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Miss Navajo
History | Mission statement | Duties and responsibilities | Miss Navajo |
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History Beulah Melvin Allen, M.D. was the first Miss Navajo crowned during the Navajo Nation Fair in 1952. The selection process was simple. Contestants vying for the title would stand in front of the audience of approximately 10,000 people. The one who received the loudest applause would be crowned Miss Navajo. For about five years, there were two contests: one for Miss Navajo and one for Miss Modern Navajo. Miss Navajo would represent the traditional Navajo ways of life, and Miss Modern Navajo would represent the modern ways of life. Eventually the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant replaced the applause competition. This current competition encompasses both the Navajo and Modern way of life in traditional and contemporary skills, with talent competitions lasting several days. During the pageant competition, contestants demonstrate many beautiful traditional skills and talents. The most important qualification for the Miss Navajo Nation pageant contestants is to be fluent in Navajo and English languages. The contestants must also possess knowledge of the Navajo culture and tradition. Unlike most beauty pageants throughout the world, the Miss Navajo Nation pageant is of beauty found within oneself, instead of judging outward appearance only. Mission Statement In keeping with Navajo culture and tradition, the role of Miss Navajo Nation is to exemplify the essence and characters of First Woman, White Shell Woman and Changing Woman and to display leadership as the Goodwill Ambassador. Miss Navajo Nation represents womanhood and fulfills the role of "grandmother, mother, aunt, and sister" to the Navajo people; therefore she can speak as a leader, teacher, counselor, advisor and friend. In March 1999, the Branch Chiefs of the Navajo government agreed that tone of the fundamental principals of the Navajo government should be the preservation of the Navajo culture. It shall be the mission of the Office of Miss Navajo Nation to encourage every Navajo to assist in the preservation of Navajo culture and Miss Navajo Nation will represent the importance of Navajo women with respect and honor. Duties and responsibilities 1. To the best of her ability, represent the Navajo Nation as a goodwill Ambassador by educating the general public on the history, tradition, and culture of the Navajo people. The purpose and intent of the Goodwill Ambassadorship is to enhance the reputation of the Navajo nation and increase the number of patronage on the Navajo Nation; and 2. Participate in fund-raising activities for the Office of Miss Navajo and other charitable organizations at the choosing of Miss Navajo Nation to enhance the reputation of an increase the number of patronage on the Navajo Nation; and 3. Participate in other activities as authorized by the Office of the President and Vice President in accordance with Navajo Nation policies and ethics laws. List of former Miss Navajo Nation 1952-1953 Beulah Melvin Allen, M. D.1953-1954 Ida Gail Organick 1954-1956 Charlotte Lawrence Greenstone 1956-1957 Emma Louise Anderson/Geraldine Morgan Pete 1957-1958 Charlotte Lawrence Greenstone 1958-1959 Dorothy Curtis Fixico/Vivian Arviso 1959-1960 Joy Jean Sells Hanley/Elsie Curley Raymond 1960-1961 Roseanne Kellywood Bahe/Bernice Skeet 1961-1962 Lois Haskie Kansaswood/Dr. Alyse Neundrof 1962-1963 Rowena Yazzie McCabe/Emma Joe 1963-1964 Anna Mae Begay Fowler 1964-1965 Sally Ann Zah Joe 1965-1966 Carol Ann Yazzie Showalter 1966-1967 Sarah Ann Johnson Luther 1967-1968 Thelma Pablo Francisco 1968-1969 Rose McCabe Wauneka 1969-1970 Rose Ann Bekis Kenneth 1970-1971 Linda Hanove Schweigman 1971-1972 Genevieve Lee Salt 1972-1973 Janet Yazzie Caller 1973-1974 Delphine Curley Ludlum 1974-1975 Gilene Begay 1975-1976 Angela Barney Nez 1976-1977 Rosita Tsosie Holiday 1977-1978 Marilyn Help Hood 1978-1979 Bobby Bia 1979-1980 Freda Jeli Nells 1980-1981 Sandra Eriacho 1981-1982 Dolly Manson Montoya 1982-1983 Sunny Dooley 1983-1984 Shirley Paulson 1984-1985 Lorene Lewis 1985-1986 Audra Arviso 1986-1987 Henrietta Jake 1987-1988 Wena Jesus 1988-1989 Sophina Shorty Brown 1989-1990 Geraldine Gamble 1990-1991 Jennifer Jackson Wheeler 1991-1992 Sharon Watson Murray 1992-1993 Tina James Tafoya 1993-1994 Tara Tsosie 1994-1995 Karen Leuppe 1995-1996 Audra Etsitty Platero 1996-1997 Josephine Tracy 1997-1998 Radmilla Cody 1998-1999 Sevaleah Begay 1999-2000 Victoria Yazzie 2000-2001 Karletta Chief 2001-2002 Jolyana Chief 2002-2003 Shaunda Tsosie 2003-2004 Marla Billey |
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