PRESS RELEASE - Spetember 7, 2010
CONTACT: Daniel Vandever, Public Information Officer
Phone: 928-810-8510
Email: dwvandever@gmail.com

Miss Navajo contestants, Winifred Bessie Jumbo, Lynnelle Washburn and Tanya Lister butcher with care and speed before a very large audience at the Hazel Yazza Pavilion during the 64th Annual Navajo Nation Fair. (Photo by Geri Hongeva)

Aretha Jake and Ginger Rae Nez team up to demonstrate butchering on 9/6/10 - Navajo Nation Fair (Photo by Geri Hongeva)

Miss Navajo hopefuls get their hands dirty

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. –They had to butcher, they had to build a fire, they had to cook, and as part of the 2010 Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, nine Navajo women had to get their hands dirty.

On the first day of the 64th Annual Navajo Nation Fair, the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, which is being sponsored by the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise, began the first leg of the six-day pageant.

The competition kicked-off with an introduction to each contestant, each of which was adorned beautifully in traditional Navajo attire. They were dressed with turquoise bracelets and belts, moccasins and jewelry, and were prepared to take on a week that would put them through contemporary competition, traditional competition and a business interview panel.

But first they had to butcher.

As part of the requirements of Miss Navajo, each contestant played a part in the butchering of a sheep, a task that every Navajo woman is encouraged to know. Sheep play an important role in the Navajo culture, as sheep serve as the Navajo’s primary source of meat.

The butchering occurred in teams of three and one-by-one each team successfully stripped apart the meat.

After the butchering was complete, each contestant was asked questions relating to sheep, and some where even asked to point out crucial parts of the sheep body. They were then asked to build a fire and then create another popular Navajo food…frybread.

In the frybread portion of the contest, each contestant was to build their own fire, and from scratch make their own frybread. Each contestant was allowed to make three pieces of frybread and the best piece was judged.

After day one of the 2010 Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, it is unknown who has a leg up on the competition, but it is certain that this year’s pageant will shape up to be a great one.

The nine contestants participating in the competition are Winifred Bessie Jumbo from Two Grey Hills, NM, Crystalyne Curley from Black Mountain, AZ, Ginger Rae Nez from Tselani, AZ, Aretha Jake of Pine Hill, NM, Mikayla Dan from Oaksprings, AZ, Ambra Sue Nez from Mesa, AZ, and Tanya Lister, Charlene Goodluck and Lynnelle Washburn, all of which hail from Shiprock, NM.

Two contestants suffered minor injuries during the competition, but have since been reported to be recovering fine.

Participants in the 2010 Miss Navajo Nation Pageant are between the ages of 18 – 24 years old, enrolled member of the Navajo Tribe, knowledgeable in Navajo history, tradition, culture and speak the Navajo language.

For more information on the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, please visit www.navajonationfair.com or contact the Office of Miss Navajo Nation at 928.871.6379.

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