Pageant History

| Pageant History | Crown History | Previous Contestants | | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2002-2003 | 2003-2004 | 2004-2005 | 2005-2006 | 2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | Yolanda Charley (20) Chi-Chil-Tah, New Mexico (Eastern) Ya’at’eeh, my name is Yolanda Jane Charley, I am 20 years old. I am of the Water Edge People (Tabaaha’), born for the Towering House People (kiyaa’aanii). My maternal grandfathers are the Red Bottom People (Tl’aashehi’i), and my paternal grandfathers are the Mexican People (Naakai Dine’e). My mother is Clara Kehoe and my stepfather is Glenn Kehoe from Twin Falls, Idaho. My father is Benjamin Charley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. My maternal grandparents are John Wilson and the late Matilda Nez Wilson of Chi-Chil-Tah. My paternal grandparents are Joe Yazzie and the late Fanny Charley of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico. Today, I currently reside 35 miles south of Gallup, New Mexico in a small community of Chi-Chil-Tah; I live with my uncle Samuel Wilson. I have held three princess titles in the past. I was Miss Chi-Chil-Tah 2001-2002, Tse-Ya-Toh Veterans Princess 2005-2006 and Miss Eastern Navajo 2007-2008. I hope to continue to be an advocate for the Navajo Nation and my community. Danielle Goldtooth (20) Farmington, New Mexico (Northern) Ya’at’eeh, My name is Danielle Goldtooth. I am of the Black Streak Red Running into the Water People. My father is Ogallala Lakota Sioux. My maternal grandfathers is Honey Combed Rock People and my paternal grandfather is Ogallala Lakota Sioux. I am originally from Shiprock, New Mexico, but now I reside in Farmington, NM. My mother is Carole Goldtooth. She works at the Ute Mt. Health Clinic. My father is Steven Semken and he teaches at ASU. My grandparents are Tony and Cora Goldtooth. I graduated from Shiprock High School in 2006. I went to school at Fort Lewis College for a semester in the fall of 2005. Now I am a full time student at Dine' College studying Biology. I had the honor of representing Dine' College as 2007-2008 Miss Dine' College and on the Archery Team. After I complete my AS in Biology, I plan to attend UofA for Pharmacy School. Latasha Tom (18) Blue Canyon, Arizona (Ft. Defiance) My name is Latasha Tom. I am of the Ta’chii’nii (Red Running into the Water People clan) and born for To’ahani (Near the Water clan). My maternal grandfather’s clan is Tsenjikini (Honey Combed Rock People clan). My paternal grandfathers’ clan is Ta’baaha’ (Water Edge clan). I am 18 years old, born in Fort Defiance, Arizona and raised and still live in Blue Canyon, Arizona. My parents are Albert and Kateri Tom. My maternal grandfather is Phillip Neswood from Greasewood, Arizona and my late maternal grandmother was Irene Tsosie-Neswood from Sawmill, Arizona. My late paternal grandfather was Milton Tom from Sagebrush, New Mexico and maternal grandmother is Mary Jesus Chee from Blue Canyon, Arizona. I recently graduated from Window Rock High School Class of 2008. I am finishing my first semester of college at Dine’ College – Window Rock campus. I am planning to pursue a degree in Dine’ Studies and Navajo Language. Rikki Jane Watchman (Ft. Defiance) (19) Ya-Ta-Hey, New Mexico My name is Rikki Jane Watchman. I am of the Black Streak Stick People born for Red Running in Water People. My maternal clan is the Bitterwater People and my paternal grandfather is of the Blackfeet tribe. I am 19 years of age from Yatahey, New Mexico. My parents are Betty Estrada and Henry James Watchman. I have successfully graduated from M.C.H.S. at the University of New Mexico. I would like to continue my education at UNM for a law degree in Criminal Justice. Bridget L. Henry (20) Spider Rock, Arizona (Chinle) Ya’at’eeh, my name is Bridget L. Henry. I am of the Coyote Pass Clan, born for the Black Streak Wood People Clan. My maternal clan is Red Running into the Water People Clan. My paternal clan is the tangle