Miss Navajo Nation 2001-2002 |
- Hometown: Fort Defiance, Arizona
- Age during reign: 20
- Education: 1999 graduate of Window Rock High School, Fort Defiance, AZ 2004 B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ Currently pursuing an M.A. in Social and Philosophical Foundations with an emphasis in Indian Education from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.
- Clans
- Mother's Clan: Táchii'nii (Red Running Into the Water People)
- Father's Clan: Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People)
- Maternal Grandfather's Clan: Tł'ááshchí'í (Red Bottom Cheek People)
- Paternal Grandfather's Clan: Ye'ii Dine'é Táchii'nii (Giant People of the Red Running Into the Water People)
- Mother's Clan: Táchii'nii (Red Running Into the Water People)
Introduction
Ya'at'eeh. My name is Jolyana Begay and I am the new Miss Navajo Nation 2001-2002. My clans are the Red Running Into the Water People, and I am born for the Black Streak Wood People. My maternal grandfathers are the Red Bottom Cheek People and my paternal grandfathers are the Giant People of the Red Running Into the Water People. I am twenty years old. I was raised in Rabbitbrush, NM, an area five miles north of Fort Defiance, AZ. My parents are John and Elsie
Begay. I have three siblings of which I am the second oldest. I have my older sister JoVina, my little brother Johnyatt, and my little sister Joantina. I also have my baby niece, Uriah. My maternal grandparents are Lucy Curley, who currently resides in Sanostee, NM and the late Wilson Curley, of Sanonstee, NM. My paternal grandparents are Nellie and John Begay Sr. of Rabbitbrush, NM.
Navajo Times
photo - PaulNatonabah
Karletta Chief passing crown
to Jolyana Begay,
Miss Navajo Nation 2001 - 2002I graduated from Window Rock High School in 1999. Upon high school graduation, I attended two semesters at Phoenix College in Phoenix, Arizona. Currently, I am a student at Dine College, where I have just completed three semesters. I have recently been accepted into the Arizona State University’s Dine Teacher Education Program, where I will continue to pursue a degree in teaching the Navajo Language.
Gallup Independent Photo by Rich-Joseph Facun
Jolyana Begay of Rabbitbrush, N.M., bakes tortillas over an open fire after mixing and kneading the dough as part of the competition Wednesday.My hobbies include reading Navajo literature, playing the Piano, singing, babysitting Uriah, listening to Native American music, and going to Rodeos. My dad being a Rodeo stock contractor, I have been around the sport of Rodeo all my life. I also participate in the Native American Church.
It is an honor to become the goodwill ambassador of our great Navajo Nation. I look forward to representing my tribe with dedication, determination, and more importantly, dignity. Since I a small child, I imagined myself to the quintessential Miss Navajo Nation. I wanted to the one chosen to represent my people, traditional Navajo culture, Navajo language, and Navajo values. That day is finally here. My goal would be to signify the beauty of out Navajo language, traditional culture and values.
As Miss Navajo Nation, I would emphasize to the youth the importance of preserving and learning the traditional culture and language as well as getting as much education as possible. I strongly believe that knowing your self-identity, your language, your way of life, will make you a stronger person and give you a good foundation. I would like to help my people become aware, preserve, and value the beauty way of life.
As I travel across the reservation, I plan to encourage all tribal members to remember their elders. The elders are the key philosophers of the Navajo culture and tradition. They carry much wisdom. It is because of the elders we are still here today.
As Miss Navajo Nation, I plan to represent my Dine Nation to the best of my ability, on a local, national, and international level. I will contribute all that I know about our way of life. As the new Miss Navajo Nation 2001-2002: I am proud to serve my Dine Nation. Walk in Beauty my people. Ahehee’.
