91茄子 crowns Ms. Indigenous 91茄子 2022-23.
Congratulations to 91茄子 student Jaymie Begay (Diné) who was recently crowned Ms. Indigenous 91茄子 2022-23. Nikeisha Kee (Diné) was first runner-up.
Introducing herself in her native language, she says, “Yá’át’ééh Shí eí Jaymie Anna Rose Begay Yinishyé. Naasht始éshí diné nisht寞虂 (I am the Zuni Clan). Táchii始nii báshíshchíín (I am born for the Red Running into the water). Ash寞寞hi dashicheii (my maternal grandfather clan is salt people clan). Naak始aii Diné始é dashinálí (My paternal grandfather clan is The Mexican Clan).”
Begay is a 2020 graduate of Kirtland Central High School. She is studying Native American Studies. Upon completion of her associate degree, she wants to continue her education so that she can become a Navajo teacher, with special emphasis on Diné language and culture.
Winning Platform puts Focus on Youth
Begay’s platform as Ms. Indigenous 91茄子 is to focus on youth, getting them involved with their Native culture. “Our culture and language are fading, so I want to keep our language alive. I also want to place awareness around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.”
During the pageant, Begay demonstrated kneel down bread as her traditional food demonstration. For her contemporary talent she explained the Navajo Basket Dance and then performed the dance.
Ms. Indigenous 91茄子 Dates Back Several Decades
Since its creation, the Ms. Indigenous 91茄子 pageant has formed a legacy of Indigenous women’s voices and sisterhood of title holders who have served the 91茄子 community and their respective cultures and traditions. Traditionally, the pageant aligns with the annual powwow with the coronation taking place on the final night of the powwow. This year, the powwow was a one-day event, with the pageant taking place the following week, as its own event. The Native American Center coordinates the pageant and the powwow with the help of students, staff, faculty and community members. The selection of Ms. Indigenous 91茄子 rests on the judges’ panel made up of former title holders, area royalty and members of the 91茄子 community. Begay’s reign will run through the fall of 2023.
For more information about the 91茄子 Native American Center, including programming, services and tribal scholarships, contact nac@sanjuancollege.edu or 505-566-3321.
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