Courtesy photo
Valentina Blackhorse, a young and vibrant mother from the Navajo Nation, died on April 23, 2020.
Blackhorse served as Miss Dine College from 2011-2012. She also held the title of Miss Western Navajo in 2016.
Continuing a tradition of service to her people, Blackhorse most recently worked for the Dennehotso Chapter of the Navajo Nation, located on the Arizona portion of the reservation.
“She was a mother, sister, granddaughter, and friend to many,” sister Vanielle Blackhorse said on GoFundMe. “She had a great passion for competing in Pageants and was well known in that circle, she had a immense love for sharing her Navajo culture.”
Blackhorse succumbed to complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, family said. She is much loved by her parents, two sisters, her 1-year-old daughter and her partner.
Being a former titleholder has brought me to know and bond with many sisters who strive to make a difference in their community. This young lady was one of them. Valentina Blackhorse was a special person and touched many lives. She died this AM from covid-19. #RIP 😭 pic.twitter.com/Zef41wHQGn
— Sitol Jane (@SitolCarr) April 24, 2020
Blackhorse was well known in pageant circles in Indian Country. She competed for Miss Indian World in 2017.
“Being a former titleholder has brought me to know and bond with many sisters who strive to make a difference in their community,” fellow Miss Western Navajo Asdzáá Tsé ghá’dindinii (Crystal Cree) said on social media. “This young lady was one of them. Valentina Blackhorse was a special person and touched many lives.”
The family is using GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses and other costs.
“She was an awesome sister, wife, daughter, granddaughter, and most importantly a mother to her 1 year old daughter,” sister Vanielle said on social media. “I never thought I would have to do this for my sibling, and I pray to the creators above to please heal our broken hearts.”
According to the Navajo Nation, 1,540 tribal citizens who live on tribal homelands have tested positive for COVID-19 as of April 24. There have been 58 coronavirus related deaths on the largest reservation in the United States.