Miss Navajo Nation Appreciation
2nd Annual Miss Navajo Nation Appreciation Day
"Women Walking in Beauty in the 21th Century"
Celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Goodwill AmbassadorsDate: May 17, 2002 (Friday)
Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Navajo Nation Museum, Window Rock, Arizona
Lucheon: Navajo Nation Inn, 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Tickets to cover registration fee and luncheon, $25.00/person
Money Order, Check, Cash accepted
Submit in person or mail to:
PO Box 2860, Window Rock, Arizona 86515
Registration Form below
Schedule:
Workshops focusing on Women's Wellness
Mistress of Ceremonies: Jolyana Begay, Miss Navajo Nation 2001-2002
Motivational Speakers
- Special Guest Steve Darden - Personal Development and Wellness
- Josephine Tracey - Navajo Women Leadership
- Mary Chris Martin - Women Empowerment
- Sammie Largo - Spiritual Self-Identity
- Angela Barney Nez - Goal Setting
- Marilyn Helphood - Continuing Education
- Stewart Calnimptewa - Self Defense
- Dennis Dedman - Domestic Violence Awareness
Entertainment
- Navajo Elvis, Navajo Entertainer
- Marilyn Help Hood, Miss Navajo Nation 1977-1978
- Kansas Begay, Miss Indian World Teen 2002-2003
- Jay Begaye, Native American Singer
- Natissa Johnson, Miss Northern Navajo Nation 2001-2002
- Latoyia Largo, Miss Indian Teen USA 2002-2003
Western Dance from 9pm to 1am in Museum Resource Room music by "The Outlaws"
Newsletters
My First Public Appearance:
Albuquerque, NM
My first public appearance was at the Navajo Nation Department of Behavioral Health conference in Albuquerque, NM. I was truthfully quite nervous about the event. There were different presenters throughout their conference week, which was concluded by a gala event. There, I was asked to provide entertainment and introduce myself as the new Miss Navajo Nation.
During my presentation, I briefly discussed the pageant week and mentioned my platform as the new Miss Navajo Nation. I also recited a tongue twister poem, which sent a welcoming laughter through the crowd. I was very grateful that I had the opportunity to meet this friendly department, who gave me a good start on my new job began as the new Miss Navajo Nation.
Spirit of the Navajo Nation:
United We Stand Miss Navajo Nation Tribute March
October 26th 2001, Window Rock, AZI would first of all like to thank all the participants who attended the Miss Navajo Nation Tribute March on October 26, 2001! The march took place on Friday at 7 a.m. in the morning, starting at the Veterans Memorial Park and on to the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds. The purpose of the event was to honor and pay tribute to all Navajo soldiers in the armed forces.
The occasion was a success! There were at least one hundred walkers who participated and paid tribute. Despite the morning breeze, people of all different age groups, some on scooter bikes, bundled up in warm clothing and participated. Various royalties from across the Navajo Nation contributed and partook in this special event. There were participants who brought along pictures of their loved ones, whom are serving the United States of America.
The tribute march was a touching and heart warming experience. All walkers were reminded of our freedom as well as how proud we are, to be Americans. Songs such as "The Star Spangled Banner", "America the Beautiful", and "God Bless America" were all sung. Additionally, the Pledge of Allegiance, in the English language as well as the Navajo language was also recited.
The "Miss Navajo Nation Tribute March" was in addition beneficial in the health and fitness areas. We were all reminded to stay physically fit and maintain a healthy diet. More importantly however, the tribute march advocated towards unity, where we, as Americans stand together and unite.
Complimentary Breakfast for Council Delegates
Window Rock, AZDuring the week of October 15th through the 19th the Navajo Nation Council delegates met for session at the Window Rock Council Chambers. On Thursday, October 18, 2001, I sponsored a complimentary breakfast for the Council Delegates who serve an important purpose in our Navajo Nation government. This complimentary breakfast served as a "Thank You" to them for their hard work and dedication in taking the initiative to serve our Dine Nation. This event also served as an opportunity to greet the council as the newly crowned ambassador and to introduce my family, as well as the staff at the Office of Miss Navajo.
They were very thankful and words of encouragement were expressed. I am very thankful this event was a success!
Red Ribbon Week Through the week of October 22-26, 2001, I traveled to schools across the reservation, celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Some of the schools and events that I traveled to included the Crownpoint Behavioral Health Red Ribbon, Ganado High School, Ganado Primary School, First Offenders Youth Workshop, and Tse Ho Tso Intermediate School. Red Ribbon Week is a time when we take the opportunity to encourage one another to stay on the positive road of life and to remain drug and alcohol free. Personally, I feel that this should be remembered on an every day basis, and not only once one week out of a year.