Clan. I am 20 years of age and originally from Spider Rock, which is located east of Chinle, AZ. My parents are Andrew and Bessie Henry. My mater grandparents are Tsosie and Rite Hayou of Spider Rock. My paternal grandfather is the late Andrew C. Henry of Black Rock, AZ. My paternal grandmother is the late Mary H. Henry of Mexican Springs, NM. I have reside in Chinle since the age of five and completed my general studies with the graduating class of 2005 from Chinle High School. Upon the successful completion of my high school, I enrolled and attended Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ. There, I successfully completed two semesters and returned home for the summer of 2006. In the fall of 2006, I enrolled and attended Mesa Community College with a major in Elementary Education. It has been exciting to experience college, I have decided to take a break and focus on what is strongly important to me at this time in my life, which is to vie for the title of Miss Navajo Nation. Other titles that I have carried with honor is Miss Chinle Primary Princess 1995-1996. During my 5th grade year, I ran for the title of Miss Elementary School princess and was a Runner- Up. I also participated in the Miss Chinle Junior High Princess Pageant and won the title for 1999-2000. The last title I have held was the Miss Central Teen, 2002-2003. I am honored to have the titles that I worked hard for to represent my family and people. I have always stood strong to present myself as a respectful woman with a strong traditional background. Samantha Lynn Chee (20) Iyanbito, New Mexico (Eastern) Ya’at’eeh, my name is Samantha Lynn Chee of Iyanbito, New Mexico, Eastern Agency. I am 20 years old interested in participating in the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant. My maternal clan is Two Whom Came to Water people born for the Red Bottom people Clan. My maternal grandfathers are the Beneath the Mountain Cove people Clan. I was born in Gallup, New Mexico and raised in Iyanbito, New Mexico. My parents are Mr. and Mrs. John and Selma Chee. My grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Betty Lee and the late Harry Lee Sr. of Iyanbito, New Mexico. My nollies are Mrs. Mare Toadhegleenie of Wheatfields, Arizona and the Late Mr. Martin Litson of Black Rock, Arizona. I’m the third of six siblings. I am also a graduate of Gallup High School from Gallup, New Mexico. In January 2006- I received my Diploma in a Dental Assistant Program, from Apollo College. Later into life I made the decision to stay at home, to care for my first niece- as a care giver. Not long after my employment as a care giver, I found a job as an Activity Aide at a Home Health Care in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joining the pageant is my next goal. Here I’m going to show my people that there are goals out there in the world that need to be accomplished. Jonathea Tso (25) Cove, Arizona This is Jonathea Tso from Cove, Arizona. I am 25 years old. I am the Red House and Bitter Water Clan. My maternal grandfather’s clan is the Red Running into Water People Clan and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Tobacco Red Running into the Water Clan. My parents are Irene and Jonathan Tso, they currently reside in Kayenta, Arizona. My maternal grandparents are Mae and Lee John of Cove, Arizona. My paternal grandparents are Francis and Fred Russell of Black Mesa, Arizona. I have five little sisters of which I am the eldest. I currently reside in Cove, Arizona, with my grandma and her sheep. While caring for my grandma, I work part-time with the student Activities Office at Dine College (Shiprock) and purse a degree in the Navajo Language and Dine Studies program. I Graduated from Dartmouth College in 2004 with a dual major in Native American Studies and Environmental Studies. This past year, I have had the honor of representing our Dineh people as Miss Northern Navajo 2006-2007. This form of community service is a great way to understand