Miss Navajo

Miss Navajo Pageant

by: Kristina Yeary

Thesis

What does it mean to be a part of the Miss Navajo Pageant and what is expected from the girls participating?

Background

• It is held annually on the Navajo Nation, United States
• It has been going on since 1952
• The Pageant last for 5 days
• The outfits that are worn are moccasins and crushed velvet dresses or tunics that resemble Navajo rugs, with their hair pulled back
• There is a competition where the girls will have to butcher a sheep

Requirements

• Contestant must be at least 18 years old
• They have to be unmarried
• A High School Graduate
• They must be able to speak the Navajo Language
• They must be able to preform a talent (ex. making fry bread, making a fire, basket weaving, and rug weaving)

Video

Conclusion

It is a competition that gives the

young Navajo women an opportunity to demonstrate traditional and contemporary skills and also their understanding of Navajo language, culture, history, government, and contemporary issues. It is one important way the Navajo people are preserving their culture and transmitting it to new generations.

Bibliography

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/missnavajo/film.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Navajo

http://utahindians.org/Curriculum/pdf/7thnavajo.pdf