During my visits throughout the reservation, I encouraged all individuals to stay on the positive road of life. Making something of themselves and working hard in life will surely pay off in the long run. I also reminded everyone that using drugs and alcohol will result in something negative and that there is never anything gained. I stressed that, it all comes down to being yourself and accepting who you are, not only as an individual, but as a Dine as well.
The encouragement of staying away from drugs and alcohol is something that parents, and family members should really stress to their children. The teachers are next in line, to encourage being alcohol and drug free. I strongly believe that children proceed after their role models. Setting a positive example for your child is the best thing that parents and older siblings can do. Staying away from drugs and alcohol will help us recognize The Beauty Way of Life.
I enjoyed my week and my favorite quote I came across was "Too Cool to be that fool to use Drugs." I am quite thankful to all those individuals who work hard to promote and educate young students to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
School Visits: Through the week of September 24 - 28, I visited schools across the Navajo Nation. This was my first appearance in an actual school environment. I was really looking forward to the many different schools that I was going to be visiting. The children were great! Out of all schools that I attended that week, there was always a student or two who were touched by the song that I sang to them. The feeling of knowing that a student was moved by my presentation is such an amazing feeling.
Some of the different schools that I traveled to, included, Ch'ooshgai Community School, Greasewood Community School, Tse Ho Tso Primary, Intermediate and Middle School, Sanders Elementary, and Middle School, and Beclabito Day School.
Performing for the children was very moving and gives me the urge to continue to attend more schools. I look forward to the many different schools I will visit throughout the year.
Traveling to Chicago, Il: On November 8 -11, I traveled to Chicago, IL. Lorene Legah, teacher from Dine College served as my chaperone. We departed from Albuquerque on Thursday November 8, 2001. Upon our arrival in Chicago, our host, Melissa Legah, who is the daughter of Lorene, greeted us! Our first visit was the Art Institute of Chicago. The tour through museum was very informative and quite interesting.
While visiting the Windy City, I presented for the company of Motorola as well as the Lake Louise Elementary School. Native American Month was the emphasis at Motorola. Melissa Legah and Barbie Wyaco, Navajo employees of Motorola, made all necessary arrangements for the presentations. As part of my presentation, I discussed my role while holding the title of Miss Navajo Nation, as well as the pageant competition. I also informed the audience about basic facts, such as the reservation land size, population, government system, and brief information of the Navajo Philosophy of learning.
I also participated in the 48th annual AIC powwow in downtown Chicago. This annual event attracts many singers and dancers from across the United States.
Everyone appreciated my presence, as they were eager to meet the ambassador of the largest tribe in the United States. I introduced myself as the ambassador of the great Dine nation and even took part in the grand entry. I was glad to have met and become acquainted with some of the Navajo people who reside in the Chicago area. I would like to thank Melissa Legah, Barbie Wyaco and the company of Motorola for sponsoring me and for making my trip to Chicago a successful one!
My trip to New York City: On November 12-14, 2001, I journeyed to the east coast and spent a few days at the Big Apple (New York City). I was invited by Dine College to take part in a very special event. I traveled with Cassandra Manuelito-Kervlict, President of Dine College, Cassandra Bitsuie, reigning Miss Dine College and Loren Bernally, faculty member at Dine College. We attended the Flame of Hope Gala, sponsored by the Native American Indian College fund.
The American Indian College fund is an organization that raises funds from many different corporations, foundations, and individuals to provide scholarship funds to 32 tribal colleges. Dine College is one of the 32 schools that receive funds from this program.
The gala itself was very intriguing. There were many distinguished dignitaries that gathered for this special occasion. Dr. Ron McNeil, who is the great-great-great grandson of Chief Sitting Bull, currently the President of Sitting Bull tribal College in North Dakota, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Richard West, the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, was also in attendance. Candita Woodis-Rucker, a Navajo student who attends Dine College at the Shiprock campus, was a recipient of the 2001 Student of the Year award. The college as well as myself are very proud of her outstanding accomplishments.
My trip to the fast paced city of New York was exceptionally worth my time. I was glad that Dine College gave me the opportunity to represent their school as a student, as well as the ambassador of the Navajo Nation. Thank You Dine College!