and address some of the many issues at hand on our Navajo Reservation. If bestowed the honor of representing all my relatives as Miss Navajo Nation, I will emphasize our Dineh way of life and for most. My platform incorporates leadership of each individual. All groups taking the initiative to lean and teach out Dineh Way of life will insure a better society for all. This past year, I have had the honor of representing our Dineh people as Miss Northern Navajo 2006-2007. Cassandra Bitsuie (24) Steamboat, Arizona Ya’at’eeh. Shi eh Cassandra Bitsuie yinshe. Tabaaha Edge of the Water People n7sh7, Ts7naaj7n77 Black Streak Wood People, ba’ash7ch77n, Honaghaan77 One that Walks Around, da’ah7che77, d00 Naakaa Din4’e Mexican Clan, da’ash7nal7. I am 24 years old and a resident of Steamboat, Arizona. My loving parents are Juliuson and Caroline Bitsuie. I have two older brothers the oldest is Jaken Bitsuie and the youngest is Jordan Bitsuie, my sister in-laws is Virgina Lee. My family and I are so fortunate to welcome the newest member of the family Corey Jayden Bitsuie. My maternal grandparents are Sam and Susie Jesus of Steamboat and my paternal grandparents are Kee Bitsuie and the late Alice Bitsuie also of Steamboat. My two great-great Nali’s Francis Williams and the late Lena same who also are from Steamboat. I am 2001 graduate of Ganado High School with an honor that has shine some light on me and in that way I was recognized which is my 13 year’s perfect attendance. The fall semester of 2001 I attended Dine College in Tsaile, Arizona; I majored in attend a college that had surroundings of teachings that just needed to be grasped so I took advantage of it and used it which got me where I am right now. I was also Miss Dine College 2001-2002 but I came is as 1st Runner Up but this year I am giving it another chance. So many months and years of my entire life all I wanted to become was Miss Navajo Nation so I prepared myself, gained all the knowledge and teachings as I could but now I am ready to fulfill a dream!!!! Contestant Agency Awards Jocelyn Billy Miss Navajo Nation Contestant Agency Awards Rachelle James Chinle Miss Navajo Nation Crystal Frazier 1st Runner Up Michelle Descheenie (19) Chilchinbeto, Arizona - Agency Tó Dích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan) born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan) Grandparents; Áshiihí (Salt Clan) Paternal Grandparents; Honágháahnii Parents; Shirley and Frank Descheenie 2nd Runner Up Roberta Diswood (24) Nenahnezad, NM - Tábaahá (Edge Water Clan) born for Tsin Sikaadnii (Clumped Tree Clan) Grandparents; Naakai Dine’é (Mexican Clan) Paternal Grandparents; Honágháahnii (One Walks Around Clan) Parents: Douglas and Daisy Diswood 3rd Runner Up Tiffany Tracy (19) Fort Defiance - Fort Defiance Agency Tl’ízí Lání (Many Goats Clan) born for the Kinyaa’áanii Grandparents; Táchii’nii/Nát’oh Dine’é (Red Running Into Water/Tobacco People Clan) Paternal Grandparents; Tábaahá (Edge Water Clan) Parents; Grace and Thomas Tracy Window Rock High School Graduate Contestant Janene Natashaba Yazzie (19) Lupton, Arizona - Agency Tsi’naajinii (Black Streaked Wood Clan) born for Honágháahnii Grandparent; Naalání (Comanche) Paternal grandparent; Dibé Lizhiní (Black Sheep Clan) Parents; Laura Lee and Jackie Yazzie Jr. Contestant Contestant Agency Awards Jannalee Atcitty (24) Gap/Bodaway Chp-Western Agency Coyote Pass Born for Towering House Grandfather; Black Streaked Wood People Paternal Grandfather; Red Cheek People Parents; Louise Wilson and Loredo Clah 1998 Graduate of Page High School Miss Navajo Nation Shannon Hood (23) Twin Lakes Chapter-Fort Defiance Agency Bitterwater born for Towering House Grandfather; Yucca Fruit Hung in a Row Paternal Grandfather; Meadow People Parents; Marilyn Help-Hood & Nelson Hood 1998 Graduate of Tohatchi High School Contestant Belinda Cowboy (23) Chilchinbeto Chapter-Western Agency Mexican People born for One who walk around Grandfather; Badlands People