Miss Navajo Nation 2002-2003 |
- Hometown: Chinle, Arizona
- Age during reign: 23
- Education: Window Rock HS, May 1997, Dine College, Associate's Degree in Life Science
- Clans:
- Nishli: Naakai Dine'e
(Mexican People Clan) - Bashishchiin: Naaneest'ezhi Tachii'nii
(Charcoal Streaked Red Running Into Water People) - Dashichei: Todichii'nii
(Bitter Water People) - Dashinali: Todik'ozhi
(Salt Water People)
- Nishli: Naakai Dine'e
Ya'ah'tah shikee doo shidinee. I am the newly crowned Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03. My name is Shaunda M. Tsosie. I am 23 years of age, born of the Mexican people and born for the Charcoal Streaked Red Running into the Water People. My maternal grandfather's clan is of the Bitter Water Clan and Salt Water Clan is my paternal grandfather's. I am originally from Chinle, AZ. south of Spider Rock.
My parents are Leon Tsosie of Low Mountain and Susie L. Tsosie of Chinle, south of Spider Rock. I am the oldest of six siblings, three younger bothers and three younger sisters. My maternal grandmother is Sally Shorty of Spider, AZ and my paternal grandparents are Kee Tsosie Sr. and Mary J. Tsosie, both of Low Mountain, AZ. My great paternal grandmother is Ruth Yazzie of Low Mountain, AZ.
I have graduated from Window Rock High School in May of 1997. Since than I have been in school, achieved a Associates Degree in Life Science and presently double majoring in Biology and Nursing both of the medical program at Harding University. Upon graduation I plan to attend medical school to pursue a medical degree in pediatrics.
Even the littlest person can greatly change the course of the future. I strongly believe in the potential of our Navajo youth. They are the ones who will shape our great nation to guide and to lead our Navajo People through the transition into the modern world. As an advocate for the youth I want emphasize the importance of maintaining their Navajo identity which will give them positive self-esteem to achieve any endeavor they dream to accomplish. I want to help in the promotion of preserving our Navajo language, culture and tradition, for it beholds morals and values of being a Navajo that gives us strength to succeed in life.
In beauty and in harmony may the Lord graciously bless you,
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation, 2002-2003PROJECTS & NEWSLETTERS
- Thanksgiving Letter
- Quilt Project
- Sponsor a Grandparent Project
- Message to All Mothers
- Message For Soldiers
- Family Value Workshop
- Reading Project
- Navajo Times Article
Thanksgiving Project
Ya’at’eeh Shikee doo Shidine’e
Greetings my family, my relatives, my fellow people,Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. A reflection of knowing that having faith and hope in a higher being, a family who cares and loves you, a warm home, true friends, a job to financially support your family, freedom to practice our rights, our Dine’ language, culture and tradition our identity. I strongly believe one is truly fortunate. Please do not take your wealth for granted, share what you have even if it isn’t much.
Many of our own people, especially our young ones and our elderly are malnourished and have inadequate clothing to protect their well being against the upcoming cold, harsh winter. Living in this environment they are susceptible to acute or chronic illness that leads to unnecessary death of mental, physical and spiritual well-being. We need to protect our most valuable asset, our children, the future and our elders who behold wisdom to guide and lead our children.
I acknowledge that I alone cannot defeat hunger and the cold among our people, but together we could help comfort the pain of hunger and warm the hearts from the unbearable cold. I humbly ask each of you to please help me accomplish this endeavor I have planned to help comfort the pain of hunger and help clothe the cold so that hope will be rejuvenated in their lives. I urge each of you to continue to aggressively speak and strongly stand on behalf of those who are struggling to build security in their family and home;
“Let us think about each other to show love and do good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
To participate in this charitable cause, please bring canned food items for the Thanksgiving Food Drive or a monetary donation to purchase turkeys for both holidays, a blanket or materials to make blankets, jackets, or a gift for children and elders. Contributions can be dropped off at the Office of Miss Navajo Nation located in the Peterson Zah Museum/Library. The nonperishable food items will be distributed to families; the elderly, the less fortunate children in the remote areas on the reservation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The blankets will be distributed to the elderly for Christmas.
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation, 2002-2003
Quilt Project
Ya’at’eeh Shikee doo Shidine’e
Greetings my family, my relatives, my fellow people,I am the new Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03, Shaunda M. Tsosie. I am of the Mexican People, born for the Charcoal Streaked Red Running Into the Water People. My maternal grandfather’s clan is Bitter Water and Salt Water is my paternal grandfather’s clan. I am originally from Chinle, AZ – South of Spider Rock.
