037\" \/><\/a> <figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Ranisha Chrislyn Begay butchers her sheep during the pageant\u2019s first competition in Window Rock on September 1, 2024 Photo by Brianna Chappie \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<STRONG>For more stories from Cronkite News, visit <A href=\"https:\/\/cronkitenews.azpbs.org\/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=client\">cronkitenews.azpbs.org<\/A>.<\/STRONG>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n<HR><EM>Note: This story originally <a href=\"https:\/\/cronkitenews.azpbs.org\/2024\/09\/24\/miss-navajo-nation-pageant-represents-dine-culture\/\">appeared on Cronkite News<\/a>.  It  is published via a <A href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative  Commons license<\/A>. Cronkite News is produced by the <A href=\"https:\/\/cronkite.asu.edu\/\">Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication<\/A> at <A href=\"https:\/\/www.asu.edu\">Arizona State University<\/A>.<\/EM><HR>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Miss Navajo Nation pageant celebrates tribal culture and tradition, and imbues the winner as a role model on the largest reservation in the U.S.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42029,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,1],"tags":[5507,42,3240,46,5509,5514,5508,5510,175,24,5512,5511,5516,5513,5515,44,102],"class_list":["post-42011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-national","tag-amy-naazbah-reeves-begaye","tag-arizona","tag-buu-nygren","tag-cronkite-news","tag-dayhenoa-chikeeh-nizhoonii-yazzie","tag-jasmine-blackwater-nygren","tag-jonathan-hale","tag-kiana-omi-toadlena","tag-languages","tag-navajo","tag-niaomi-ranae-benally","tag-quandinna-cheyanne-begay","tag-ranisha-chrislyn-begay","tag-taneesha-francis","tag-terilynn-charley","tag-women","tag-youth","no-wpautop"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/16\/missnavajonation-09.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcoJ7g-aVB","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42011"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42057,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42011\/revisions\/42057"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42029"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}