Paternal Grandfather; Red Running into Water Parents; Lena Cowboy & James Cowboy 1999 Graduate of Richfield High School Contestant Quintanya Claw (18) Chinle Chapter-Central Agency Start of the Red Streak People born for Towering House Grandfather; One who walk around Paternal Grandfather; Coyote Pass Parents; Claw & Norman Claw 2003 Graduate of Many Farms High School Contestant Deevonda Largo (25) Nageezi Chapter-Eastern Agency Mexican People born for Red Running into Water People Grandfather; Grey Streaked Ends Paternal Grandfather; Sleep Rock People Parents; Dinah Mae Largo and Roy Dennis Largo 1997 Graduate of Bloomfield High School Contestant Desiree Murphy (19) Lupton Chapter-Fort Defiance Agency Blacksheep People born for Black Streak People Grandfather; Red House People Paternal Grandfather; Red Running into Water People Parents; Yvonne Murphy & Rick Murphy 2004 Graduate of Metrocenter Academy Contestant Sunshine Bia (25) Sweetwater Chapter-Northern Agency Red Cheek Plan born for Coyote Pass Grandfather; Mud Clan Paternal Grandfather; Bitterwater clan Parents; Ethel Bia and Andrew Bia 1997 Graduate of Red Mesa High School Contestant Anthnette “Fern” Spencer (20) Red Rock Chapter-Eastern Agency Mexican People born for Towering House Grandfather; Black Streak Wood People Paternal Grandfather; Meadow People Parents; Majorie Jones & Anthony Spencer Sr. 2002 Graduate of Gallup High School Contestant Terriet Wilson (20) Fort Defiance Chapter-Fort Defiance Agency Towering House born for Many Goats Grandfather; Under his cover Paternal Grandfather; Near the Mountain Pass Parents; Rita Ann Wilson & Thomas Chee Wilson 2002 Graduate of Rough Rock High School Contestant Lauren Dugi (21) Bodaway Gap Chapter-Western Agency Start of the Red Streak born for Deer Water Grandfather; Edgewater Paternal Grandfather; Towering House Parents; Annie Dugi & Bud Dugi 2001 Graduate of Page High School Contestant (Left to Right: Marla Billey, Neomi Gilmore, Raysetta Francisco, Gilbertina Jackson) Contestant Agency Awards Marla Jean Billey (20) Sanostee Chapter of Shiprock Agency Miss Navajo Nation 2003-2004 Gilbertina L. Jackson (22) Jeddito Chapter of Fort Defiance Agency 1st Runner Up and Miss Most Applauded Neomi M. Gilmore (21) Twin Lakes Chapter of Fort Defiance Agency 2nd Runner Up and Miss Congeniality Raysetta Francisco (18) Red Rock Chapter of Eastern Agency 3rd Runner Up (Left to Right: Carrie, Shaunda, Jolyana, Gilbertina) Contestant Agency Awards Shaunda Mae Tsosie (23) Chinle Chapter of Chinle Agency Miss Navajo Nation and Miss Most Applauded Carrie M. Martin (25) Gap/Bodaway Chapter of Western Navajo Agency 1st Runner Up, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic On-Line Votes Gilbertina L. Jackson (21) Beshbitoh (Jeddito Chapter) of Fort Defiance Agency 2nd Runner Up and Best Sheep Butcher (Left to Right: Floranda, Jolyana, Shannonlynn and Crystal) Contestant Agency Awards Jolyana Begay (Age 20) of Rabbitbrush Chapter Miss Navajo Nation and Miss Most Applauded Shannonlynn Chester (Age 24) of Greesewood Springs Chapter 1st Runner Up and Miss Photogenic Floranda Dempsey (Age 25) of Cedar Springs Teesto Chapter 2nd Runner Up Crystal Chee (Age 19) of Black Mesa Chapter 3rd Runner Up and Miss Congeniality (Left to Right: Karletta, Valerie, Floranda, Tisha) Contestant Agency Awards Karletta Chief Miss Navajo Nation and Miss Photogenic Tisha Shonnie (Age 23) of Pinon Chapter Chinle 1st Runner Up and Miss Most Applaused Valerie Jones 2nd Runner Up Floranda Dempsey (Age 24) of Cedar Springs Teesto Chapter 3rd Runner Up and Miss Congeniality (L to R: Gervana Begaye, Sevaleah Begay, Charlene Begay, Victoria Yazzie, Vanessa Tahe) 1998 - 1999 Miss Navajo Nation Pageant Gervana Begaye of Shiprock Chapter (Shiprock Agency) Age: 24 Sevaleah Begay of Chinle Chapter (Chinle Agency) Age: 20 Charlene Begay of Chinle Chapter (Chinle Agency) Age: 24 Victoria Yazzie of Kayenta Chapter ( Agency) Age: 23 Vanessa Tahe of Thoreau Chapter ( Agency) Age: 23