My trip to New Mexico Military Institute: On December 12, 2001, I visited the Military Institution in Roswell, New Mexico. This year was the first year that the institution observed Native American Awareness during the month of November. The Native American students also organized a Native American club which now consists of 36 members. Their school has a military atmosphere and is quite disciplined as it surely prepares cadets for college. The school consists of a high school, as well as a two-year junior college.
During my visit, I served as a guest speaker for a gathering, which was attended by corps of cadets, staff, faculty and local Roswell community members. My presentation topics included my duties as the reigning Miss Navajo Nation, history of the Navajo Nation, current issues affecting Navajo people and contributions I give as the ambassador of the Navajo Nation. I also sang some songs in my own Dine language, which they enjoyed. My visit to their school was worthwhile and I enjoyed the campus tour. During the evening meal, I was given the opportunity to give the supper prayer for the entire school, which was done in the Navajo language.
I must say that I am very proud of the Navajo students who are attending the Roswell Military Institute. I had a chance to meet with them and we all talked on an individual level. I would like to thank the Native American Club, as well as Major John Umberger for inviting me out to their wonderful school. I had a great time, and I hope that in the future, I get to see the students again.
Good Luck to the Regional and State Basketball Players: Ya’at’eeh! As the ambassador of our great Dine nation, I am honored to have this opportunity to wish all area basketball athletes, coaches, cheerleaders and fans good luck as we come toward this year's Regional and State Playoff Basketball Championships. Basketball, among the Navajo youth has become quite popular. There are so many young talented individuals who are advancing and excelling in this competitive sport. The Navajo traditional teachings have taught us the concept of “T’11 h0 1j7t’4ego”, knowing that you have self-control as you demonstrate self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-esteem in accomplishing goals.
Growing up, I remember traveling down to the Flagstaff and Metro area every year, to witness yet another victorious win, from one of the area Navajo schools on the reservation. I enjoy watching the sport and have always considered myself to be a basketball fan. I strongly feel that any sport is good because it helps individuals to challenge themselves and become more positively motivated and about their dreams in life.
I sincerely commend all teams for their outstanding sportsmanship and urge you to keep up the great work. Working hard to achieve your dreams is not an easy task and therefore I am proud that you have stayed hearty and robust all season long. Staying on the positive road and challenging yourself in this way will take you quite far as a young individual. Remember that you are role models and you must not forget our traditional teachings. I personally believe that you are all winners and I wish you the best of luck!
I would like to encourage all fans to continue to support your teams and always practice good sportsmanship. I wish you safe traveling and Always Walk In Beauty!
Miss Navajo takes part in 2002 Winter Olympics: During the month of February, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games took place in Salt Lake City, Utah. Along with the games was an inter-active Olympic-sanctioned cultural exhibit featuring the Navajo. The Discover Navajo: People of the Fourth World, was an extraordinary exhibit, which featured endless information on the Navajo history, reservation, way of life, and the famous Navajo Code Talkers.
As the ambassador of the Navajo Nation, I had the opportunity to officially open the Discover Navajo Pavilion. After performing a traditional song, I was given the honor of cutting the ribbon, which officially opened the exhibit. I was quite privileged to partake in this very special occasion. Many anxious, curious people, who wanted to learn about the largest Indian tribe in the United States, gathered for this event.
My second memorable event was attending the Torch relay, which traveled through the Navajo reservation on February 4th, 2002. The Olympic Torch relay took place at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Literally hundreds of people gathered for this unforgettable occasion. The beautiful sandstone sculpture formations, served as the setting, as the torch was relayed through Navajo land.
During the winter games, I was also able to travel up to Salt Lake and attend a formal reception, which was hosted by Discover Navajo. Distinguished guests, important dignitaries, and the Navajo Code Talkers were all in attendance during this reception gala.
The participation of the Navajo Nation helped the Cultural Olympiad achieve its goals, which were to celebrate Utah and its heritage. Embracing the West, all of the indigenous tribes, their cultures and language were highlighted. This exhibit also gave the Navajo Nation a chance to introduce our unique way of life as well as the beauty of our land to the rest of the world. I am very glad that I was able take part in this wonderful event. I hope that the rest of the Navajo nation can see what beauty we have within our Navajo land!
