WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Nygren welcomed the three contestants competing for the 74th Miss Navajo Nation title to the Office of the President and Vice President on Friday. Representing communities across the Navajo Nation, the contestants shared their personal stories, aspirations, and commitment to serving the Navajo people as they prepare for the prestigious Miss Navajo Nation pageant.
The 2026 contestants are:
- Contestant #1 — Rochelle Francisco, Valley Store, Arizona
- Contestant #2 — Tonana Ben, Chilchinbeto, Arizona
- Contestant #3 — JoAnni Begay, Pinedale, New Mexico
Joining the visit were current Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie, Program Supervisor Carletta Benally, former Miss Navajo Nation Amy Begaye (2023–2024), and former contestant Breanna Nez, who welcomed the contestants and shared words of encouragement as they begin their journey toward the crown.
President Nygren spoke about the significance of carrying the Miss Navajo Nation title, emphasizing that it represents far more than a competition. He encouraged each contestant to embrace the opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador, lead with humility, and inspire future generations through the preservation of Diné language, culture, and traditions.
As part of the visit, President Nygren presented each contestant with a copy of Diné Bich’eekę́’ Yishłeeh (Becoming Miss Navajo) by Jolyana Begay-Kroupa. He read a page from the book aloud, encouraging the contestants to take time to read it as they prepare for the pageant.
The book shares the personal story of what it takes to earn the esteemed Miss Navajo Nation title, going beyond a traditional pageant to highlight cultural knowledge, Navajo language fluency, traditional food preparation, resilience, leadership, and service to the community. President Nygren said he hopes the book will inspire each contestant as they continue preparing for the months ahead.
President Nygren also encouraged the contestants to continue speaking the Navajo language every day, reminding them that language is at the heart of Diné identity. He offered words of support and shared that resources are available to help strengthen their language skills throughout their Miss Navajo Nation journey.
“The Miss Navajo Nation title represents leadership, service, and the strength of our Diné women,” said President Nygren. “Each of you has stepped forward to serve something greater than yourselves by helping preserve our language, culture, and traditions. Continue speaking our language, continue learning, and know that there are people and resources here to support you every step of the way.”
The Office of Miss Navajo Nation’s mission is to preserve and promote Navajo culture by selecting a Goodwill Ambassador who exemplifies the qualities of First Woman, White Shell Woman, and Changing Woman. Miss Navajo Nation represents womanhood while serving as a leader, teacher, counselor, advisor, and friend to the Navajo people. In accordance with the Navajo Nation’s commitment to preserving Diné culture, the office encourages every Navajo citizen to help protect and strengthen the language, traditions, and values that define the Nation.
Throughout the summer, the contestants will prepare for the 74th Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, which will take place in September during the Navajo Nation Fair. The competition showcases traditional knowledge, public speaking, cultural teachings, leadership, Navajo language proficiency, and the ability to represent the Navajo Nation with dignity and honor.
For updates on the contestants and more information about the Office of Miss Navajo Nation, follow the Office of Miss Navajo Nation on Facebook or visit the Office of Miss Navajo Nation website: https://omnn.navajo-nsn.gov/