I am only one person; together we can make a dramatic impact in many lives. I strongly believe we all need to come together to think about each other and care for one another. Parents, I want to encourage you to take up this opportunity of sharing and giving. This opportunity will instill morals and values in your child’s life, values that will teach your child gratitude, generosity, charity, and to think and care for others that are in need. This is an opportunity to strengthen family harmony. All children are natural imitators. You, the parent are their first role model.
Your time and talent is needed in a Christmas Quilt Drive for the elderly. Those who are willing to volunteer their valuable time and the use of their sewing machine to sew quilts come to the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock. Completed quilts will be distributed to the elderly in nursing homes and at Senior Citizen Centers throughout the reservation.
Contributions of old blankets and materials can be dropped off at the Office of Miss Navajo Nation located in the Peterson Zah Museum Library in Window Rock, Arizona.
“Let us think about each other to show love and do good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation, 2002-2003
Sponsor a Grandparent Project
Ya'ah'teeh My Family, My Relatives, and My Fellow People,
I have traveled throughout our Dine land and have seen a great need for compassion. As I visited many homes I became aware that our elders are neglected. And the only human interaction they have are from community health representative of chapter houses. As the Ambassador of our great Dine Nation, my personal goal is to help reach those who are hurting, unfortunately disabled, and neglected. I want to be a positive influence to each person that I encounter so they may know they are important, valued, loved and have a purpose in life.
Therefore, I have created a project that sponsors a grandparent in need. This project will give people the opportunity to freely offer their friendship and become a kindred spirit. I sincerely want our Dine people to be inspire to cherish and perpetuate beauty, peace, and joy as a way of life. To encourage and to morally support the youth to stay in school, to build up their self-esteem, which will help the child through difficult decision that they will encounter. This project will not only strengthen but will reinforce our traditional and cultural values. It is a mission of restoration of our values; love, faith, hope and charity.
Your participation is needed for accomplishing this endeavor of teaching the sacredness of K'e' in our home and in our communities. Let us work together to sponsor a grandparent today.
May you always walk in beauty and in harmony,
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03
Message to All Mothers
To all grandmothers, mothers, aunts, mothers to be,
I appreciate and honor all that you do for your family. I hope this message finds you in good spirits and encourages you, for I write to all mothers and my own. My prayers are with you always because you are the giver of life, sustainer of life, nurturer, teacher and most important a role model.
" The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness." It is the little things that you do that makes me in awe of who you are. From the time you have given birth to me your unconditional love has sustain and nurtured me to become the person I am today. You fed me, clothed me, caressed and comforted me and most of all you prayed for the strength of my physical and spiritual well-being and my future.
I praise you. Not only have you given me life but the guidance and instruction to live life that honor's the Lord.
" Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 Parenting by this verse you instill your teachings to protect from hurt and harm. I honor you because you model the moral and virtue of a strong faithful Christian woman. " She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over. . . her household, her husband and her children arise and call her Blessed. . ." Proverbs 31:26-27,28
I am grateful that God has opened my eyes and enlighten me by your works. You are precious, a priceless gift and a loving, self-sacrificing mother. I pray that someday I will be like you for I am still walking in your footsteps. I honor you because of who you are. " All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my Mother."
A mother's love never comes to an end.
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03
Message For The Soldiers
Ya'ah'teeh My Family, My Relatives, and My Fellow People,
My gratitude and admiration to the veterans who have sacrificed their lives for the preservation of our way of life, for the freedom to pursue love, peace, and happiness in life.
Once again a potential threat of war as reared its ugly head, creating fear in many lives. Many of our loved ones in the military have been called to active duty and been deployed overseas to obediently uphold their commitment in protecting our country and it's people. No words can truly express and describe my feelings of appreciation and gratitude for all that you are and for all that you do for your country and your people. Thank you.
At the beginning and ending of each day, in reverence we humbly give an offering and sincerely pray for peace between our nation and our enemies and for the safety and protection of our soldiers. To our soldiers stationed overseas serving to safe guard our country and people, I offer my prayers, my compassion , and my empathy to you and to your family who anxiously wait for your return. May the Lord shield you and deliver you out of harms way." the Lord watches over you. The Lord will keep you from all harm." Psalm 121
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power for He will carry us through. Romans 8:31 clearly states," If God is for us, who can be against us?" The truth of this verse is that the battle belongs to the Lord. God bless you and keep you safe.