Restoring Family Values Workshop The Office of Miss Navajo Nation hosted a one-day workshop on “Restoring Family Values through Love, Peace and Harmony.” The workshop took place on Friday February 15, 2002 at the Best Western Inn in Gallup, NM. Sessions began around 9:00 a.m. and ended around 4:00 p.m. This successful event was followed by an evening banquet from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The workshop was a free event, which was opened to the public. The evening banquet was also opened to the public and tickets were on sale, which went toward the costs of the entire project.
The kickoff of the Restoring Family Values workshop, hosted by the Office of Miss Navajo Nation traveled to all other agencies across the Navajo Nation. Various Navajo Nation departments, along with the Office of the President and Vice President, hosted the other workshops agency wide. The Department of Behavioral Health hosted the western agency conference, on February 27, 2002, in Tuba City, AZ. The third workshop was held on March 27, 2002, in Shiprock, NM, and was hosted by the Department of Public Safety. On March 28, 2002, the Department of Social Services took the lead role and hosted the central agency workshop, in Chinle, AZ. Finally, the Eastern agency Restoring Family Values workshop concluded in Crownpoint, NM, on April 4, 2002.
The purpose of these workshops were to address and provide important information relating to social problems such as domestic violence and many more. In recent months the Navajo Nation has been faced with tragedies that require serious attention. As Miss Navajo Nation, I thought that through the effort of providing education on family values, and the different programs available, our Navajo people can avoid tragedies and work towards a positive future.
The fantastic participation of local community members, and service providers, who joined and attended the one-day workshop on Restoring Family Values through Peace, Love and Harmony, was greatly appreciated. The agency wide event turned out to be a success, as hundreds of people gathered and listened to the different presenters who provided useful information. I would like to thank you all for supporting the workshops to educate our people.
2002 Royalty Seminar By Christina Manymules, Student Worker The 1st Annual Royalty Seminar was held on Saturday, June 15, 2002. This first annual event was held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Navajo Nation Museum, in Window Rock, Arizona. The objective of the Royalty Seminar was to promote leadership, poise, public speaking skills, and to encourage and prepare more young girls to run for the title of Miss Navajo Nation. Preparing young ladies from the ages 6-24, on preparing for any pageant competition was the purpose of the seminar. Presentations were provided on topics such as, Public Speaking, Traditional Attire, and Navajo Singing. Some of the presenters were: Jolyana Begay, the reigning Miss Navajo Nation, Marilyn Help Hood (Miss Navajo Nation 1977-1978), Josephine Tracey (Miss Navajo Nation 1996-1997), Linda Ross, Kansas Begay (Miss Indian Teen World), and Mae Mallahan. Miss Navajo Nation, Jolyana Begay was the Mistress of Ceremonies, as well as a presenter, while Marilyn Help Hood presented on Navajo Storytelling. Josephine Tracey presented on the topic of public speaking procedures and Linda Ross talked about the importance of Kinaalda’ Teachings. Another presenter was the reigning Miss Indian Teen World, Miss Kansas Begay, who discussed valuable Navajo Singing techniques. These are just some of the topics presented by the presenters.
There were approximately twenty-five young ladies from across the Navajo Reservation who participated at this Seminar. Many current titleholders also came and represented their schools and agencies. Paulita Begay, Miss Tse Ho Tso Primary Learning Center Princess, Kari Deann Clark, Miss Teec Nos Pos Community School Princess, and Latoyia Largo, Miss Indian Teen USA were all proud title holders who participated in the seminar. The registration fee was twenty-five dollars, which covered the girls lunch expenses, folder packets, and snacks. There were vendors available at the Seminar. The office of Miss Navajo Nation were selling their 50th Anniversary T-shirts, posters of former Miss Navajo Nations, and twelve month Calendars featuring Miss Navajo Nation 2001-2002, Jolyana Begay. Another vendor was selling jewelry, hairpins, hair ties and Navajo traditional clothing. When the Royalty Seminar was over each participant who participated received a certificate of participation, which was sent through the mail. T