God Bless,
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03
Family Value Workshop
Ya'ah'teeh My Family, My Relatives, and My Fellow People,
I personally extend a warm invitation to all my Dine people to the second annual Restoring Family Values workshops. The workshops are important and educational. Workshops will be held in each agency to promote restoration of family values. I strongly believe acknowledge and practicing the principles of the beauty way of life is the key element to living in harmony. Workshops is hosted by the Office of Miss Navajo Nation collaborating with Health and Social Service programs at the following locations.
Wednesday July 9, 2003 Tuba City Chapter
The mission of this family values workshop is to restore harmony within families and bring awareness of negativity that influences our people young and old. Negative influences that effect our people are alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse, high drop out rate, gangs, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, and high suicide rate. Do not be silent: take a personal challenge of eliminating negative influences in your homes and in our communities.
It saddens me how many of our own children are being neglected, lack guidance and deprived of morals and values of life. Without guide, they earnestly seek approval and acceptance from their peers. Without guidance one does not set standards for themselves, do not know how to achieve their goals, do not have respect for themselves, others and their environment.
Parents, we need to come together and educate ourselves on how to communicate with our own children. They need our instruction and guidance in how to live the beauty way of life. Let us not turn way from our children but let us encourage their potential to inspire us with their gifts and talents. " It is up to each of us to inspire our youth to cherish and perpetuate beauty, peace, and joy as a way of life."
In this New Year please take a positive approach by making a change for a better tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you at each of the workshops.
May you always walk in beauty and in harmony from this day forward.
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03
Reading for Brighter Future ~ Miss Navajo Nation Reading Project 2002-03
Ya'ah'teeh My Family, My Relatives, and My Fellow People,
Not only has reading been proven to be a significant aid in brain development but it strongly encourages and solidifies an emotional bond between the parent and child. The formation of an emotional bond between parent and child is essential, for it is the skeleton of developing a child's integrity.
Reading improves and strengthens their language skills and cognitive skills in learning how to communicate with their surroundings and the people they interact with. Neglecting and depriving them will only bring suffering in self-esteem issues and the difficulty in socialization with their own peers and others.
Parents are the child's first teachers and from them a child is taught the value and importance of learning. Please help instill the love for reading and learning in your child by taking quality time to read to your child or have your child read to you.
Every Friday at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Navajo Nation Library I read to children ages 5 of age to 12, and participate in making arts and crafts.
May you cherish and perpetuate beauty, peace, and joy as a way of life.
Shaunda M. Tsosie
Miss Navajo Nation 2002-03
Outgoing Miss Navajo worked for harmony
Miss Navajo Shaunda Tsosie signs the Office of Miss Navajo Nation Proclamation Tuesday designating the months of June, July and August as "Recycle to Rejuvenate the Beauty and Life of Mother Earth and Father Sky." (Times photo - Paul Natonabah - Navajo Times)
By Jan-Mikael Patterson, The Navajo Times
WINDOW ROCK - Miss Navajo Nation Shaunda M. Tsosie, 24, will be passing on her crown at the coronation ceremony for the 2003-2004 Miss Navajo Nation Saturday night during the 57th annual Navajo Nation Fair.
Tsosie is Naakai Dine'e (Mexican clan) born for the Naaneest'ezhi Tachii'nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into Water). Her maternal grandparents are Todichii'nii (Bitter Water clan) and her paternal grandparents are Todik'ozhi (Salt Water clan.)
As ambassador for the Navajo people, Tsosie targeted the restoration of harmony through faith, hope, love and charity.
"It was very challenging," Tsosie said. "I believe I became a stronger person mentally and physically."
Tsosie completed all her projects that she had planned at the beginning - to restore family harmony.
Of her projects, the "Do Unto Others" project, targeted elders living in remote areas of the reservation. Tsosie, along with a group of children, assisted elders by giving food, doing household chores like sweeping and mopping the home, chopping wood and hauling coal.
She gave quilts, food baskets and spent quality time with elders.
Another one of her projects was the Christmas shoebox gift drive where she visited juveniles in detention centers.
She said the visits opened her eyes to what kind of programs the nation needs to prevent juvenile crimes.
"It was a valuable experience," she said.
Each Miss Navajo has a format of her own when competing for the title but Tsosie hopes the new Miss Navajo knows she has a purpose and to use her God given talent.
Tsosie plans to go back to school and earn a degree, go to medical shool to become a pediatrician and someday hopes to open a children's hospital on the reservation.
Asked what she learned serving as Miss Navajo, Tsosie said, "Knowing your native tongue is power because it gives you the confidence to achieve the goals you set. Without your native tongue you don't have history, a purpose. Knowing your native language helps complete your well-being."